Robotics Team

Spring OST Classes

We are offering two after school classes for Spring 2026 via OST.

MONDAYS

Grades: 3rd-5th

Learn the basics of building and programming robots using LEGO Spike Prime. Students will learn engineering and problem solving skills using robotics kits. Open to 3rd to 5th graders, including 4th graders who have already gone through FLL.

This is an excellent intro for students who may be interested in joining the FLL team next fall!

ADVANCED ROBOTICS

WEDNESDAYS

Grades: 5th-7th

Go beyond LEGO to learn more advanced programming and build techniques. Students will work in small groups using Python to solve challenges using robots. They will build from XRP kits, intended as a bridge to high-school level robotics. Open to 5th-8th graders, ideal for students who have already participated in an FLL team or have some coding experience.

You can see more information about XRP here.

Volunteers

We need one or two parent volunteers to help with the class! Must be Level 1 or Level 2 CPS volunteer. Email Luke at [email protected] if you are interested.

The Jahn Robotics Calendar includes all practices, info sessions, tournaments and classes. Subscribe to stay up to date on the schedule.

Subscribe to Jahn Robotics Google Calendar

Jahn Teams Advance to Sectionals!

All four teams competed at qualifiers in December 2025 (at Poe and Lincoln Park High School). ALL FOUR TEAMS ADVANCED TO SECTIONALS!!

In addition, each of our teams won an award:

Fossilized Chickens (#56600): Earned the Robot Design Award. This team uses outstanding programming principles and solid engineering practices to develop a robot that is mechanically sound, durable, efficient, and highly capable of performing challenge missions.

Robo Royals (#65211): Earned the Rising All-Star Award. This award celebrates a team that the judges notice and expect great things from in the future.

Indiana Drones (#71011): Won the Champion's Award! The Champion’s Award celebrates a team that embodies the FIRST LEGO League experience, by fully embracing our Core Values while achieving excellence and innovation in Robot Performance, Robot Design and the Innovation Project.

Brickbeards (#72494): Received the Motivate Award. This award celebrates a team that embraces the culture of FIRST LEGO League through team building, team spirit, and displayed enthusiasm.

Sectionals Dates:

Saturday, January 17: Brickbeards compete at Francis Parker

Sunday, January 25: Robo Royals compete in Batavia

Saturday, January 31: Fossilized Chickens and Indiana Drones compete at the Chicago Vocational Career Academy

Volunteers and Coaches

The robotics club is a large collaboration among teachers, staff and parent volunteers.

Volunteer Coaches

This program could never happen without extensive support from parents and volunteers. Luke Shepard is the parent of 4th, 6th, and 7th grade students at Jahn. He began the program in 2023 with Mollie Rapp, who has two students at Jahn, in 3rd and 6th grade. The nascent program has been supported throughout by Johnny Vivoda, Michael Kilkelly, Jeff Shepard, Colleen Lavin, Sandra Sugano, Tamer Haddadin, Paul Baker, Emily Brown and all who have come out to the tournaments, hosted a practice or otherwise contributed.

Staff

Thank you as well to Ms. Lynch, Ms. Esquivel, and Mr. Knaus for the use of their classrooms, to Ms. D for help with technology support, to Mrs. Walsh for helping launch the coding class in Winter 2024, and Dr. Byrne for her ongoing support of the program.

We are always looking for eager and interested volunteers! You are welcome to come to observe. Email Luke at [email protected] with any questions or if you'd like to get involved.