Capture the Flame 2026
🔥 Our annual intercollegiate cybersecurity competition in Chicago has returned!
Capture the Flame brings together students from universities across the Chicagoland area for a hands-on Capture the Flag (CTF) competition where teams solve challenges in cryptography, digital forensics, reverse engineering, and web security. Participants will compete in teams of three, tackling problems designed to simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
Whether you're new to cybersecurity or already experienced, we offer beginner and advanced tracks so everyone can participate and learn.
✨ No prior cybersecurity experience required — beginners are encouraged to participate!
✨ What to expect:
Beginner & advanced cybersecurity challenge tracks
Teams of 3 students working together to solve challenges
Opportunities to win cybersecurity certification exam vouchers and prizes
Free food throughout the day and event merchandise
Networking with students, mentors, and industry professionals
A chance to build real security skills and strengthen your resume
Don’t have a team? No problem! We’ll help form teams at the event.
🕘 Event Schedule Highlights
7:00 AM – Check-in, Breakfast
8:00 AM – Keynote & Workshop Activities after
11 AM – Capture the Flame Competition Begins
8:00–8:30 PM – Awards & Closing Remarks
This competition is open to any current undergraduate or graduate student interested in cybersecurity, computer science, or anyone curious about trying their first CTF. Graduate students in Computer Science and/or Cybersecurity are required to compete in the Advanced Track.
💼 Industry professionals: If you’re interested in supporting the event, we are also looking for mentors and judges.
Please fill out this form if you'd like to participate:
https://forms.gle/Tnxz6Lxny2rPQEPG6
Come meet new people, learn something new, and see if you can capture the flame. 🔥
📣 Stay Connected & Get Updates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctfwicyslogica?igsh=bW42d25tdDA0eW40
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/capture-the-flame/
📩 Contact: [email protected]