The Illinois Shuffleboard Association's singles league is back for 2026 and we are now expanding to three divisions!

The FUNdamental division will continue using the same match and league format, offering a fun, supportive environment to focus on building core shuffleboard skills. This division is now a true fundamentals league, designed specifically for new and beginner-level players. To maintain competitive balance and development, strict eligibility criteria will be enforced, with clear advancement triggers in place to move players into a higher division as their skills progress.

Our new Intermediate Division bridges the gap between the Fundamental and Challenge divisions. It is designed for players who have progressed beyond the fundamentals but don't want to or are not yet ready to compete in the Challenge Division. This league will follow the same overall structure as the Fundamental Division—two rounds of pool play followed by a playoff bracket—while using the Challenge Division’s match format of a single 16-frame game. This division is open to all players, with no restrictions on registration.

The Challenge division will continue with the same match and league format, delivering a competitive experience tailored for highly skilled players with a strong drive to win. This division gives ILSA members the opportunity to test their abilities, refine strategy, and compete in a format aligned with national-level tournaments. The season will use a modified Swiss format to maximize quality matchups throughout league play, along with a higher buy-in and payout structure than the other divisions. This division is open to all players, with no restrictions on registration.

All of our divisions are a great way to improve your shuffleboard game while meeting more of our incredible community.

Fundamental Division

• Everyone will be guaranteed at least 7 regular season matches that you will self-schedule
• Match format will be best of 3 matches (8 frame, 8 frame, 4 frame)
• League format will consist of two rounds of pool play
• Playoffs will follow for top players
• Get in touch with your opponent to find a good time to play at Royal Palms Chicago
• New and beginner players only! You can't sign up if you 1)Make the Fundamental playoffs twice (or more) or 2) Have ever made the playoffs of another ILSA singles league
• $20 entry fee

Intermediate Division

• Everyone will be guaranteed at least 7 regular season matches that you will self-schedule
• Match format will be a single 16 frame game (switching colors after 8 frames)
• League format will consist of two rounds of pool play
• Playoffs will follow for top players
• Get in touch with your opponent to find a good time to play at Royal Palms Chicago
• Open to all players, with no restrictions on registration
• $40 entry fee

Challenge Division

• Everyone will be guaranteed at least 8 regular season matches that you will self-schedule - you will need to play two matches every three weeks!
• Match format will be a single 16 frame game (switching colors after 8 frames)
• League format will be a modified Swiss format consisting of 4 rounds of group play
• Playoffs will follow for top 32 players
• Get in touch with your opponent to find a good time to play at Royal Palms Chicago
• Open to all players, with no restrictions on registration
• $60 entry fee

This season will start on January 25, and we should wrap up playoffs by end of May. Make sure to review the key differences between divisions and the timeframe commitment before registering, you can only join one division in a given season.

Requirements:

• For all ILSA leagues, you must be an active member of The Illinois Shuffleboard Association. If you are not a member, you can join at https://www.illinoisshuffleboard.org/join/
• If you are not yet a member and join singles league for the first time, you'll receive a promo code for $20 off your first year of ILSA membership.
• You must agree to the Illinois Shuffleboard Association's Code of Conduct

Report your result at http://report.recrec.io.

If you have any more questions, contact league@illinoisshuffleboard.org.