Sign up Now for the 23rd Annual CME Group University Trading Challenge

CME Group University Trading Challenge 2026

CME Group, the foremost marketplace for derivatives globally, recently announced the opening of registration for its 23rd annual University Trading Challenge. This year's event will take place from October 4 to October 30, 2026, providing university students from around the world with an exceptional opportunity to hone their trading skills and engage in a simulated trading environment.

The University Trading Challenge is designed specifically for both undergraduate and graduate students, allowing them to experience the high-stakes world of trading while still in an educational setting. Participants will form teams, which can either be student-led or advised by faculty members, to navigate and mitigate a variety of marketplace risks that come with managing investment portfolios.

Utilizing the sophisticated trading platform from CQG, teams will immerse themselves in the realities of investment portfolio management. They're tasked with making timely decisions under pressure, akin to the experiences of seasoned traders. To assist in their endeavors, competitors will have access to a wealth of resources, including vital market data, live news updates from Dow Jones, and The Hightower Report. The challenge serves as a litmus test for their ability to interpret and react to real-time shifts in market dynamics.

Anita Liskey, Global Head of Brand Marketing and Communications at CME Group, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming challenge. “We’re excited to launch this year’s Trading Challenge, a program that continues to inspire and equip the next generation of traders worldwide. For more than two decades, this competition has attracted over 40,000 participants, offering invaluable hands-on experience in managing risk and capitalizing on opportunities through futures trading.”

The timeline for registration is pressing, with all entries due by 5 PM CT on September 29, 2026. Last year's event broke participation records with 615 teams and around 1,800 students representing 174 universities across 25 countries, demonstrating a remarkable level of interest in this educational initiative. The 2025 champions hailed from Universidad de Monterrey in Mexico, showcasing the global reach of the competition.

CME Group is deeply invested in the education of future financial professionals, recognizing the importance of understanding global derivatives markets and effective risk management. In addition to the University Trading Challenge, they also collaborate with various industry organizations to provide educational tools and resources. One such resource is ‘Futures Fundamentals,’ designed to explain the role of futures markets in a comprehensible manner to individuals with varying levels of financial knowledge.

For more details about the CME Group University Trading Challenge and how to register, students can visit CME Group's official event page. Participants will benefit from a real-world trading experience, setting them on a path toward potential careers in finance and trading.

CME Group remains a leading derivatives marketplace, providing clients with the tools necessary to engage in futures, options, cash, and OTC markets. Their advanced platforms, including CME Globex for futures and options trading, along with BrokerTec for fixed income trading, empower market players around the globe to efficiently manage risks and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Explore the full potential of your trading acumen by participating in this year's University Trading Challenge.