Event Schedule and Location Details

Mark your calendars! The U.S. Figure Skating Championships run from January 4–11, 2026. The main action for senior (championship) events will be at the Enterprise Center in downtown St. Louis from Wednesday, Jan. 7 through Saturday, Jan. 10. Junior and novice events kick off earlier, from Jan. 5–6, at the Centene Community Ice Center in suburban Maryland Heights.

Here’s a quick look at the senior championship schedule highlights:

Expect goosebumps! ❄️ The closing moment on Sunday, Jan. 11, will be particularly emotional as U.S. Figure Skating announces the 2026 Olympic figure skating team live at the Enterprise Center. Fans in the arena will witness Team USA officially named for Milano Cortina.

St. Louis is rolling out the welcome mat! It’s been 20 years since Nationals were last in the city, and organizers are thrilled to bring U.S. Figure Skating back to the “Gateway to the West.” The 2006 championships in St. Louis were also held in an Olympic year and produced memorable moments. Now, a generation later, a new group of stars will take the stage. (Fun fact: The U.S. Championships trace back to 1914, a long tradition where skaters earn their chance to wear Team USA internationally.)

From the Gateway Arch to warm Midwestern crowds, St. Louis promises a lively backdrop for the final stretch of the Olympic season.

Pro tip: All senior and junior competitions stream live on Peacock, and NBC/USA Network will carry prime-time coverage for the final sessions. Whether you’re cheering in the arena or watching from home, prepare for a full week of top-tier skating and drama!

Men’s Competition: The “Quad God” Leads the Pack

All eyes in the men’s field are on reigning champion Ilia Malinin — the “Quad God.” At just 20, Malinin has reshaped men’s skating with record jumps and steely confidence. He arrives in St. Louis as a two-time World Champion and is chasing a fourth straight U.S. title — an incredible run for someone so young.

Malinin has dominated the Grand Prix circuit this season, even making headlines in December by landing seven quadruple jumps in a single program. That kind of technical firepower — including attempts at the quad Axel — makes him a clear favorite for Olympic gold, and Nationals will be his last big test on U.S. ice before Milano Cortina.

As Malinin recently said, “Nationals is going to be a a fun experience, especially with the Olympics coming up in a few months” — modest words from a skater doing extraordinary things.

Who Else to Watch?

Beyond Malinin, the U.S. likely has three Olympic men’s spots to fill, so competition for the remaining berths will be fierce. Here are some key contenders:

• Jason Brown: A two-time Olympian renowned for artistry and crowd-pleasing programs. At 31, Brown is the elder statesman, bringing decades of experience and polish. After a brief break, Jason is back this season and widely expected to secure one of the Olympic spots with his signature musicality.
• Andrew Torgashev: The 2025 U.S. silver medalist, who’s built momentum internationally.
• Maxim Naumov: A three-time U.S. pewter medalist who’s returned to competition after personal tragedy and looks determined to honor his coaches’ legacy.
• Jimmy Ma: Brings veteran flair in his 12th Nationals appearance; his viral routines and hip-hop short programs always get the arena roaring.
• Tomoki Hiwatashi: Former World Junior champion, seeking his first Nationals podium since 2020.
• Jacob Sanchez: The 2025 junior champion, making a full senior-season push.
• Lorenzo Elano & Ken Mikawa: Making their senior debuts, representing the sport’s next wave.

With depth across veterans and rising stars, expect the men’s competition to be suspenseful — from Malinin’s gravity-defying quads to moving moments from seasoned performers and newcomers. The arena should feel electric when these men take the ice!

Women’s Competition: A Trio of Star Olympians in the Making

The women’s field may be one of the strongest in recent memory, led by three skaters who all finished inside the top five at last year’s World Championships.

Leading Contenders:

• Alysa Liu: The comeback story of the season! After a brief retirement, Liu returned in 2025 to win World Championship gold. Now 20, she’s back at elite form, also earning her first Grand Prix Final medal this season. Known for big jumps (first U.S. woman to land a triple Axel at 13) and an infectious presence, Alysa aims to reclaim her U.S. title and lock down an Olympic spot.
• Amber Glenn: The two-time defending U.S. champion (2024, 2025). Amber is known for powerful jumping — including the triple Axel — plus an edgy, artistic style. She also made waves as the 2024 Grand Prix Final champion. Despite national titles, Amber has not yet been to the Olympics, a goal that feels within reach now. Her openness about identity and mental health advocacy has won her many fans.
• Isabeau Levito: The 2023 U.S. champion and former World Junior champion. Levito had a tough Nationals in 2025 due to injury but still finished 4th at Worlds, showing resilience. With balletic lines, clean spins, and strong technique, Levito is fighting for her first Olympic team. If healthy, she could easily reclaim the national title.

