VEX Events
 
VEX Robotics

Hearts & Gears Showdown - Middle School Qualifier

The Mind Spark - 2025-26 VEX IQ Mix and Match Qualifier

Date
14-Feb-2026 Add to Calendar
Event Code
RE-VIQRC-25-3353
Program
VEX IQ Robotics Competition
Event Type
Open Tournament
Event Format
In-Person
Field Control System
N/A
Capacity
20
Spots Open
1
Event Region
Pennsylvania - East
Max Registrations per Organization
4
Standard Registration Opens
1-Dec-2025 12:00 EST
Registration Deadline
11-Feb-2026 12:00 EST
Payment Deadline
9-Jan-2026 17:00 EST
Price
$65.00
This event is closed to registration because:
  • This event has reached capacity. Teams on waitlist may still be added.
  • It is past the registration deadline.

General Info

Welcome to The Mind Spark Hearts and Gears Showdown - VEX IQ Mix and Match Qualifier!

Get ready for a day full of friendly competition, teamwork, and plenty of robotic sparks! 

Keep an eye on this page as the event gets closer — we’ll post updates and final schedules here. Things may shift a little as we fine-tune the day, so thanks for rolling with us!

Volunteers

Our events run on the energy and enthusiasm of amazing volunteers! If you’d like to help out — or know a parent, sibling, or friend who might — we’d love to have you join us. Contact [email protected] to get involved.
No experience needed — we’ll provide all the training!

Concessions

We’ll have a full concession stand with snacks, drinks and lunch options.

Consent Forms

All participants must have a Participant Release Form on file. Submit forms here: Participant Release Form Link

Digital Engineering Notebook

Upload your notebook through your team’s RobotEvents account by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Inspection

Inspections will take place first thing in the morning. All teams must pass inspection to compete in skills or qualification matches. Please review the Inspection Checklist ahead of time to make sure your robot is ready.

Team Interviews

All teams will be interviewed in person during the event. Judges will visit your pit area in the morning. If they miss you, they’ll leave a note at your table — please keep a team member at your pit throughout the day so judges can find you when it’s your turn!

Tournament Information

Be sure to review the official Game Manual to prepare for this season’s challenge: 2025–2026 VIQRC “Mix & Match” Game Manual (v1.1)


Grade Level: Middle School

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: Remote Engineering Notebooks

Event Dates & Locations

Date: 14-Feb-2026

Venue/Location:
Montgomery School
1141 Kimberton Road
Chester Springs, Pennsylvania 19425
United States

Contact the Event Partner

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Agenda

Saturday, February 14, 2026

  • 7:30 AM – Doors Open

  • 7:30–9:00 AM – Check-In & Inspection

  • 9:15 AM – Driver’s Meeting

  • 9:30 AM–12:00 PM – Teamwork Matches + Skills Open

  • 12:00 PM – Lunch (all fields closed)

  • 1:00–3:30 PM – Teamwork Matches + Skills Open

  • 3:30 PM – Skills Fields Close

  • 3:40 PM – Playoffs

  • 4:10 PM – Awards & Clean-Up

Volunteer

Volunteers Needed!

Our events wouldn’t be possible without amazing volunteers — and we’d love to have you join the team! 

No experience is required for most roles — we’ll provide all the training you need. If you’re interested in helping out, please reach out to us at [email protected]

Your support helps us create an unforgettable experience for all the teams!

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

If inclement weather, a local emergency, or COVID-19 restrictions require us to cancel or adjust the event schedule, all registered teams will be notified promptly via email.

Refund and Payment Policies

Refund & Registration Policy

Refunds will only be issued if the event is cancelled by The Mind Spark or The Montgomery School (e.g. inclement weather, COVID-19, etc.). The $5 Robot Events processing fee is non-refundable.

Registration fees are due one week before the event.

  • Unpaid teams by the due date will be moved to the waitlist.

  • No refunds for teams that register but choose not to attend.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Judging Format

Digital Engineering Notebook Submissions / In Person Team Interviews: Team interviews will be conducted in-person at the event. Engineering notebooks will be submitted digitally for evaluation  via a link found within the "My Account" panel of the team contact on RobotEvents. 

Upload your notebook through your team’s RobotEvents account by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.