Hartford to host 2026 U.S. Classic as final women’s qualifier for U.S. Championships

Hartford, Connecticut, will once again host the nation’s top women’s artistic gymnasts when the 2026 U.S. Classic returns July 17–18 at PeoplesBank Arena, USA Gymnastics announced Tuesday.

The U.S. Classic serves as the final women’s qualifying meet for the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, scheduled for August 6–9 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Classic marks the beginning of the second half of the U.S. elite season, with notable elite athletes typically making their season debuts here. Beyond qualifying, the Classic is often used as a tune-up meet ahead of championships.

In addition to junior and senior women’s elite divisions, the 2026 Hopes Championships will once again take place in conjunction with the meet. The Hopes meet crowns national champions in the 11–12 and 13–14 age divisions and highlights the next generation of U.S. talent.

Hartford has been a frequent stop on the USAG calendar since 2010; this is the city’s third time hosting the U.S. Classic (2016, 2024). At the 2024 edition of the meet, Simone Biles bested a field that included fellow Olympic gold medalists Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey.

Claire Pease is the reigning senior champion, and Lavi Crain is the reigning junior champion.

Other past U.S. Classic champions include Aly Raisman, Nastia Liukin, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, and Laurie Hernandez, underscoring the meet’s long-standing role as a proving ground for future world and Olympic medalists.

Additional details on session times and ticketing are expected to be released in the coming weeks at the event’s official website.