DES MOINES, Iowa (May 7, 2026) -- The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and Catch Des Moines are excited to announce that the swimming portion of the AAU Junior Olympic Games will be returning to the Wellmark YMCA Natatorium for the 2026 championships. After a successful event at this site in 2023, we are thrilled to return to this first-rate venue.

The AAU Junior Olympic Games Swimming Championships will continue the format of two separately scored championships – the 12 & under championship and the 13-18 championship. The only change to the events offered in 2025 is the elimination of the 400-meter relays for the 12 and under age group. Awards will still be distributed to the top 8 of each age, with the exception of the 9 and under age groups that are combined together.

As the size of the AAU Junior Olympic Games Swimming Championships has continued to expand, a dynamic format was developed that takes its cues from the Olympic Trials and Olympic Games. Prelims and finals for each non-timed final event will be held on separate days. This will provide an important platform for the swimmers to showcase their skills and abilities as well as afford additional rest between preliminaries and finals.

The 12 and unders will compete each morning from Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2. Sessions will start at 8am and the days will alternate prelims and finals.

The 13-18 year-olds will compete from Tuesday, July 28 through Sunday, August 2. This 6-day format consists of evening sessions (starting at 3:00 p.m.) each day, alternating prelims and finals. In addition, the timed finals of the distance events - the 1500 Free, 400IM and 400 Free – will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings beginning at 8:00 a.m.

We look forward to an outstanding AAU Junior Olympic Games Swimming Championship. REGISTER HERE!

Click here to see the full schedule. 

Wellmark YMCA 501 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309