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Introducing HackKnights!

What is HackIllinois Knights?


HackIllinois Knights is an exclusive path tailored for prospective attendees to dive into a competitively elevated hackathon atmosphere for an increased prize value.

It's a specialized arena for experienced hackers who have mastered the fundamentals and are now looking to test their skills in a more challenging environment.

Admission into HackIllinois Knights requires completing our application, which includes a coding challenge.

What are the benefits of being a HackIllinois Knight?


Attendees in this path have the exclusive opportunity to compete for the grand Knights prize of $2,000.

Additionally, they will gain access to special networking opportunities with our event sponsors and the chance to present their project in a thrilling Shark-Tank inspired showcase, among other exciting perks – but spots are limited, so register soon!

How is HackIllinois Knights different from standard HackIllinois attendance?


HackIllinois is a historically welcoming space for all skill levels, especially for beginner-level coders. This year, we created HackIllinois Knights to be inclusive of advanced skill levels and create a more engaging environment for seasoned hackers.

All attendees from both paths will enjoy access to HackIllinois's vibrant array of events, workshops, company Q&As, and the Company Expo. Each path will maintain the spirit of inclusivity and learning to ensure that all attendees, regardless of their track, experience the full magic of HackIllinois!

Additionally, all HackIllinois attendees are eligible to compete in all our sponsored tracks.*

*The Best Beginner and General tracks are reserved for HackIllinois General attendees, while the Best Knights track is reserved for HackIllinois Knights attendees.