Dark Horses & Rising Stars:

All signs point toward Liu, Glenn, and Levito filling the three U.S. women’s Olympic spots, but figure skating loves upsets!

• Bradie Tennell: The 2018 U.S. champion and 2018 Olympic team bronze medalist, mounting a credible challenge. Now 27 and back to steady results after injuries, Bradie’s textbook jumping and experience make her a real threat.
• Sarah Everhardt: 2025 U.S. bronze and Four Continents bronze medalist.
• Starr Andrews: A fan favorite wrapping up her singles career before moving to pairs, capable of a show-stopping performance.
• Sophie Jeline Von Felten: The 2025 junior champion, who stunned audiences with quads and multiple triple Axels in junior competition last year and could make noise in her senior debut.

The depth on the women’s side is strong, which bodes well for the future. For fans, the women’s event promises highs, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments — from Alysa’s comeback brilliance to Amber’s fiery performances, Isabeau’s elegance, and the grit of veterans like Bradie and Starr. Bring tissues and banners!

Pairs Competition: Battle for Olympic Berths

Pairs at Nationals always mix drama with grace, and this year the stakes are clear: Team USA is expected to have two pairs spots for the Olympics, so the top two eligible finishers in St. Louis will likely earn tickets to Milano Cortina.

Teams to Watch:

• Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov: Reigning U.S. champions aiming to defend their title. They made headlines not only for winning Nationals but for getting married in 2024! However, there's a wrinkle: Efimova previously competed for Russia and is still working through U.S. citizenship paperwork. If her passport isn't finalized in time, Olympic eligibility could be a factor regardless of podium results.
• Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea: The 2024 U.S. champions, who earned bronze at their Grand Prix assignments this fall. Danny returns fully recovered from foot surgery, and their combination of power and polish makes them real contenders.
• Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe: National medalists known for elegant lines, they narrowly missed the podium in 2025 but have produced solid international results.
• Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman: Last year’s silver medalists. Parkman’s citizenship status makes them ineligible for Olympic selection, so their placement could affect who ultimately takes the Olympic spots.
• Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy: Recently won the Golden Spin of Zagreb and have momentum.
• Valentina Plazas and Maximiliano Fernandez: Returning from injury and already showed promise internationally.
• Chelsea Liu/Ryan Bedard & Olivia Flores/Luke Wang: Fresh pairings and junior-to-senior teams to watch for the future.

With so many storylines, pairs offer both technical thrills (twists and throws) and emotional payoff. By the end of the free skate, expect hugs, tears, and two very lucky pairs punching their Olympic ticket!

Ice Dance: Veterans, Comebacks, and Olympic Aspirations

Ice dance at Nationals will blend steady favorites with irresistible comeback stories. The U.S. has incredible depth in this discipline, making the Olympic selection particularly exciting.

The Top Contenders:

• Madison Chock and Evan Bates: Ice-dance royalty! They are three-time World Champions (2023–2025) and are chasing a record-breaking seventh U.S. national title. If they win, it will further cement their place among America’s most successful dance teams. They also pursue Olympic history: this would be Madison’s fourth Olympics and Evan’s fifth, an exceptional longevity in the sport.
• Maia and Alex Shibutani (The Shib Sibs): Perhaps the biggest story is their comeback! Olympic bronze medalists in 2018 and two-time national champions, they stepped away for seven years and have launched a heartfelt return in hopes of making the 2026 team. Their comeback has captivated fans nationwide, and their determination is clear despite challenges. A head-to-head with Chock/Bates at Nationals would be a marquee moment!

Other Strong Teams:

Beyond Chock/Bates and the Shibutanis, the battle for the remaining Olympic spots will be tight:

• Caroline Green/Michael Parsons: 2022 Four Continents champions.
• Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko
• Katarina Wolfkostin/Dimitrii Tsarevski
• Eva Pate/Logan Bye
• Sibling teams like Elliana and Ethan Peal

With Chock/Bates likely locked in, the Shibutanis and a handful of other teams will be fighting for the two remaining places. Every twizzle, step sequence, and lift could decide who goes to Milan. Expect ice dance to deliver a sensory feast: inventive lifts, precise footwork, and performances packed with emotion. The mix of veteran excellence and fresh, feel-good storylines is exactly what makes this Nationals special!

Implications for the 2026 Winter Olympic Team

Beyond national titles, the 2026 U.S. Championships carry huge Olympic implications. For many American skaters, Nationals functions like Olympic Trials — results will heavily influence who is named to Team USA for Milano Cortina 2026.

