Youth Wrestling Summer Camps in Greater Milwaukee
The greater Milwaukee area offers more than 40 distinct wrestling camp options for summer 2026, ranging from beginner-friendly youth programs starting at $50 to elite 12-day intensives. Two premier academies—Askren Wrestling Academy and Ringers Wrestling—dominate the landscape with multiple locations and camp formats across all six counties, while college-hosted camps from UW-Whitewater, Lakeland University, and Concordia University Wisconsin provide valuable recruiting exposure. Families should note that popular camps, particularly AWA overnight sessions at UW-Parkside, fill rapidly; registration opened in late 2025 with many sessions already approaching capacity.
The region's wrestling camp infrastructure reflects Wisconsin's strong wrestling tradition. Ben Askren's academies leverage his Olympic-level expertise across four Milwaukee-area locations, while Ringers Wrestling in Menomonee Falls has produced three Olympians, nine NCAA Division I champions, and three Hodge Trophy winners. For families seeking budget-friendly options, City Kids Wrestling in Milwaukee offers free programming through its Earn & Learn employment initiative, and several high schools provide camps under $100. Milwaukee will also host the USA Wrestling Junior National Duals from 2025-2028, making summer 2026 an ideal time to engage with the sport locally.
Milwaukee County camps
Milwaukee County serves as the primary hub for youth wrestling development, with options spanning inner-city community programs to elite competition preparation.
Ringers Wrestling operates from N85W15960 Appleton Avenue, Menomonee Falls (technically in Waukesha County but serving the entire Milwaukee metro). Their flagship 12-Day Intensive Camp runs June 16-July 3, 2026, operating 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily for wrestlers ages 10-18 pursuing national-level competition. At $1,099, this represents the region's most comprehensive single program. Ringers also offers position-specific four-day Advanced Skill Camps at $399 each, three-day Intermediate Camps at $369.99, and half-day options at $199.99. Beginner camps for ages 6-12 with less than two years' experience emphasize foundational skills in a less intense environment. Early drop-off at 7:00 AM accommodates working parents. Contact 414-248-7407 or visit kidswrestle.com.
Askren Wrestling Academy South Shore at 9760 S 60th Street, Franklin brings Olympic-caliber instruction to Milwaukee County proper. The June 22-26 Takedown King Camp and June 29-July 1 Youth Takedown Camp serve wrestlers from grades 2-12. Youth camps cost $145 for three days, while technique camps for grades 5-12 run $233 for five days. Founded by two-time NCAA champion and Olympic alternate Ben Askren, AWA emphasizes their signature "Funky Fresh" technique system alongside position-specific camps: Alcatraz for top position, Houdini for escapes, and Takedown King for neutral wrestling. Contact Brett Hochstaetter at 262-382-0244 or awawisconsin@gmail.com.
City Kids Wrestling Club provides a unique community-focused option at the Pura Vida Center, 4125 N. Richards Street, Milwaukee. Six weekly sessions run from June 24 through July 31, 2026 (Tuesday through Thursday each week). The program integrates with the Earn & Learn Summer Youth Employment Program, allowing wrestlers ages 14-24 to work as paid employees earning $244 weekly while training to become licensed coaches and referees. This model combines character development, mental training, and wrestling fundamentals. Contact Director Roger Quindel at 414-651-4820 or CKWCBTS@gmail.com.
MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering) hosts youth camps at the Kern Center on their downtown Milwaukee campus for students in grades 4-8 with at least one year of wrestling experience. At just $50 including a t-shirt, this represents exceptional value. Head Coach Mike Schmidt emphasizes fundamental techniques across all three wrestling positions. Register at commerce.cashnet.com/msoe-raiders.
Most Milwaukee County high school programs—including Marquette University High School, Franklin, Oak Creek, and Whitnall—do not publicly advertise dedicated summer wrestling camps. Families should contact individual athletic departments directly in spring 2026 for potential offerings.
Waukesha County
Waukesha County rivals Milwaukee County for camp availability, with established programs in nearly every major community.
Askren Wrestling Academy Lake Country at 596 North Shore Drive, Hartland serves as AWA's flagship Wisconsin location. Confirmed summer 2026 sessions include the Houdini Camp (June 8-12) teaching escapes and reversals for $233, Youth Takedown (June 22-24) and Youth Mat (June 25-27) at $145 each for grades 2-8, Girls Camp sessions (June 19-20 and July 31-August 1) at $145, and the Middle School Funky Fresh camp July 17-19. All camps have 36-wrestler capacity limits, creating intimate learning environments with the Askren coaching team including Ben, Max, John Mesenbrink, and other certified instructors.
