The 2010 FIRST Robotics Competition Chicago Kickoff took place on January 9, 2010 at 8:00AM CST (9:00AM EST).  We had a great turnout and start to this year's FRC season.  Please email the Kickoff Coordinator, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for any Kickoff-related questions.

Location

The Chicago kickoff will be held at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).

The McCormick Auditorium at IIT

Hermann Hall

3241 S. Federal

Chicago Il, 60616

Tentative Agenda

8:00AM - Venue and registration opens

8:30AM - Welcome and opening remarks

9:00AM - Broadcast of "Kickoff and 2010 FRC Game Presentation"
Live from FIRST Headquarters in Manchester, NH

10:00AM - Kit handout will begin and continue until noon

10:00AM - Kickoff field will be available for viewing

10:30AM - Q&A/Brainstorming workshop will be held until 11:30AM

NOON - Adjourn

The reason that this agenda is labeled as tentative is because the length of the Kickoff feed from Manchester varies and we won't know how long it is until it is over.  The workshops will follow immediately after the Kickoff feed and regardless of the length of the kickoff feed, we will still be adjourning at noon.

Registration

You need a Consent and Release Form filled out for each student and adult team member in attendance.  You will need all of them to register in the morning when you arrive (which is required to pick up your KOP). Also remember that members younger than 18 must have their parent or legal guardian sign the form as well.

FIRST is piloting a system this year to collect digital consent and release forms to streamline the process.  This new system will have several benefits to teams as well.  More information can be found here.

A PDF copy of the consent form can be found here.

Kit of Parts

If you are properly signed up for the kickoff, your Kit of Parts will be shipped to IIT for you to pick up after the kickoff broadcast is complete.

If your team is signed up but not able to attend and have not already arranged for a surrogate pickup, please contact FIRST Headquarters to do so before December 30th.

Kits will be distributed only after the broadcast is done and distribution will continue until at least noon, so take your time if you would like to see the demo field and attend the workshop.

You should be prepared to carry your KOP, which consists of several heavy containers, down the front steps of the building and to your vehicle (total of about 100 feet and 10 steps).

If your team would like to volunteer (after the broadcast) some people to help to assist other teams in transporting kits down the stairs and loading their vehicles please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . It would help the process to go much more smoothly and volunteers and teams would be very appreciative.