Boys weight classes
| # | Class (lb) | With growth allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 106 | 108 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 2 | 113 | 115 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 3 | 120 | 122 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 4 | 126 | 128 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 5 | 132 | 134 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 6 | 138 | 140 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 7 | 144 | 146 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 8 | 150 | 152 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 9 | 157 | 159 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 10 | 165 | 167 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 11 | 175 | 177 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 12 | 190 | 192 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 13 | 215 | 217 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 14 | 285 | 287 lb after December 25, 2026 |
Girls weight classes
| # | Class (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 |
| 2 | 105 |
| 3 | 110 |
| 4 | 115 |
| 5 | 120 |
| 6 | 125 |
| 7 | 130 |
| 8 | 135 |
| 9 | 140 |
| 10 | 145 |
| 11 | 155 |
| 12 | 170 |
| 13 | 190 |
| 14 | 235 |
Growth allowance
- +2 lb starting December 25, 2026
Weight certification and hydration
- Hydration test limit: 1.02 specific gravity or lower
- Retest after a failed hydration test: 24 hours
- Descent plan ends: not listed in the handbook
How weight classes work in Illinois wrestling
Illinois high school wrestling uses 14 boys weight classes and 14 girls weight classes for the 2026-27 season. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) follows the NFHS class lists, with boys competing from 106 to 285 pounds and girls from 100 to 235 pounds. IHSA Wrestling Weight Control Program
The most important thing to understand in Illinois is that weight class eligibility depends on more than your current weight.
IHSA uses a certification program, and its growth and consecutive-day allowances have scratch-weight requirements.
You cannot simply choose a lighter class because an allowance makes the scale limit easier to reach. Your certification and weigh-in history both matter.
Illinois growth allowance and weigh-in rules
Illinois uses different growth allowance dates for boys and girls.
| Division | Growth allowance begins | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Girls | After December 11, 2026 | 2 lb |
| Boys | After December 25, 2026 | 2 lb |
The allowance applies only at a class where you have made scratch weight, or at a class above it.
Illinois also recognizes a consecutive-day allowance, but you must have made scratch weight at that class to use it. The handbook does not state the exact consecutive-day pound amount.
Rule check: A growth allowance does not automatically make you eligible for a lower class. Talk with your coach about your scratch-weight history before planning a postseason class.
Weight certification in Illinois
Illinois uses urine specific gravity testing with reagent strips before body composition assessment.
The Weight Control Program defines a hydrated reading as 1.020 g/ml or lower and requires a 24-hour wait after a failed test.
However, the program also contains a conflicting instruction saying testing stops when the reading is equal to or greater than 1.020. Because these statements disagree at exactly 1.020, confirm how your assessor applies the cutoff.
Illinois uses minimum body fat standards of 7% for boys and 19% for girls. The allowed weight descent is 1.5% per week. IHSA Wrestling Weight Control Program
Official skinfold testing is organized by IHSA calendar weeks:
| Division | Skinfold testing weeks |
|---|---|
| Girls | Weeks 17 through 28 |
| Boys | Weeks 19 through 30 |
Your lowest weight class must be certified by the end of Regional weigh-ins.
These rules make both your assessment schedule and your early-season weigh-ins worth planning carefully.
Planning your season in Illinois
Start with your official skinfold assessment. Once you have your results, use the weight certification calculator to estimate your minimum eligible class.
The descent plan calculator can help you explore how a gradual change in weight fits the season.
Do not build your plan around the growth allowance alone. In Illinois, making scratch weight is part of qualifying to use that allowance at a class.
Before choosing a target, ask your coach to review your certification, your scratch-weight history and your Regional weigh-in deadline.
Eat regular meals, drink water consistently and watch how you feel during practice. If your training suffers while trying to reach a class, consider whether competing at a higher weight is the better choice.
Safety: Never try to force a hydration result by severely changing your water intake. Saunas, sweat suits and rapid dehydration are unsafe ways to prepare for a weigh-in.
Source
IHSA 2026-27 Wrestling Weight Control Program + 2026-27 Boys & Girls Wrestling Manual for Schools and Managers (IHSA (Illinois High School Association)). Last checked October 28, 2026.