JCC Maccabi Experience
The JCC Maccabi Games: an Olympic-style sporting event for Jewish teens, ages 13–17
The JCC Maccabi Games® are coming to The J in Kansas City! From Aug. 2-7, 2026, they will host 1,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the globe at the world’s largest Jewish youth sporting event. Established in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games®, an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer, are five days that can change the lives of Jewish teens. During the program, teens are immersed in a sports and recreation program filled with Jewish values and experiences, including opening and closing ceremonies, travel, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to make friends and memories to last a lifetime.
Since its inception, the Games have now influenced and connected over 130,000 Jewish youth in North America and around the world. The energy and excitement of this vibrant program make it an unforgettable time for every participant.
For more information, contact the Shames JCC’s Maccabi Team Director, Steven Weisbrot, at 914.645.5978 or stevenweisbrotmaccabi@gmail.com.
Maccabi Games 2026: Kansas City – August 2 – 7, 2026
- Athletes 13-17 (Must be 13 by 8/2, 2026 & not turn 18 before 8/6/26)
- Athletes will be representing the Shames JCC on the Hudson
- Food at the Games is Kosher
- Athletes participate in a Community Service project at the Games
- Each athlete must have their own Health Insurance
Sports Offered: (sports subject to change)
- Baseball: 15U & 17U Boys
- Basketball: 15U & 17U Boys, 17U Girls
- Basketball: 3V3 U15 Boys
- Soccer: 15U & 17U Boys, 17U Girls
- Volleyball: 17U Girls
- Flag Football (coed 17U)
- Tennis: 15U & 17U Boys & Girls (Comp & Rec)
- Swimming: 15U & 17 U Boys & Girls
- Dance: 15U &17 U Boys & Girls
- Star Reporter (Sports Journalism and Sports Broadcasting option)
- Table Tennis, Bowling, eSports, Pickleball
If you are interested, please visit this link and fill out the form
FAQs
- Can I room with my friend(s)?Athletes will be housed with home hospitality.
- Each participant can submit a housing request on the registration site. This is ONLY A REQUEST and is NOT GUARANTEED.
- Will there be enough adult chaperons?
- JCC Association requires at least an 8:1 ratio of participants to adults.
- Can families attend the Games?
- Spectators will be allowed with a spectator pass
Any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Steven Weisbrot at 914-645-5978 or stevenweisbrotmaccabi@gmail.com.
