The National Junior College Athletic Association announced on June 4 in Elgin, Illinois, that Kennedy‑King College will serve as the venue for the Region 4 Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments through the 2027‑28 academic year. The agreement covers six contests, including two semi‑final matchups per gender and the final championship games, underscoring the college’s rising profile in national junior‑college athletics.
Chancellor Juan Salgado of City Colleges of Chicago praised the institution’s long‑standing athletic tradition, noting that the tournament hosting opportunity aligns with the district’s mission to provide student‑athletes with high‑visibility platforms. Athletics Director La‑Troy Farrow led the successful proposal effort that secured the bid before a gathering of the league’s 32 member colleges.
Region 4, Division I comprises competitive programs from across the Midwest, including rivals such as Triton College, Highland Community College, Kankakee Community College and Sauk Valley Community College. The upcoming tournaments will pit these teams against one another in a showcase of skill, strategy and sportsmanship that has become a hallmark of the league.
Recent history adds extra resonance to the selection. The Olive‑Harvey College women’s basketball squad captured the 2025 regional championship and returned to the title game earlier this year, while Malcolm X College claimed the men’s regional crown this spring. Both achievements reflect the depth of talent within the City Colleges system.
President Katonja Webb Walker of Kennedy‑King expressed honor at the prospect of welcoming the region’s elite teams to the campus, pledging to uphold the college’s commitment to student‑athlete excellence and community engagement.
District Director of Athletics Cyril Nichols highlighted the grit, talent and sportsmanship that define the district’s programs, suggesting that the hosted tournaments will further elevate the region’s competitive standards.
A Multi‑Year Commitment to Athletic Excellence
The hosting arrangement extends beyond a single event, offering a stable platform for regional competition over the next two seasons. Official dates and times for the 2027 tournament will be released later, allowing teams and fans to plan accordingly.