Catholic Memorial High School runs the Junior Crusader Wrestling Camp at 601 E. College Avenue, Waukesha (Inpro Athletic Center Wrestling Pit). Based on 2025 scheduling, expect four days in late June with morning (8:00-10:00 AM) and afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) session options. At $75 per session, this camp welcomes boys entering grades 1-8 with emphasis on folkstyle fundamentals, body control, and confidence-building. Head Coach Mike "Csani" Bichanich, a former CMH wrestler, leads instruction alongside varsity team members. Wrestling shoes are preferred but not required. Registration through jrcrusader.sportngin.com.
Mukwonago Wrestling Club—one of Wisconsin's largest at over 200 wrestlers and ranked 13th nationally—historically hosts the University of Wisconsin Wrestling Camp at Mukwonago High School in mid-June. Club members pay just $30 while non-members pay $60 for instruction from the UW-Madison coaching staff. Check mukwonagowrestlingclub.com for 2026 dates.
Waukesha Wrestling Club serves the combined Waukesha West, South, and North feeder system and actively directs members toward regional camps including AWA, Ringers, and UW-Whitewater. Contact through their Facebook page @waukeshawrestlingclub.
Other Waukesha County communities with active wrestling clubs include Kettle Moraine (kmwrestlingclub@gmail.com), Muskego (info@muskegowrestling.com), and Pewaukee (via USA Wrestling at usawmembership.com/contact_club/1374601). These clubs primarily operate during the winter season but should be contacted for summer programming updates. High schools including Arrowhead, Brookfield Central, Brookfield East, New Berlin West, and Oconomowoc may announce camps in spring 2026.
Northern suburbs
Ozaukee and Washington counties lack extensive high school-run summer camps but benefit from excellent access to the major regional academies.
Askren Wrestling Academy North Shore at 175 S Main Street, Thiensville brings AWA programming directly to Ozaukee County. The Youth Takedown Camp (June 15-17) and Youth Mat Camp (June 18-20) serve grades 2-8 at $145 each with 46-wrestler capacity. These three-day sessions maintain AWA's philosophy of learning new techniques in a fun, relaxed environment—particularly valuable for multi-sport athletes maintaining skills during the summer. The coaching staff includes the same elite instructors available at other AWA locations.
Cedarburg Matdogs Wrestling Club practices at Cedarburg High School, W68 N611 Evergreen Boulevard. While they don't operate dedicated summer camps, their year-round structure provides excellent context: programs range from Matpups (ages 4K-1st grade, $100-150) through Senior Matdogs (grades 5-8, $150), with USA Wrestling membership ($60) required. Contact Sean Grudzinski at Sean@matdogs.com for summer training opportunities.
Port Washington Piranhas Wrestling Club at Port Washington High School, 427 W Jackson Street has historically hosted championship camps featuring elite clinicians including three-time NCAA champion Alex Dieringer. Check portwrestling.com for 2026 announcements.
Washington County wrestlers benefit from proximity to Ringers Wrestling in Menomonee Falls (detailed above). Additionally, West Bend Wrestling runs an acclaimed eight-week offseason clinic series featuring nationally recognized clinicians with combined credentials including six Olympic appearances, four national titles, and nine NCAA All-Americans. Contact coaches Aaron Spaeth (aspaeth@wbsd-schools.org) or Jlor (Jlor@wbsd-schools.org) for 2026 details.
West Bend Wildcats Youth Wrestling Club trains at East High School with programs from Little Cats (ages 4 through 2nd/3rd grade) through Advanced (grades 5-8). Registration costs $225 annually or $100 for single-day attendance, with $25 sibling discounts. Contact westbendwildcats@gmail.com or President Robert Glisch at rglisch@weimerbearing.com.
Other Washington County clubs include Hartford Wrestling Club (262-457-9610, hartfordwrestlingclub@gmail.com) and Kewaskum Indians Wrestling Club (kewaskumwrestling.com). High schools including Germantown, Slinger, Homestead, and Grafton should be contacted directly for potential summer offerings.
Southern counties
Racine and Kenosha counties offer fewer dedicated summer camps than the northern metro but provide strong club programs and regional access.
