Day 2 of the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships is set to be a defining moment for Ilia Malinin, Jason Brown, and Madison Chock and Evan Bates as they vie for Olympic spots and national titles. Here’s the full schedule, lineup, and why this day could reshape the future of U.S. figure skating.
The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships are in full swing, and Day 2 promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport. After the pairs and women’s events kicked off the competition, the spotlight now shifts to the men’s short program and the rhythm dance. This day is not just about national titles—it’s about securing a spot on the Olympic team for Milano Cortina.
The Rise of Ilia Malinin: From Phenom to Olympic Favorite
Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” is the undisputed favorite to claim the gold in the men’s competition. His journey from a third-place finish in 2022 to becoming a world champion in 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular. Malinin’s ability to land quadruple jumps with ease has set him apart from his competitors, making him a fan favorite and a media darling.
Malinin’s dominance is not just about his technical skills but also his ability to perform under pressure. His gold medal at the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal solidified his status as a global force in figure skating. As he prepares for his first Olympics, all eyes will be on him to see if he can deliver another flawless performance.
Jason Brown: The Veteran Challenging for an Olympic Spot
While Malinin is the favorite, Jason Brown is not far behind. Brown, a beloved figure in U.S. figure skating, has been a consistent performer over the years. His artistic prowess and technical precision make him a formidable competitor. Brown’s experience and ability to connect with the audience could be the key to securing one of the remaining Olympic spots.
Brown’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite facing stiff competition from younger skaters like Malinin, he has managed to stay relevant and competitive. His performance on Day 2 will be crucial in determining whether he can secure his place on the Olympic team.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates: The Dominant Ice Dance Pair
In the ice dance category, Madison Chock and Evan Bates are the pair to watch. The married couple has dominated the U.S. figure skating scene, winning four consecutive national titles. Their chemistry on the ice is unmatched, and their technical skills are second to none.
Chock and Bates’ journey to the top has been marked by consistency and innovation. Their ability to push the boundaries of ice dance has made them fan favorites and critical darlings. As they aim for their fifth straight U.S. title, their performance on Day 2 will be a testament to their skill and dedication.
Schedule and Lineup for Day 2
The schedule for Day 2 is packed with exciting events. The rhythm dance will kick off at 5 p.m. Eastern, followed by the men’s short program at 8:15 p.m. Eastern. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the lineup:
Rhythm Dance
- 5:09 p.m.: Isabella Flores and Linus Colmor Jepsen
- 5:16 p.m.: Vanessa Pham and Anton Spiridonov
- 5:22 p.m.: Raffaella Koncius and Alexey Shchepetov
- 5:29 p.m.: Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani
- 5:35 p.m.: Amy Cui and Jonathan Rogers
- 5:48 p.m.: Elliana Peal and Ethan Peal
- 5:55 p.m.: Eva Pate and Logan Bye
- 6:01 p.m.: Emily Bratti and Ian Somerville
- 6:08 p.m.: Katarina Wolfkostin and Dimitry Tsarevski
- 6:14 p.m.: Oona Brown and Gage Brown
- 6:42 p.m.: Leah Neset and Artem Markelov
- 6:49 p.m.: Caroline Green and Michael Parsons
- 6:55 p.m.: Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik
- 7:02 p.m.: Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko
- 7:08 p.m.: Madison Chock and Evan Bates
Men’s Short Program
- 8:25 p.m.: Emmanuel Savary
- 8:32 p.m.: Ken Mikawa
- 8:38 p.m.: Will Annis
- 8:45 p.m.: Kai Ovar
- 8:51 p.m.: Samuel Mindra
- 8:58 p.m.: Lorenzo Elano
- 9:12 p.m.: Goku Endo
- 9:18 p.m.: Lucius Kazanecki
- 9:25 p.m.: Liam Kapeikis
- 9:31 p.m.: Michael Xie
- 9:38 p.m.: Maxim Naumov
- 9:44 p.m.: Daniel Martynov
- 10:13 p.m.: Jimmy Ma
- 10:20 p.m.: Tomoki Hiwatashi
- 10:26 p.m.: Andrew Torgashev
- 10:33 p.m.: Jacob Sanchez
- 10:39 p.m.: Jason Brown
- 10:46 p.m.: Ilia Malinin
Where to Watch
The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships will be streamed in their entirety on Peacock. The men’s short program will also air on USA Network. Fans can catch all the action live from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Day 2 of the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships is more than just a competition—it’s a defining moment for the future of U.S. figure skating. With Olympic spots on the line and national titles at stake, the pressure is on for skaters like Ilia Malinin, Jason Brown, and Madison Chock and Evan Bates to deliver performances that will be remembered for years to come.
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