The JCC Maccabi Games® are the largest gathering of Jewish teens ages 13-17 in North America. There will be over 1150 visiting athletes and 250 Houston athletes, hundreds of coaches, volunteers and visiting spectators from communities around the world. Houston last hosted the games in 2012.  For additional information click here. Attending opening ceremonies is a great way to experience the Games; it is modeled after the olympics and includes a parade of athletes. Additional information is available on the Houston JCC Maccabi Games® website.

The Games will be held at over 10 athletic venues including the J! The J is the hub for drop-off and pickup for athletes and from where athletes will take the bus to their athletic venue. Lunch will be served at the J and the meeting place at the end of the day to travel to various evening activities. Buses start as early as 7:00 AM and athletes will be traveling to evening events at approximately 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday evening. Athletes will begin arriving Sunday morning, August 4, and depart on Friday, August 9.

Basketball, tennis and dance competition, daily lunch and “hangtime” programs (when not competing, athletes will be “hanging out” and have access to the aquatics complex.)

Access is a JCC Maccabi Games® experience for Jewish athletes (ages 12-22) with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Access athletes, with one-to-one support, participate in the JCC Maccabi Games®, including both unified and specialized activities. The program offers an inclusive and meaningful way for Access athletes to join thousands of their Jewish peers from around the world in experiencing the magic of Maccabi.

Athlete arrivals begin Thursday, August 1. The J will maintain normal operating hours through Sunday, August 4 and modified hours Monday, August 5 through Thursday, August 8. We will resume normal operating hours on Friday, August 9.

You can view the full modified facilities schedule here.

We have modified hours for the fitness center and aquatics complex. Please view our modified schedule here.

The Tennis Center will have limited daytime access due to camp. The outdoor courts will be used for The JCC Maccabi Games®.

The basketball courts will be closed Sunday, August 4 through Thursday, August 8.

Gymnastics team practices will not be held until weeknights from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Gymnastics coaches will share the schedule when available.

Yes, please continue to use Brivo to access our facilities. Please note that all Maccabi participants, spectators and coaches are required to wear credentials to enter the building.

The J will be busy, full of teenagers and likely very loud. We look forward to welcoming you back to hang out after August 9.

Our welcome center staff will be available throughout the week to assist you. Please give us a call.

We are working very closely with all law enforcement agencies and expect to see an increased security presence at the J and all Maccabi venues.

Members will be able to park in the parking lot in front of the Samuels Family Community Pavilion/ outdoor pools. Athlete buses will be staged in front of the Joe Weingarten building. There will be continuous access for the second gate on Atwell. We will also have traffic support at the entrance of the J parking lot on Atwell.

The fitness center will operate normal hours on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.

The fitness center and adult locker rooms will be open from 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM from Monday, August 5 through Thursday, August 8.

Kid Care will operate with normal hours on Sunday, August 4 then will be closed for the duration of the week, reopening Friday, August 9.

For early morning, parking will be available in front of the Samuels Family Community Pavilion main entrance. Please note that the parking lot adjacent to BAS and the Tennis Center will only be available to J members utilizing the facilities. We encourage you to access this parking lot from South Braeswood.

We want to continue to provide members with the ability to enjoy lap swimming and use the recreation pools with the modified hours.

The courts will be available for open play from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday, August 5 through Thursday, August 8. They are not available until the end of the camp day, which is at 5:30 PM and not 4:00 PM.

All school-aged camps will meet at the Merfish Teen Center except for tennis and gymnastics. You must bring your child to Merfish, as there will not be a bus from the J. Moring carpool drop off begins at 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM and pick up begins at 3:30 PM.

AM and PM Care will take place at the Merfish for campers registered from 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM.

For Tennis and Gymnastics Camps, carpool drop off is from 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM. Afternoon pick up begins at 3:30 PM and takes place in the parking lot adjacent to BAS and the Tennis Center. Please do not drop off in front of the J. We strongly encourage you to use the parking entrance and exits on South Braeswood. View the map here.

All BAS programs including Camp Bami will operate at BAS the entire week with extended day beginning at 7:30 AM and PM Care until 5:30 PM. This is the case for all infant and toddler programs. We encourage you to utilize the entrance and exit gates on South Braeswood. View the map here.

The indoor playscape will be open Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4. It will be closed for the duration of the week, reopening Friday, August 9.

The JCC Maccabi Games® & Access will require the time and assistance of more than 1,500 volunteers! From host families to event operations and everything in between, there are volunteer opportunities to fit your interest, talent and schedule. Whether you volunteer during the week of the Games or in a role leading up to the event, the time is now to get involved!

All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older as of July 31, 2024 for daytime shifts or 21 or older to volunteer for the evening social events. Volunteers of all faiths are welcome.
This is an incredible opportunity to be in the heart of the JCC Maccabi Games® experience. We cannot do it alone.

Learn more here! Or contact contact Ashley Roseman at aroseman@erjcchouston.org.

Host families are a unique and integral part of the JCC Maccabi Games® experience as they offer the 1,200 visiting teens traveling across the world a Jewish “home away from home.” As a host family, you will build unforgettable memories and have the opportunity to create a special bond with these athletes that will extend well beyond the week of the Games.

Being a host family involves providing:

• Housing for at least two visiting athletes in a home with at least one Jewish adult/parent living in the household.
• Daily breakfast, snacks and two dinners.
• Morning and evening transportation Monday through Thursday (morning to the venues OR the J and nightly pick up).
• Access to laundry facilities.
• A fun evening on host family night.

All host families must complete online registration and attend a host family orientation meeting in summer 2024.

Learn more here!

Individual and corporate monetary and in-kind support are needed. The impact of your gift extends well beyond those directly involved in the Games, to thousands of vulnerable children and families served through the JCC Cares community service projects taking place during the week of the Games.

Make a substantial impact and help to empower the next generation of leaders!

As a sponsor, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to showcase and integrate your brand into the JCC Maccabi Games® experience!

Learn more here!

As we open our homes and hearts to the world, we are excited for you to explore our cosmopolitan city complete with world-class dining, arts, pro sports and shopping. We are thrilled to come together and showcase Houston for this momentous community event!