The JCC Maccabi Games will take place in Kansas City from Aug. 2 through 7, 2026, and will bring more than 1,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the world to the city.
The Maccabi Games are a week of Olympic-style competition, sportsmanship, community service and cultural exchange. Hosting the Games requires broad community support, including 400 host families, thousands of volunteers and a local delegation of 125 athletes.
This will be Kansas City’s first time hosting the international competition since 1997, and planning efforts are already underway. Organizers are now focused on recruiting local athletes ages 13 to 17, engaging volunteers and securing home hospitality for visiting teens.
“The Maccabi Games are about more than athletics,” said Cindy Bodker, director of development at The J and staff lead on the Housing Committee. “Home hospitality is central to the experience, allowing local families to open their homes and form lasting connections with visiting teens.”
Since the announcement, local involvement has continued to grow. More than 55 people have joined planning committees, and more than 279 beds have already been pledged for visiting athletes. In that spirit, the kickoff event on Oct. 5 brought together more than 700 community members and featured interactive displays, youth performances and opportunities for families to learn about volunteer roles, registration details and hosting expectations.
Jewish families who wish to host are required to house at least two athletes. Each athlete must have their own mattress or air mattress, along with access to meals, laundry and daily transportation to The J.
Kansas City is also seeking 100 to 125 local athletes to represent Team KC. As of the first week of December, 85 teens have already committed. Teen competitors will join peers from around the world for a week of athletic events, service projects and community programming.
Building on those commitments, The J is now working to complete its local delegation. Athletes ages 12 to 17 are eligible to participate, and those who will be 12 by Aug. 2, 2026, may petition to join the delegation, with emotional and physical maturity used to determine eligibility. Teen competitors will join peers from around the world for a week of athletic events, service projects and community programming.
“Participating in the Games connects young athletes to a wider community,” said Ilan Lakritz, senior manager of member experience at The J and co-lead for local delegation recruitment. “It gives them the chance to represent Kansas City while celebrating teamwork and shared values.”
Volunteer opportunities are open to both Jewish and non-Jewish community members.
“Each role, from hosting to volunteering, contributes to the success of the Games and helps strengthen Kansas City’s reputation for hospitality,” said Bob Hennecke, JCC Maccabi Games director.
Those interested in volunteering or hosting athletes can email or . Information about joining Team KC as an athlete is available by contacting Maggie Osgood Nicholls at or (913) 327-4612, or Ilan Lakritz at or (913) 327-8551.
More information about the Games is available at jcckcmaccabikc.org.