Kennedy-King College chosen to host NJCAA Region 4 Division I Basketball Tournaments in 2027 and 2028

CHICAGO — (June 16, 2026) – Kennedy-King College (KKC) has been officially selected to host the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 4 Division I Men’s and Women’s basketball postseason tournaments for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.

The exciting announcement made June 4, 2026 in Elgin, Illinois, secures a two-year run of postseason basketball for the City Colleges of Chicago system at Kennedy-King College.

“City Colleges of Chicago has a proud legacy in athletics, and being selected to host the NJCAA postseason tournaments highlights the opportunities available to our students and the dedication of those who make it possible,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado of City Colleges of Chicago. “I also want to recognize Kennedy-King College Athletics Director La-Troy Farrow for leading the successful effort to bring these tournaments to KKC. We look forward to welcoming student-athletes from across the state and showcasing the talent, hospitality, and excellence of KKC.”

Region 4, Division I basketball features highly competitive teams from across the region, including Triton, Highland, Kankakee, Sauk Valley, Kennedy-King, Olive-Harvey, Harry S Truman, and many more.

During both the 2027 and 2028 tournaments, Kennedy-King College will host a total of six games—four semi-final games (two each for men and women) as well as the Men’s and Women’s championship games.

“We are incredibly honored to be chosen by our fellow Region 4 member colleges to host this prestigious event,” said the President Katonja Webb Walker, Kennedy-King College. “This tournament is a testament to our ongoing commitment to student-athlete excellence and to providing a premier athletic showcase right here in the heart of Chicago.”

The upcoming tournaments build upon a rich history of success. City Colleges of Chicago teams have dominated the regional tournament recently, notably with the Olive-Harvey women’s basketball team capturing the 2025 championship and returning to the title game this past March. On the men’s side, Malcolm X College claimed the region title this spring after an impressive tournament run.

“Our basketball and other athletic programs across the City Colleges consistently display incredible grit, talent, and sportsmanship,” said District Director of Athletics Cyril Nichols, City Colleges of College. “Hosting these tournaments will give our communities an unparalleled opportunity to witness incredible college basketball and support our athletes as they compete in Chicago.”

Kennedy-King College was awarded the hosting duties following a successful proposal presentation to the 32 member colleges at the Region 4 meeting held at Elgin Community College.  Official dates and times for the 2027 tournament will be announced at a later date.

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Media contact: Veronica Resa, Director of Media Relations, City Colleges of Chicago, vresa1@ccc.edu