CME Group opens registration for 23rd annual University Trading Challenge

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, has opened registration for the 23rd annual CME Group University Trading Challenge, a hands-on educational experience for university students aiming to enhance their understanding of trading and risk management. The competition, which will run from October 4 to October 30, 2026, offers a unique opportunity for students to practice their skills in a professional environment.

This year's challenge will engage teams of undergraduate and graduate students, who will be guided by faculty advisors, through a series of simulated trading scenarios. Utilizing a professional-grade trading platform from CQG, participants will face the same market pressures and opportunities that real traders encounter. The platform provides real-time updates via the Dow Jones newsfeed and The Hightower Report, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the complex and dynamic market conditions.

Anita Liskey, Global Head of Brand Marketing and Communications at CME Group, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating, "We are excited to launch this year's Trading Challenge, a program that continues to inspire and equip the next generation of traders worldwide. For more than two decades, this unique competition has drawn over 40,000 participants, providing them with invaluable real-world experience in managing risk and seizing opportunities through futures trading."

The competition's registration deadline is September 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT. Last year, the challenge saw a record 615 teams, comprising approximately 1,800 students from 174 universities across 25 countries. The 2025 winning team hailed from Universidad de Monterrey in Mexico, demonstrating the global reach and impact of the program.

CME Group's commitment to educating the next generation of finance professionals on the significance of global derivatives markets and risk management is evident in its various initiatives. Besides the University Trading Challenge, the company partners with other industry organizations to offer educational tools such as Futures Fundamentals, a comprehensive educational resource designed to make financial education accessible to anyone.

As the world's leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group provides a wide range of financial products and services, including futures, options, cash, and OTC markets, to help clients manage risk and capture opportunities. Through platforms like CME Globex and BrokerTec, and central counterparty clearing provider CME Clearing, the company supports a diverse and robust global market.