09/20/2026
CHATHAM TITANS WRESTLING CLUB
What to Expect This Season
The Chatham Titans Wrestling Club provides youth wrestlers with the opportunity to learn, develop, compete, and grow throughout the IKWF wrestling season.
Preseason Open Mats
Optional club open mats will begin in mid-October for wrestlers who are interested and able to attend.
These open mats provide an opportunity for athletes to get back on the mat, begin learning or refreshing wrestling fundamentals, meet teammates, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Attendance at preseason open mats is completely optional. Wrestlers are welcome to attend when their schedules allow.
Season Schedule
The IKWF season generally runs from November through mid-March.
Throughout the season, wrestlers will have opportunities to participate in organized practices, skill development, live wrestling, conditioning, and competition.
Competition Is Optional
Wrestlers are not required to compete in tournaments or dual meets to be part of the Chatham Titans Wrestling Club.
Athletes are welcome to participate in practices only if that is what is best for them and their family.
Some wrestlers may want to focus on learning the sport, improving their skills, staying active, or preparing for future middle school or high school wrestling without competing during the season.
Others may choose to compete regularly.
Both paths are welcome.
Our goal is to provide a positive wrestling experience where every athlete can develop at an appropriate pace.
Practice Schedule
Regular-season practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Practices will be tiered based on experience and development level so wrestlers can train in an environment appropriate for their current abilities.
Developing Wrestlers
Designed for newer and developing athletes who are learning the fundamentals of wrestling, including:
- Stance and movement
- Basic takedowns
- Escapes and reversals
- Pinning combinations
- Wrestling rules and positioning
- Balance, coordination, and body control
- Confidence and mat awareness
Experienced Wrestlers
Designed for wrestlers who have an established wrestling foundation and are ready for more advanced training, including:
- Advanced technique
- Situational wrestling
- Hand fighting
- Chain wrestling
- Match strategy
- Live wrestling
- Competition preparation
- Wrestling-specific conditioning
Coaches may adjust practice groups throughout the season based on each wrestler's progress, experience, maturity, and individual development.
Competition Opportunities
For wrestlers who choose to compete, the IKWF season provides opportunities to participate in tournaments, dual meets, and other wrestling events throughout Illinois.
Regular-season competition typically takes place from December through February.
Competition can help wrestlers:
- Apply techniques learned in practice
- Gain match experience
- Build confidence
- Learn match strategy
- Set individual goals
- Prepare for postseason competition
Again, competition is encouraged for wrestlers who are ready and interested, but it is not mandatory.
Girls Wrestling Opportunities
Girls have opportunities to compete against other girls in girls-only wrestling divisions and events.
The continued growth of girls wrestling provides female athletes with opportunities to train, develop, and compete against other girls throughout the season.
Depending on the event, opportunities may include:
- Girls-only tournament divisions
- Girls-only brackets
- Girls dual meets
- Girls wrestling events
- IKWF postseason opportunities for girls
Girls may train alongside other Titans wrestlers during club practices while also having opportunities to compete specifically against other girls.
Whether a girl wants to practice only, try a few competitions, or pursue postseason competition, the Titans want her to have a place to learn and grow in the sport.
IKWF State Series
Wrestlers who choose to compete and meet eligibility requirements may have an opportunity to participate in the IKWF postseason:
REGIONALS → SECTIONALS → STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The State Series provides competitive wrestlers with an opportunity to test their skills against athletes from across Illinois.
Participation in the State Series is optional and is not required to be a member of the Chatham Titans Wrestling Club.
What Wrestlers Will Develop
Our goal is to help each athlete improve both on and off the mat.
Throughout the season, wrestlers will work on:
Technique • Strength • Conditioning • Confidence • Discipline • Sportsmanship • Work Ethic • Accountability • Mental Toughness • Teamwork
What We Expect From Our Wrestlers
We ask Titans wrestlers to:
- Attend practices consistently when possible
- Arrive ready to learn and work
- Listen to and respect coaches
- Be a good teammate
- Demonstrate sportsmanship
- Give their best effort
- Take care of their wrestling equipment
- Represent the Chatham Titans Wrestling Club positively
No previous wrestling experience is required.
Beginners and experienced wrestlers are welcome.
Whether your wrestler wants to attend preseason open mats, practice and learn the sport, compete occasionally, compete throughout the season, or pursue the IKWF State Series, there is a place for them with the Chatham Titans.
RISE ABOVE
Chatham Titans Wrestling Club
Train Together • Compete Together • Grow Together
See you soon!
