2026-27 Registration

GEARS runs FIRST Tech Challenge Indiana teams for students in grades 7–12 at our youth robotics center in Granger. Teams design, build, and program robots, then compete at qualifying tournaments, the Indiana State Championship, and the FIRST World Championship.

2025–26 results

  • FTC 14596 XLR8 — Indiana State Champion (Inspire Award and Winning Alliance)
  • Four GEARS teams qualified for the 28-team Indiana State Championship
  • GEARS teams advanced to the FIRST World Championship in Houston

See the full record on our Hall of Fame.

Quick facts

  • Grades 7–12 (FIRST allows up to 15 students per team; GEARS teams are typically 4–10)
  • $75 per month per member
  • 2 coaches per team
  • Meetings 3 hours, 2–3 times per week
  • Build with metal and plastic parts; program in Java; design in CAD
  • Community outreach required

2026–27 schedule

  • September 5, 2026 — Kickoff at GEARS
  • September 2026 – February 2027 — practice 2–3 times per week
  • November 2026 – January 2027 — up to 3 qualifying tournaments
  • February 2027 — Indiana State Championship (invitation)
  • April 2027 — FIRST World Championship (invitation)

Official program rules and game info: FIRST Tech Challenge.

FIRST Tech Challenge BIOBUZZ season logo
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FTC State Champions!

The 2025/26 FIRST Tech Challenge Indiana State Championship was held at the University of Indianapolis on Saturday, March 14. All four of the GEARS teams qualified to attend the 28-team event. FTC Team 14596 – XLR8, won the State Championship twice by earning the Inspire Award and being part of the Winning Alliance. With this […]

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FIRST Tech Challenge Kick-off September 6!

Hey FTC fans! Join us for the FIRST Tech Challenge Kick-off at GEARS in Indiana on September 6, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM. It’s the perfect way to dive into the new youth robotics season with tons of excitement! Here’s what’s happening: 10:00 AM: Doors open for donuts and teams to get a chance to meet one another. 10:30 AM – Breakout Session 1: Ranking Points & […]

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When you’re not busy competing, take time to relax and refuel as you explore downtown South Bend’s diverse
dining scene. This is a place Where You Belong! You’ll experience true Midwest hospitality and a genuinely warm
welcome that’s sure to make you feel right at home.

Downtown Dining

Downtown Dining Association: A multitude of unique locally owned restaurants,
committed to serving hand-crafted food and drink using fresh, local, quality ingredients. From delicious
breakfast and coffee spots to fresh lunch locations, pizzerias, burgers, tacos, and fine dining—we have
something for everyone.

***Reservations recommended. While not all restaurants accept reservations, they appreciate
a call ahead for large parties.

View
Member Restaurants Website

Featured Restaurants

Exclusive Offer for GEARS Attendees

Chicory Café

105 E. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 103

15% OFFfor GEARS Attendees

Use promo code GEARS26 on your order

Valid June 18–21, 2026  |  In-house or online


Dining Maps

South Bend Dining Map

Member Restaurants

#
Restaurant Name
Address
1
Bishop and Bae’s
301 CHAPIN ST.
2
Café Navarre
101 N. MICHIGAN ST.
3
Cascade
320 E. COLFAX AVE.
4
The Cellar
702 E. JEFFERSON BLVD.
5
Chicory Café
105 E. JEFFERSON BLVD., SUITE 103
6
Chocolate Café
122 S. MICHIGAN ST.
7
Ciao’s Catering and Cakes
123 N. MICHIGAN ST.
8
Cinco 5 International
112 W. COLFAX AVE.
9
CJ’s Pub
236 S. MICHIGAN ST.
10
Dainty Maid Food Hall
231 S. MICHIGAN ST.
11
The Early Bird Eatery
117 E. WAYNE ST.
12
The Exchange
112 WEST JEFFERSON BLVD.
13
Fatbird
103 W. COLFAX AVE.
14
Fiddler’s Hearth
127 N. MAIN ST.
15
The Hideaway
237 N. MICHIGAN ST.
16
Howard Park Public House
602 E. JEFFERSON BLVD.
17
Ironhand Wine Bar
1025 NORTHSIDE BLVD.
18
Island Fusion
121 S. NILES AVE.
19
LaSalle Grill
115 W. COLFAX AVE.
20
LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern
115½ W. COLFAX AVE.
21
The Lauber
504 E. LASALLE AVE.
22
Linden Grill
119 S. MICHIGAN ST.
23
Madison Oyster Bar
129 N. MAIN ST.
24
PEGGS
127 S. MICHIGAN ST.
25
Roselily
701 S. MAIN ST.
26
Sidebar
201 S. MAIN
27
Spirited
105 E. JEFFERSON BLVD., SUITE 100
28
Studebaker Brewing Co.
620 W. WASHINGTON ST.
29
Sunny Italy Café
601 N. NILES AVE.
30
Tippecanoe Place
620 W. WASHINGTON ST.
31
Woochi Japanese Fusion
119 N. MICHIGAN ST.
32
WXYZ Bar at Aloft
111 N. MAIN ST.