The U.S. Figure Skating selection committee will announce the official Olympic team on Jan. 11 in a live ceremony at the Enterprise Center. That reality makes every performance more urgent: careers and dreams can be made or broken over a few programs.

Here’s what’s on the line in each discipline for Olympic selection:

• Men: The U.S. likely has three Olympic spots. Ilia Malinin appears to have one nearly locked up. Jason Brown is the clear favorite for a second. The third spot is wide open and may well be decided by Nationals placings combined with international record. A medal at Nationals could equal an Olympic berth for those fighting for that last spot.
• Women: The U.S. appears to have three spots. Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito are the leading contenders. If all three skate cleanly, it’s hard to imagine them being left off the team. However, an upset — like Bradie Tennell cracking the podium — could force a difficult decision.
• Pairs: The U.S. is expected to earn two pairs spots. Generally, the top two eligible teams in St. Louis will make the Olympic team. Remember, citizenship issues (like for Efimova) could affect eligibility.
• Ice Dance: The U.S. has three ice dance spots. Chock/Bates are virtually guaranteed one, leaving two open. The Shibutanis’ comeback introduces unpredictability. Other teams like Green/Parsons and Carreira/Ponomarenko have strong international resumes, and the selection committee will weigh Nationals results alongside broader performance history.

By the end of the free dance and final free skates, we’ll be very close to knowing which athletes will represent the U.S. in Milan. Nationals will also influence selections for other events, such as the 2026 World Championships, Four Continents, and World Junior Championships.

The reality is simple: years of training can come down to a handful of minutes. That pressure makes the 2026 U.S. Championships must-see television for fans and a make-or-break moment for skaters.

Why This Championship Matters to Fans and Athletes Alike

The U.S. Figure Skating Championships are more than a competition — especially in an Olympic year, they become the heart of the sport for athletes and fans.

For the Athletes:

Nationals is the stage where long-held dreams get real. A strong week in St. Louis can crown a skater U.S. Champion and, more importantly this year, secure an Olympic berth. For many competitors, the Championships are the culmination of years of early mornings, setbacks, and sacrifices. The pressure is enormous, but so is the potential reward. Whether it’s a veteran chasing one last Olympic moment or a young skater breaking through, every performance carries deep meaning.

“This is where skaters become stars. Before they represent the U.S. at the Winter Olympics, they make a name for themselves here.”

For the Fans:

Nationals is the highlight of the season — our chance to see favorite skaters up close (or on-screen) and ride every emotion the sport offers. In a single championship, you get triumph, heartbreak, and inspiration. In an Olympic year, the stakes amplify every moment: an excellent program could clinch a spot on Team USA. The arena in St. Louis will bring together longtime aficionados, young skaters, and casual sports fans, all sharing the thrill.

There’s a strong sense of community among figure skating fans — whether in person or online, we trade predictions, celebrate surprises, and support athletes. Nationals lets us wave the flag and send our skaters off to the Olympics knowing we’ve been part of the journey.

For many, watching or attending Nationals taps into nostalgia (remember your first time seeing a champion like Michelle Kwan or Nathan Chen?). It’s a reminder of why people fall in love with skating: the mix of athleticism, artistry, and drama is unmatched.

Finally, Nationals energizes the wider skating community. Former champions show support, the media spotlight grows the sport’s audience, and young skaters see role models and imagine their own future. The ripple effect — increased interest, new skaters on the ice, and community momentum — keeps American skating vibrant.

In short, the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships capture what we love about the sport: a test of skill and nerve for athletes, an emotional ride for fans, and a celebration of skating’s past, present, and future. With the Olympics looming, the stakes and excitement are higher than ever.

We'll be cheering for every clean jump, every sustained spin, and every heartfelt program. We’re ready to celebrate champions and watch Olympic dreams take flight in St. Louis! ⛸️ Let the magic begin! 🏅🎉

Citations

The schedule, format, and location details are confirmed by U.S. Figure Skating and event organizers:

• Nation’s Best Skaters to Compete for U.S. Titles at 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis - U.S. Figure Skating
• 2026 PREVAGEN U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS | Enterprise Center

Notable skaters and storylines come from official previews and media interviews, including insights on defending champions and top contenders:

• Preview – 2026 U.S. Championships – Figure Skaters Online
• Inside Alex and Maia Shibutuni's Attempted Olympics Comeback | TIME
• 2026 US Ice Dance Guide - Part 4: Green/Parsons and Neset ... - Reddit

Historical context and the significance of Nationals are drawn from skating archives and recent coverage:

• Championships History - Columbus Sports
• 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships - Wikipedia