As the club volleyball season progresses, many players and families start hearing about “Nationals”—but with multiple event options, it can be hard to know the difference. At NSSC Volleyball, we encourage our athletes and parents to be informed about the various postseason paths that are available. Here’s a breakdown of the three major national volleyball tournaments: USAV, AAU, and JVA.
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A Guide to USAV, AAU, JVA—and the New 2026 USAV Girls Junior Club Championship
Here’s a breakdown of the three leading national tournaments—USAV, AAU, and JVA—and a look at the brand new national event from USA Volleyball launching in 2026.
🇺🇸 USAV Girls Junior National Championships (GJNC)
✅ The Gold Standard for Bid-Winning Teams
Hosted by USA Volleyball, this is the most competitive and prestigious national tournament in the country. Known for attracting top-level teams from around the U.S., entry is earned through the bid process at qualifying events.
📌 Key Information:
- Entry: Earned — must win or place highly at a USAV National Qualifier for divisions (Open, National, USA, Liberty, American).
- Cost:
- Bid divisions: $750-$1,000 per team
- Additional Expenses:
- Travel, hotel (typically 5–8 days), USA Volleyball membership fees, uniform/national gear pack
- Some locations may be more costly depending on flights and accommodations.
- Level of Competition: Highest level from across the nation
- Earned? Yes
📣 NSSC TEAMS:
Top-performing teams compete for a shot at bids.
🌐 Learn More: USAV Divisions – Gateway Region Volleyball
🆕 NEW for 2026: USAV Girls Junior Club Championship (GJCC)
Beginning in 2026, USA Volleyball is launching the Girls Junior Club Championship (GJCC) aimed at non-national-level teams who weren’t eligible for GJNC. This new event acknowledges the depth of talent beyond the bid-qualifying teams and provides more equitable access to a postseason experience.
🎯 Key Highlights:
- Focus: For club-level teams that are not competing nationally
- Inclusive: No qualification required—open registration
- Goal: Increase high-quality national play without the chase for elite bids
- Dates: Summer 2026 (full details forthcoming)
➡️ NSSC Insight: We’re excited to see a broader opportunity from USAV—especially for our Nike Teams in case they don’t receive a bid for GJNC. GJCC will provide a competitive, USA Volleyball-branded postseason experience at a more accessible level.
🥇 AAU Girls National Volleyball Championships
✅ Overview:
Held annually in Orlando, Florida, the AAU Nationals is the largest youth volleyball tournament in the world. It offers an elite experience without the pressure of qualifying—any team can sign up if space allows.
📌 Key Information:
- Entry: Open registration — No qualification needed
- Cost: AAU Nationals
- Team entry: ~$995–$1,250 per team
- AAU membership required per athlete ($14–$20)
- ESPN Wide World of Sports or Orange County Convention Center venues may involve separate access fees
- Additional Expenses:
- 5–8 days in Orlando
- Transportation, hotel, meals at a major tourist destination (often combined with a family vacation)
- Level of Competition: Varies — top clubs attend, but you’ll also find regional-level teams
- Earned? No — all are welcome, but be sure to register on time due to demand.
NSSC Takeaway:
AAU is a fantastic option for developing teams and families who want access to a national stage without the qualification stress. It’s still very competitive, but more inclusive and family-oriented.
🌍 JVA World Challenge / JVA Championships
✅ Overview:
The Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) hosts competitive national events with a club-focused approach. JVA places the decision-making power back in the hands of clubs and doesn’t require national governing bodies like USAV or AAU.
📌 Key Information:
- Entry: Application-based registration – first-come, first-served with some acceptance criteria. No bids required.
- Cost: Less expensive than USAV or AAU in many cases
- Entry fees: $695-$895 per team
- No additional player membership costs if already insured through JVA-partner clubs
- Additional Expenses:
- Travel and lodging costs are typically lower due to regional tournament options (e.g., Chicago, Louisville)
- Level of Competition: Strong club-level talent across divisions
- Locations: Midwest-focused (Louisville, Chicago, etc.)
- Earned? No — but registration opens early and fills fast
NSSC Takeaway:
JVA events offer lower overall costs and high-level experience, especially for clubs who want more control over their schedule and structure. They’re one of the most budget-friendly options for national-caliber volleyball.
🧮 Cost and Competition Comparison at a Glance
🏆 Which National Tournament is Right for Us?
At NSSC Volleyball, we recognize that every team develops differently. Our Earned Excellence approach means we work to help every player grow into their full potential—whether that’s on a bid-earning team or not.
The NSSC Nike Teams represent our National-Bid Level Teams and are focused on qualifying for USAV Nationals. Our new team format includes two qualifiers for the USAV National bids, in which our Nike Teams will participate. If a bid is not secured, the JGCC will be considered as an alternative option.
🔗 Ready to Compete?
If your athlete is aiming for postseason nationals, talk with your coach about team goals, timelines, and costs. Whether you’re traveling to Orlando, Chicago, or Kansas City, NSSC offers the guidance, skill-building, and competitive pathway to get you there.
📅 Learn more about our team structure and postseason outlook at here.
🎯 Discover the right path for your athlete → Choosing Your Volleyball Club
NSSC Volleyball — Where National Talent is Built on Hard Work, Not Hype.
Ready for the Next Level?
Visit nsscvolleyball.com to learn more about our 2025-2026 season format, tryouts, and how your athlete can achieve their goals through club volleyball.NSSC Volleyball Partners with Nike + New Team Formats for 2025–2026
🔗 Additional Resource Links:
