Level 1 Esports Coaching Clinic - Chicagoland

Level 1 Esports Coaching Certification Clinic

This event is being held along side Midwest Battleground. Entry to events are separate. For more information on Midwest Battleground click here.

The Level 1 Certification is the foundation of your esports coaching career.

Whether you are a classroom teacher with no esports background or a veteran coach entering your fifth season, this clinic is designed to give you the core skills, structure, and confidence needed to lead a successful program.

This in-person clinic provides 6 hours of professional development and covers the essential pillars of effective coaching, including:

• The role and responsibilities of an esports coach

• How to plan, supervise, and run productive practices

• Strategies to maximize player development

• Creating your personal coaching philosophy

• Building a positive, sustainable team culture

The day will be highly interactive, combining short lectures with group discussion, hands-on activities, individual reflection, quizzes, and written assignments to ensure practical, real-world application.

Clinic Schedule

8:30 AM – Doors open & breakfast
9:00 AM – Clinic begins
12:00 PM – Lunch (included)
12:30 PM – Afternoon sessions
3:30 PM – Final assignment
4:00 PM – Dismissal

Participants must bring a laptop or personal computing device.

You do not need to be a game expert to take this certification or to coach. However, a basic understanding of at least one esports title will greatly enhance your ability to engage with this course and learn from the concepts presented here. If you know how to queue into a match, watch a match and understand who is winning, and can describe the basic elements of the game, you are good to go.

About Midwest Battleground:

Midwest Battleground is a premier esports event in the Chicagoland region, bringing together high school competitors, top collegiate athletes, and passionate gamers from across the U.S. The event features open tournaments, invitational matches, and high school competitions in Overwatch 2, Valorant, Rocket League, Rivals II, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Created to strengthen and celebrate the esports community, Midwest Battleground delivers an atmosphere of competition and connection. Authentic interactions between players, coaches, families, and industry leaders help shape future opportunities and elevate the experience for everyone involved.

More than a tournament, Midwest Battleground offers player engagement opportunities, guest speakers, educational panels, hands-on workshops, and a College and University Expo. It is an immersive weekend that showcases the best of esports and inspires the next generation of gamers.

All guests of the event must be a registered player or purchase a spectator pass. Pre-purchase is highly encouraged and can be done so here. No Cash on site. Credit card only.