Batavia Wrestling Club to host sold-out Batavia Classic tournament Jan. 11

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Batavia Wrestling Club will transform Batavia High School into a premier wrestling arena for the highly sought-after Batavia Classic. The event is set to host more than 45 wrestling clubs, featuring 1,200 registered athletes and a burgeoning waitlist of over 300 wrestlers eager to compete.

Doors open to the public at 6:30 a.m., with the first whistle blowing at 7:30 a.m. for the Tot and Bantam divisions (ages 5-8). The action will continue throughout the day with the Intermediate division (9-10), and conclude with the high-stakes Novice (11-12) and Senior (13-14) divisions.

The BWC has a storied history as the official youth wrestling program of Batavia, serving athletes from kindergarten through eighth grade. Operating under the motto, “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t,” the club has become a powerhouse in the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation.

In 2025, the club sent an impressive 30 placers to the IKWF State Tournament in Peoria, returning with a state championship title. This is a major event for the club, the community, and the sport.

The Batavia Wrestling Club was established in 1957 and is affiliated with IKWF and USA Wrestling. The club is dedicated to developing wrestling skills, discipline, and character in young athletes. By preparing wrestlers for the challenges of high school competition and beyond, the club has built a legacy of excellence both on and off the mat. Serving as a vital pipeline for future success, the club has nurtured elite collegiate talent and played a leading role in growing girls’ and women’s wrestling, providing inclusive training opportunities and visible pathways for female athletes at the youth and high school levels.