B.A.M. Training Center at 826 Mohr Avenue, Waterford serves as the primary Racine County wrestling hub. This 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2023 hosts Wisconsin Wrestling Federation camp series events and provides year-round training for youth and high school wrestlers of all experience levels. Named in honor of wrestlers Josh Bird and Tony Azarian, B.A.M. emphasizes character development alongside technical training. Register at wrestlingiq.com/bamtrainingcenter/register or email info@bamtrainingcenter.com.
Badger High School in Lake Geneva (adjacent to Kenosha County) offers free summer open mat sessions for incoming 6th-12th graders. Boys' sessions run Tuesdays 5:30-7:30 PM through early July, while girls' sessions meet Sundays 4:00-6:00 PM through late July. Only a waiver is required. Contact Athletic Director Jim Kluge at 262-348-2000 ext. 8268.
Badger Youth Wrestling Club (PO Box 763, Lake Geneva) operates as a USA Wrestling-sanctioned 501(c)(3) serving grades 2-8 at Badger High School, 220 E. South Street. Their mission emphasizes character, discipline, confidence, and mental toughness. Check bywc.club for summer 2026 programming.
Racine Area Wrestling (R.A.W.) provides wrestling opportunities for ages 5-15 in the Racine city area. Contact through racineareawrestling.wixsite.com.
Kenosha County families have excellent access to AWA Overnight Camps at UW-Parkside (detailed below), located directly in Kenosha. High school programs throughout both counties—including Burlington, Waterford, Union Grove, Kenosha Bradford, Kenosha Tremper, and Wilmot—may announce summer camps in spring 2026; contact athletic departments directly.
College-hosted camps
College-hosted camps offer unique advantages: overnight residential experiences, instruction from collegiate coaches, and exposure to potential recruiting pathways.
UW-Whitewater Wrestling Camps represent the closest major college program to Milwaukee, located approximately 45 miles southwest. Their June 2026 sessions include High School Boys Wrestling Camp (June 14-16, overnight), Middle School Boys Wrestling Camp (June 14-16, overnight), Youth Day Camp (June 16-18, commuter), and Girls Wrestling Overnight Camp (June 16-18). Head Coach Matt Zwaschka and assistant coaches Adam Latella and Ben Peterson provide personalized instruction in small groups. This Division III powerhouse offers excellent value through the UW System. Contact cesevents@uww.edu or call 262-472-3165. Register at uww.edu/ce/camps/athletic/wrestling.
Concordia University Wisconsin offers a college camp option at their Mequon campus (within the Milwaukee metro). Their June 12-13, 2026 camp serves grades 5-12 with optional participation in the Cedar Grove Rocket Rumble tournament on June 14. Contact Kevin.Koch@cuw.edu for registration details.
Lakeland University in Plymouth (60 miles north of Milwaukee) runs an intimate 30-wrestler capacity camp typically in late July. Overnight participants pay $295 including housing and meals; commuters pay $225. The camp uniquely includes mental skills workshops (self-talk, growth mindset, visualization), combat athlete nutrition, wrestling-specific strength training, video breakdown, and recruiting discussions. Contact Head Coach Mike DeRoehn at deroehnmr@lakeland.edu or 920-565-1024 ext. 2188.
Wisconsin Badgers Wrestling Camps through UW-Madison represent Division I Big Ten exposure, though 2026 dates were not yet announced at research time. Contact badgercamps@uwbadgers.com and monitor uwcamps.com.
AWA overnight camps
The Askren Wrestling Academy Overnight Camps at UW-Parkside in Kenosha deserve special attention as the premier overnight option serving the Milwaukee metro. Four consecutive sessions run July 25 through August 6, 2026 for wrestlers entering grades 7-12, with 50-wrestler capacity per session at $465 each.
Leg Riding Camp (July 25-28) features clinician Wick
Takedown King (July 28-31) features clinician Sinclair
Alcatraz (July 31-August 3) features NCAA champion Keckeisen
Funky Fresh (August 3-6) features Ben and Max Askren personally
These camps combine the college campus residential experience with world-class instruction from Olympic and NCAA-level athletes. Early registration is essential as sessions historically sell out.
Wisconsin Wrestling Federation provides competitive pathways
The Wisconsin Wrestling Federation (WWF) serves as USA Wrestling's state affiliate, organizing freestyle and Greco-Roman training and competition. Their summer 2026 programming targets wrestlers pursuing national competition.
Key summer 2026 events include the Junior Dual Team Camp at UW-Stevens Point (June 6), 14U and 16U Dual Team Camp at Team Nazar Training Center in Madison (June 13), and Fargo Camp at Victory School of Wrestling (July 13-15). These camps prepare athletes for the USA Wrestling National Championships (Fargo) and other national events.
