This October 6–11, the COJO Championship Event returns to Belton, Texas, for a week built around competition and community. Now entering its third year, the event has quickly become more than a roping – it’s a platform for giving back, with more than $1.25 million raised for charitable causes in its first two years. The 2026 event will once again bring the Western industry together while putting its focus on the people and organizations making a difference.
October 6-11, 2026
Huntington Bank Expo
(Bell County Expo Center)
301 West Loop 121
Belton, TX 76513
An Event with Purpose
The COJO Championship Event presented by Tractor Supply Company showcases the world’s most elite ropers competing for the coveted Champion title, with life-changing prize money. Weekend cowboys aren’t left behind; amateurs have equal opportunity to compete for the same substantial rewards and championship glory, proving their skills in the arena.
The event’s mission is to collaborate with the Western lifestyle industry and the sport of team roping and breakaway to foster community solidarity that benefits the Texas Future Farmers of America (also known as FFA). The Texas FFA, like the national organization, aims to develop confident leaders, promote agricultural awareness, and encourage career choices within the agricultural field.
By bringing together the Western industry, country music fans, sponsors, and community leaders, the COJO Championship Event continues to create lasting impact while celebrating the people who embody the spirit of America.
“Team roping has always been a huge part of my life, it’s my refuge from the stage and the spotlight,” says Johnson. “When I’m on horseback with a rope in hand, I’m not the guy on tour or in the studio, I’m just a cowboy, and that’s who I’ve always been at heart.”
Champs For Charity Gala
The Gala will be held at Huntington Bank Assembly Hall in Belton, Texas (formerly the Cadence Bank Center), offering guests an unforgettable evening of premium hospitality, meaningful giving, and exclusive entertainment.
This year’s event will begin with a hosted cocktail reception, followed by an elevated evening where guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Western cocktail attire. On Friday, October 9, enjoy an exceptional dinner, bid on exclusive auction items, and cap off the night with an intimate acoustic performance by Cody Johnson – all while supporting causes that make a difference in our communities.
In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, the 2026 charitable beneficiaries will include organizations supporting our military, first responders, law enforcement officers, and youth agricultural programs.
Schedule
Tuesday, Oct 6
- 10:00 AM: Golf Tournament for VIP & Sponsors
- Mill Creek Golf Course, Salado
- Presented by Lone Star Grading
- Limited to Sponsors and VIP. For information, contact kami@bfiweek.com
- 5:00 PM: Breakaway Roping
- Huntington Bank Expo
- Free to the public
Wednesday, Oct 7
Free to the public – All day
- 8:30 AM: All-Girl Team Roping
- Huntington Bank Expo
- 11:00 AM: COJO Jr Open
- Huntington Bank Expo
- 1:30 PM: COJO Jr #10.5
- Huntington Bank Expo
- 5:00 PM: Youth Night of Tacos & Motivation
- Huntington Bank Expo – Champions Lounge
- Brought to you by Cedar Gap Wealth Management
Thursday, Oct 8
Free to the public – All day
- 8:30 AM: The COJO Long Round
- Huntington Bank Expo
- Powered by Bill Fick Ford pulling a Bloomer Trailer
Friday, Oct 9
Free to the public – All day (except Gala & Happy Hour)
- 8:30 AM: #12.5 with #11.5 Inc
- Huntington Bank Expo
- 5:30 PM: Champs for Charity Gala Happy Hour
- 6:30 PM: Champs for Charity Gala
- Huntington Bank Expo – Assembly Hall
- Brought to you by Ag Trust
- 6:00 PM: Dinner & Watch Party
- Huntington Bank Expo – Champions Lounge
- Free for Contestants & families
Saturday, Oct 10
Ticket required – All day
- 10:00 AM: Pro Am Celebrity Invitational
- Huntington Bank Expo
- 11:00 AM: Smarty Rodeo Dummy Roping
- Huntington Bank Expo
- Sign up at 10:30 AM outside on the lawn
- 12:00 PM: Calcutta – Arena
- Huntington Bank Expo
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Fan Zone in front of Huntington Bank Expo
- Cornhole Tournament, Dummy Roping, etc
- 2:00 PM: The COJO Short Round
- Huntington Bank Expo
- Powered by Bill Fick Ford pulling a Bloomer Trailer
- 5:00 PM: Live Music
- Huntington Bank Expo – Champions Lounge
Sunday, Oct 11
Free to the public – All day
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast and Church Service
- Huntington Bank Expo
- 8:30 AM: #10.5 Businessman’s Roping
- Huntington Bank Expo
Backed by Wrangler
A week built around roping, Western culture, and the people who continue to shape the lifestyle would not be complete without recognizing the brands that help bring it to life. From the arena to the fans in the stands, Wrangler has long been connected to the people who live the Western lifestyle, making its support of the COJO Championship Event a natural fit.
Sponsors like Wrangler help make it possible to bring competitors, families, and fans together while giving back to organizations serving the people and communities that make the Western industry what it is. Their support also helps create an event where competition connects with meaningful opportunities to support the next generation, honor those who serve, and strengthen the communities at the heart of Western culture.
Last Updated on 09/11/2026 by Carly Davidson
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