If you're into all things robots and robotics, Percy Julian Middle School will be the place to be Jan. 26.

More than 100 middle school VEX Robotics students from Oak Park and the Chicago area will square off in the Battle of the Bots, featuring teams from Brooks, Julian, St. Giles and the surrounding suburbs. It will be set at 9 a.m. at the school, 416 S. Ridgeland Ave.

Participants will compete for trophies by strategically executing the VEX Robotics challenge game Sack Attack, driving robots they've designed, built and programmed from the ground up since October.

The Robotics program involves more than 80 middle school students who have worked with teachers, volunteer engineers, and high school mentors. The most successful teams will advance to a regional competition and vie against teams mostly comprised of high-school age students.

During the competition, the Oak Park Educational Foundation, which is organizing the event, also will have an open house showcasing art, science, architecture and engineering programs. That part of the program, which also will feature hands-on projects for kids from ages 5 to 12, will be from 10 a.m. to noon in the Julian Atrium. 

This event also is sponsored by Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, Aria Group Architects, Marion Street Cheese Market, The Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest, Automated Lifestyles, Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co., Hoy Landscaping, Fitness Formula Club Oak Park and Starship Restaurant & Catering.

For more information, go to www.opef.org.

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