CFI News & Events

Hands-on STEM experiences, family engagement, and Robo-Sumo coming to the Wintrust Sports Complex on October 27

CFI Robotics NFP has been awarded a 2025 Student Development and Achievement Grant from the JCCC Foundation to launch Dual Language STEAM Night, a free bilingual robotics program for families that will begin in January 2026.

Haunted houses, TNT cannons, rainbow beacons, and even dancing disco floors. Students in Minecraft Redstone Engineering are proving that when you mix creativity with engineering, the results are as fun as they are impressive. Every Saturday at the CFI Robotics Center, the world of Minecraft comes alive as students unlock the secrets of Redstone and use it to power their imagination.

From erupting volcanoes to dinosaur robots with organs, students in LEGO Science Grades 3–5 are learning how to combine science, engineering, and imagination. Every Saturday, the CFI Robotics Center is alive with students testing their designs, solving challenges, and celebrating their discoveries.

Robots, volcanoes, and even homemade lava lamps. Our youngest learners in LEGO Science K–2 are discovering how science and engineering come together in exciting, hands-on ways. Each Saturday at the CFI Robotics Center, students are exploring real-world science while building robots that bring those ideas to life.

From name plaques to custom fidget toys and even hand-crafted swords, students in our 3D Design & Printing class are learning how to bring their imagination to life through digital design and real-world 3D printing. This fall, the CFI Robotics Center has been buzzing with creativity as students explore the exciting intersection of engineering, design, and technology.

Every Sunday at the CFI Robotics Center, students in Robotics for Competitions Prep are building the skills they will need to shine in FIRST LEGO League and other competitive robotics programs. This class is designed to give students a strong foundation in building, coding, and strategy while preparing them for the teamwork and problem-solving that competitions demand.

Students at the CFI Robotics Center are taking on one of the toughest academic challenges in middle school: preparing for the AMC8 and MATHCOUNTS competitions. With weekly sessions full of problem-solving, strategy, and teamwork, our AMC8 Prep class is helping students build confidence and sharpen their math skills.

Our students Léa and Ela reimagined the CFI Robotics logo with their favorite LEGO creation, Blocky the cat. Their fan art is now our profile picture.

Students explored artificial intelligence, built innovative prototypes, and pitched their own AI-powered business ideas in this unique summer entrepreneurship experience.

Students built robots, programmed missions, and prepared for the Super Powered season during a week of teamwork, creativity, and competition strategy.

Students explored engineering, coding, and strategy in a weeklong FIRST LEGO League boot camp, preparing for the 2025–2026 season with creativity and confidence.

Young developers explored 3D modeling, scripting, and game design in a free weeklong online camp proudly sponsored by the Mei Family.

From fantasy worlds to real-life engineering challenges, Minecraft Camp brought creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration to life both in and out of the game.

From coral reef construction to underwater robotics, our campers explored the wonders of the ocean through hands-on projects, teamwork, and imagination.

From building futuristic machines to tackling high-flying engineering challenges, our Space Camp blended creativity, teamwork, and a mission to explore the skies and beyond.

CFI joins CNP’s Tinymighty Camp for an early introduction to FIRST LEGO League, giving students hands-on building, coding, and teamwork practice.

CFI Bridgeport Robotics Center will be closed this weekend (7/5-7/6).

Students explore robotics hands-on, learning parts, coding, and gears while testing obstacle courses in this free community STEAM session.

From scaling the Great Wall to conducting chemistry experiments in state-of-the-art labs, our International Summer Camp at Beijing University of Chemical Technology was an unforgettable blend of hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

From poster boards to project demos, our students proudly shared their learning journeys.

Twenty-five students and family members confirmed for a once-in-a-lifetime STEAM and cultural experience

URC RoboTrials – Now Open for Registration

Join us May 25 as our students present their robotics, coding, and 3D design projects and level up to unlock new challenges in STEAM learning. Everyone is welcome, and it’s free to attend!

From local qualifiers to state championships, CFI teams pushed boundaries, solved tough challenges, and came home with top honors.

Students tested LEGO towers, learned earthquake science, and built stronger designs in two languages

Empowering Families Through Language and Literacy

CFI Robotics NFP teams bring home top awards and make history at the 2025 Illinois 4-H Robotics Challenge

Top Students to Battle It Out in Head-to-Head Robot Matches

Students faced off in an unforgettable night of strategy, creativity, and robot battles — congratulations to our top 4 finishers!

CFI Robotics NFP celebrates Earth Day 2025 with a new community garden and student leadership in Blue Island’s Arbor Day events.

Tuition-Free International Summer Program for High School & College Students – Parent Included!

Robots raced, sensors sparked, and students learned in two languages during our Spanish and English night of innovation and fun.

CFI’s rookie VEX team impresses with a 3rd place finish and media spotlight at Southworks 2025

Fueling young minds with robots, language, and a slice of support.

Nine incredible days. Two historic cities. One unforgettable journey that opened hearts, minds, and passports.

From envelopes to goal-setting, young learners took a hands-on approach to budgeting and saving at the second session of Finance 101 for Kids!

Taking Innovation to the Next Level at the 2025 Southworks Engineering and Robotics Olympics

Monthly STEM & Language Experience for Young Learners | 4/13/25

CFI’s Monthly Competition Night – Test Your Skills & Win Awards! 4/26/2025

From pollinating bees to erupting volcanoes, the Blue Island Public Library was buzzing with creativity and code this season! Powered by CFI Robotics NFP, this free LEGO robotics program gave local students the tools to imagine, build, and learn like never before.

Hands-on robotics summer camps for grades 4–8, led by award-winning coaches, FLL alumni, and STEM experts. Learn, build, and compete!

A Journey of Innovation, Learning, and Achievement

Families explored robotics, engineering, and coding while learning in Chinese and English!

Through games and interactive discussions, young learners discovered the difference between needs, wants, saving, and investing!

A New Monthly STEM & Language Experience for Young Learners

Learn Graphic Design & Bring Your Ideas to Life with Cricut

Celebrating a Dedicated Leader in Innovation and Education

Out of over 600 teams statewide, the Aquanauts ranked 7th in table score at the Illinois FIRST LEGO League State Championship!

Rookie Team Earns Awards at FIRST LEGO League Sectionals

Join CFI’s Robotics Team and Compete in the Ultimate AI-Powered Challenge

Website Enhancements Underway

Join CFI and the Blue Island Forestry Board for a Hands-On Maple Tree Tapping Workshop

CFI’s FIRST LEGO League Team Advances After a Stellar 350-Point Performance