The IKWF office will not process wrestler or wrestling leader (coach and/or officials) membership forms. Club leaders, coaches, and parents of wrestlers will need to purchase their memberships using USAW’s membership system.
Note: All memberships are valid September 1st through August 31st.
The Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (“IKWF”) is dedicated to the physical education of the youth of Illinois. Members of the IKWF provide instruction and participation in the sport of wrestling which improves strength, coordination, and one’s general physical
abilities. Mastering these physical skills often enhances a person’s self-esteem and self confidence. All funds obtained through membership registration and from participation fees are used to support competition, educational activities, and administration of these events. The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Become a member of the IKWF and USA Wrestling
Membership in the IKWF and USA Wrestling provides many benefits including:
- USA Wrestling’s Benefits of Membership
- USA Wrestling Membership Types
- Membership in USA Wrestling, the national governing body for amateur wrestling in the United States.
- Membership in the largest kids folkstyle organization in USA Wrestling.
- Insurance coverage for clubs, practice facilities, events, wrestlers, coaches, and officials.
As members of the IKWF and USA Wrestling, insurance coverage is of the upmost importance. Click the headers below for detailed information to charter your club or to become a member as a wrestling leader (coach or official) or athlete.
Please review the documents below for detailed information concerning insurance coverages.
- USA Wrestling Insurance Coverage
- Filing an insurance claim with USA Wrestling (must log into USAW’s membership system).
- USA Wrestling’s Facility Use Information
- USA Wrestling’s Facility Checklist
Note: All membership is valid 9/1/2025 through 8/31/2026.
- Club Charter – $195
- Club Additional Insured – $55 per site
- Event Sanction – $165
- Event Additional Insured – $55 per site
- Athlete Membership – $60
- Wrestling Leader Membership – $60
Club directors must have an active 2025-26 Wrestling Leader membership prior to purchasing a club charter.
Please note: USAW does not provide liability coverage for wrestling activities at a home or residential dwelling.
After the club leader has purchased their wrestling leader membership, they should:
- Log into their profile in USAW’s membership system.
- Hover over Manage in the navigation bar.
- In the drop down menu, click on Clubs.
- On the Clubs page, click on the Renew Now button for returning clubs or click on the Charter Club button for new clubs.
- If your practice facility needs insurance coverage, make sure you add your site as an additional insured.
Fees: Club Charter – $195, Additional Insured – $55 per site
It is not required but below is information to obtain non-profit status for your club:
- Formation of a Non-Profit Corporation (USA Wrestling recommendations)
- State Of Illinois Guide for Not For Profit Corporations
Sanctioning your event enables our wrestlers to compete and learn from the skills taught to them at IKWF club practices. Most tournaments are used as club fundraisers, but this does not negate the responsibilities of the tournament director and the tournament host club from providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all wrestlers, coaches, officials, and spectators.
Below is information provided by USA Wrestling to assist you with event planning:
Club directors or the designated head coach must have an active 2025-26 Wrestling Leader membership prior to purchasing an event sanction.
IKWF bylaws now require only club directors or the designated head coach of an active IKWF club can sanction an event.
No tournaments will be sanctioned the weekend of the Jon Davis Kids Open (Jan. 17th & 18th) per bylaw 17.1.
Fees: Event Sanction – $165, Additional Insured – $55
After the club director or designated head coach has purchased their wrestling leader membership, they should:
- Log into their profile in USAW’s membership system.
- Hover over Manage in the navigation bar.
- In the drop down menu, click on Events.
- On the Event page, click on the Sanction Event button.
- If your event site need insurance coverage, make sure you add the site as an additional insured.
All Illinois residents (wrestlers AND coaches) must be listed on an active IKWF club to participate in any IKWF event.
Non-Illinois residents (wrestlers AND coaches) are eligible to compete at your event as long as they hold a current USA Wrestling membership. Athlete membership for wrestlers and wrestling leader membership for coaches. Event directors should require proof of membership from non-Illinois residents.
Fee: $60
The following must be completed and approved by USA Wrestling prior to purchasing the wrestling leader membership:
- Background screening, $30 fee, by USA Wrestling’s provider. Coaches and officials UNDER 18 years old are not required to pass a background screening. Background screenings are good for 2 seasons. USA Wrestling’s background screening policy
- Safe Sport Trained. Training must be completed every season. Safe Sport Handbook
The above items must be completed using USAW’s membership system.
- Purchase the USAW wrestling leader membership (You cannot purchase the membership until #1 and #2 are completed and approved).
- Complete minimum NCEP copper certification if not already done. Click this link for information, USAW NCEP Information. Complete NCEP certification once and it’s good for every season going forward.
IKWF Club and Event Participation Requirements:
Coaches:
- Must have active USAW wrestling leader membership.
- For events, coaches must be National Coaches Education Program (NCEP) copper, bronze, silver, or gold certified.
National Coaches Education Program Information - Must be listed on an active IKWF club roster.
All wrestlers must hold an active USA Wrestling athlete membership to participate in any IKWF club practice or event.
Fee: $60
Note: If an athlete membership is purchased for pre-season training purposes, the athlete has until November 29, 2025 to declare their club affiliation for the IKWF season.
IKWF Club and Event Participation Requirements
- Must have active USAW athlete membership.
- Age verified by the IKWF office.
- Listed as a member of an active IKWF club.
See Parent Instructions below for guidance purchasing the athlete membership.
- Create account in USAW’s membership system.
USAW Account Creation Help - Create a profile for a new wrestler or claim the profile of a returning wrestler.
USAW Profile Create/Claim Help - Add or edit club affiliation.
Warning: After the membership is purchased only the IKWF office staff ([email protected]) can add or edit a wrestler’s club affiliation.
USAW Club Affiliation Help - Purchase the USAW athlete membership.
Athlete Membership Purchase Help - Submit your child’s age verification, if required (birth certificate, passport, or any legal document showing your child’s name and date of birth).
All wrestlers competing in IKWF events must be age verified by the IKWF office. Age verification’s can be faxed to (708) 206-0335 or emailed to [email protected]. Please be sure to include the club name your child is joining so we can verify your child is affiliated with the correct IKWF club.