Notably, Milwaukee hosts the USA Wrestling Junior National Duals June 16-20, 2026, bringing state teams from across the country to compete locally. This represents a rare opportunity for Milwaukee-area families to experience national-level competition without travel.
Monthly training camps run September through April at rotating locations including B.A.M. Training Center. Women's freestyle programming operates year-round. Contact wiwrestlingfed@gmail.com or visit wiwrestlingfederation.com.
Choosing the right camp depends on wrestler age, experience, and goals
For beginners ages 6-10, the gentler pacing and fundamental focus of AWA Youth Camps ($145 for three days), Ringers Beginner Camps, City Kids Wrestling (free), or MSOE's camp ($50) provide appropriate entry points without overwhelming young athletes.
Intermediate wrestlers ages 10-14 with 2+ years' experience should consider AWA Technique Camps, Catholic Memorial's Junior Crusader program, or UW-Whitewater's Middle School Camp for overnight experience. Ringers' half-day options at $199.99 allow families to test intensity before committing to full-day programs.
Serious competitors ages 14-18 pursuing state or national aspirations should target Ringers' 12-Day Intensive ($1,099), AWA Overnight Camps at UW-Parkside ($465), or WWF Team Training Camps. College recruiting exposure comes through UW-Whitewater, Lakeland University, or Wisconsin Badgers camps.
Girls wrestlers benefit from dedicated programming at AWA (Girls Camps in Hartland) and UW-Whitewater (Girls Wrestling Overnight Camp), plus WWF's women's freestyle series.
The Malecek Team Camp at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells offers team-based training and competition for school or club groups, combining 900+ wrestlers from 60+ teams with waterpark accommodations.
Quick reference: camps by cost and format
Under $100: MSOE Wrestling Camp (Milwaukee) – $50 | City Kids Wrestling (Milwaukee) – Free/Employment | Badger High School Open Mats (Lake Geneva) – Free | Catholic Memorial (Waukesha) – $75
$100-250: AWA Youth Camps (multiple locations) – $145 | AWA Girls Camps – $145 | Ringers Half-Day Camps – $199.99 | AWA Technique Camps – $233
$250-500: Lakeland University Commuter – $225 | Lakeland University Overnight – $295 | Ringers Intermediate 3-Day – $369.99 | Ringers Advanced 4-Day – $399 | AWA Parkside Overnight – $465
$500+: Ringers 12-Day Intensive – $1,099
Overnight options: AWA at UW-Parkside (Kenosha) | UW-Whitewater | Lakeland University | Ringers Family Camp at Camp Edwards YMCA
Registration timing and key contacts
Early registration is essential for popular programs. AWA camps opened registration in late 2025 with 2026 sessions already filling. Ringers camps historically sell out months in advance. College camps typically open registration by March.
Askren Wrestling Academy: 262-382-0244 | awawisconsin@gmail.com | awawisconsin.com
Ringers Wrestling: 414-248-7407 | kidswrestle.com
UW-Whitewater Camps: 262-472-3165 | cesevents@uww.edu | uww.edu/ce/camps/athletic/wrestling
Lakeland University: 920-565-1024 x2188 | deroehnmr@lakeland.edu
City Kids Wrestling: 414-651-4820 | CKWCBTS@gmail.com
Catholic Memorial: catholicmemorial.net/admissions/summer-camps
B.A.M. Training Center: info@bamtrainingcenter.com | bamtrainingcenter.com
Wisconsin Wrestling Federation: wiwrestlingfederation.com
Concordia University Wisconsin: Kevin.Koch@cuw.edu
Most high school camps are not yet announced for summer 2026. Families should contact school athletic departments directly in March-April for potential offerings. USA Wrestling membership ($60 annually) is required for most competitive programs and can be purchased at usawmembership.com.
Conclusion
Greater Milwaukee's youth wrestling camp landscape for summer 2026 provides exceptional depth across all skill levels and age groups. The presence of Olympic-caliber coaching through Askren Wrestling Academy and Ringers Wrestling distinguishes this region nationally, while accessible community programs ensure entry points exist regardless of family budget. The concentration of quality options in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties means most families can find multiple camps within 30 minutes' drive, while the AWA overnight camps at UW-Parkside and college programs provide immersive experiences without extensive travel. With Milwaukee hosting the USA Wrestling Junior National Duals through 2028, summer 2026 represents an ideal moment for young wrestlers to engage with the sport's competitive pathway while benefiting from world-class local instruction.