Published on May 19, 2026 6:50 am
Last Updated on May 19, 2026 6:50 am
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — The 2026 Warrior Games celebrates the valor, recovery and resilience of wounded, ill, injured service members and qualifying veterans along with their families, using the power of the games to drive healing, empowerment, and renewed purpose. This year, the Games will take place in San Antonio, Texas, June 13-20, bringing together competitors from all over the U.S. representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces including: Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force/Space Force, and Special Operations Command.
Of the nearly 200 Service Members participating in the 2026 Warrior Games, six competitors are from Illinois, representing Team Army, Team Navy, Team Air Force, and Team SOCOM. They will compete in 11 different adaptive sports including archery, cycling, field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, precision air sports, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby as well as the new addition of pickleball as an exhibition sport.
Here are the Illinois athletes to watch for at the Games:
- Shoemaker, James (Effingham/ Navy) – Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Petty Officer 1st Class James Shoemaker joined the U.S. Navy in 2005 to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and stepfather. Naval service allowed him to see the world, build skills, and create lifelong friendships. He served as an instructor and trained the younger crop of sailors on how to be safe and efficient on a flight line, but his most proud moment was becoming a parent.
- Blake, Eric (Geneva/ Army) – Capt. Eric Blake is a critical care nurse in the U.S. Army. He served for 10 years on active duty with assignments at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, in El Paso, Texas, and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He also completed a rotation to Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland as a Brigade Nurse.
- Delmer, Will (Sycamore/ Navy) – Fire Controlman Aegis Petty Officer 2nd Class Will Delmer joined the U.S. Navy in 2020 to travel, experience new cultures, and take advantage of educational opportunities. His path was unexpectedly redirected when his condition interrupted his career. As Navy Wounded Warrior began preparing him for a smooth transition into the next chapter in life, his care team suggested adaptive sports for his recovery care plan.
- Leung, Chris (Mt. Prospect/ SOCOM)
- Smith, Allison (Peoria/ Air Force) – SSgt (ret) Allison Smith served in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Avionics Technician, dedicating her career to ensuring mission-ready aircraft and operational excellence. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program helped introduce her to adaptive sports and they have played a transformative role in her recovery, providing not only a renewed sense of purpose but also a powerful community of support.
- Trosper, Thomas (Georgetown/ Navy) – Aviation Structural Mechanic Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Trosper chose to serve the U.S. Navy to see the world and to give his life meaning for his family. Coming from generations of military service, with relatives who served in Korea and Vietnam, Trosper understood the weight and honor of that tradition. In one of the proudest moments of his career, he served on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson as part of the first wave of the 2010 humanitarian response to the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti and helped transport people to receive safe medical care.
“I train to get even just a little bit better every day, and Warrior Games gives me the metaphorical mountain to climb,” said Delmer.
More information about the Games, including the event schedule, volunteer opportunities, and team information is available on the Warrior Games website HERE. The event is free and open to the public. Details on live-streaming and broadcast schedule will be forthcoming.