Learn how the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating works, including qualification, points, the 2026–27 schedule, and the road to the Junior Grand Prix Final.
How the Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Works
The 2026–27 ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating series begins in August and brings together the world’s top junior figure skaters as they compete for a place in the Junior Grand Prix Final. Spanning seven events across Asia and Europe, the series showcases the next generation of talent in men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance.
Skaters earn points based on their placements at each event. Most athletes compete in two Junior Grand Prix events, with their combined results determining the standings. At the conclusion of the series, the top six skaters or teams in each discipline qualify for the 2026–27 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final, which will take place in Chongqing, China, in December.
Many of today’s biggest stars, including Olympic and World medalists, first made their mark on the Junior Grand Prix circuit. Each season, the series provides an early glimpse at the future of figure skating while offering fans exciting international competition throughout the fall.
Follow the Junior Grand Prix on Golden Skate
Join the Golden Skate Forum where you can follow the competition threads and post play-by-plays, cheer your favorites and have watch parties – it’s free!
Put your figure skating knowledge to the test by joining our Prediction Contests before each event. Forum members can submit their picks using easy-to-use dropdown menus before the competition begins. After each event, the predictions are scored, and the results are announced to see who came out on top. Unlike making predictions on other sporting sites like Lucky Rebel Sportsbook, this gives members an opportunity to earn a virtual medal for each event and secure your place in the Golden Skate Prediction Hall of Fame.
Full 2026–27 Junior Grand Prix Schedule
| Event | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 JGP Xi’an | August 20–22, 2026 | Xi’an, China |
| 2026 JGP Riga Cup | August 27–29, 2026 | Riga, Latvia |
| 2026 JGP Bangkok | September 3–5, 2026 | Bangkok, Thailand |
| 2026 JGP Ankara | September 17–19, 2026 | Ankara, Turkey |
| 2026 JGP Batumi | September 24–26, 2026 | Batumi, Georgia |
| 2026 JGP Ljubljana | October 1–3, 2026 | Ljubljana, Slovenia |
| 2026 JGP Gdansk | October 7–10, 2026 | Gdansk, Poland |
| 2026–27 Junior Grand Prix Final | December 10–13, 2026 | Chongqing, China |
How the Junior Grand Prix Series Works
Each ISU Member receives event assignments based on the ISU’s allocation system and available entries. Skaters compete for Junior Grand Prix points at their assigned events, with placements earning the following points:
| Placement | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 15 |
| 2nd | 13 |
| 3rd | 11 |
| 4th | 9 |
| 5th | 7 |
| 6th | 5 |
| 7th | 4 |
| 8th | 3 |
| 9th | 2 |
| 10th | 1 |
The six highest-ranked skaters or teams in each discipline after the seven qualifying events advance to the Junior Grand Prix Final. If skaters are tied on points, the ISU applies a series of tiebreakers, including highest placement, combined total scores, and other criteria outlined in the ISU regulations.
Who Can Compete?
The ISU Junior Grand Prix is open to skaters who meet the International Skating Union’s junior age requirements for the 2026–27 season. Skaters must also be selected by their national federation and receive an assignment based on the ISU’s entry allocation system. Each federation is allotted a certain number of entries at each event depending on past performances and ISU regulations.
Why the Junior Grand Prix Matters
The Junior Grand Prix serves as the primary international development series for young figure skaters. Many Olympic, World and Grand Prix champions first gained international experience on the junior circuit before moving on to the senior level.
For many athletes, qualifying for the Junior Grand Prix Final is considered one of the biggest achievements of their junior careers and often signals future success at the senior level.
