The proposal to restructure IKWF weight classes under the banner of growth and national alignment is well-intentioned—but deeply flawed in its assumptions, unnecessary in its scope, and potentially harmful to the competitive integrity and operational simplicity that has allowed Illinois to remain a national leader in youth wrestling development.

Wrestling is about toughness, resilience, and adaptation. The current IKWF system fosters that. Let’s not dismantle it for the illusion of national alignment or to accommodate edge cases that are already solvable through good coaching and smart planning.

The right move is no move. Reject this proposal. Keep the structure. Trust the system that’s made Illinois great. Sign this petition to let the IKWF Board know that you would like them to vote NO on this propsal.