Registration and Competition Process

Claim your place in the cyber battle.

Every participating school team begins at the state level. State champions will advance to the 2026 Erich J. Spengler Midwest Regional CCDC, hosted at Purdue University Northwest on March 20–21, 2026. The Midwest champion will then move on to represent the region at the National CCDC.

Important details:

  • Only one application per team is required.

  • Each campus may send one team to compete.

  • No prior competition experience is necessary.

  • Teams are responsible for their own travel costs.

  • A $500 entry fee applies for teams advancing to the Midwest Regional.

Once your application is submitted, your State CCDC Director will contact you with next steps and event details.

Why Participate?

The Midwest CCDC is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad. Students gain real-world, hands-on cybersecurity experience under high-pressure conditions, building the technical skills, adaptability, and teamwork employers demand.

Corporations benefit by gaining access to graduates who are better prepared, battle-tested, and career-ready. At the same time, colleges and universities receive direct feedback that strengthens and validates their cybersecurity and IT curriculum.

Whether you’re a student competitor, faculty member, sponsor, or volunteer, your involvement supports the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

For more information on participation, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, contact David Durkee at ddurkee14@att.net or 440-488-0331.

Midwest CCDC Schedule

10/18/2025 – Invitational

10/25/2025 – Invitational

11/01/2025 – Invitational

1/31/2026 – IN/MN Qualifier

2/07/2026 – OH/MI/KY/IA/WI Qualifier

2/14/2026 – IL/MO Qualifier 

2/21/2026 – Wildcard Qualifier

3/20-21/2026 – MWCCDC Regional

TBA – National CCDC

All second- and third-place teams from their state qualifying CCDC events will advance to the Wildcard CCDC, where they’ll battle for another chance to move forward. The top teams from each state qualifier, along with the Wildcard champions, will earn their spot at the Erich J. Spengler Midwest Regional CCDC, taking place March 20–21, 2026.