Raiders

Find Your Path

A guided route to Service Academies and ROTC scholarships. For students who feel called to lead in the armed services, SJN provides expert coaching on academics, athletics, fitness, leadership roles, nominations, interviews, and timelines. The pathway prepares qualified candidates for West Point, Annapolis, the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and university ROTC programs that often include 3 or 4-year scholarships.

Going

Deeper

What is a Raider

What is a Raider? Our JROTC athletes prepare throughout the academic year for the yearly Raider Competition – the junior equivalent of the Army ROTC Ranger competition. These outdoor events are usually held in various terrains, including waterways, wooded parks and densely wooded parks, and include personal fitness/individual strength tests (push-ups, curl-ups, tire drags, an obstacle course), distance team running event, obstacle course, rescue/first aid event, rope bridge construction, land navigation, and more. Raiders must be physically fit and determined to succeed, as these events require physical and mental endurance. The Raider unit focuses on achieving superior levels of physical fitness, teamwork and camaraderie along with winning proficiency in military-related skills. Training incorporates physical fitness events focused on the Army’s manual, as well as events such as testing, marksmanship, rappelling, and orienteering. Cadets who earn a spot on the Raider Challenge Team compete throughout the country at Raider Challenge competitions.

the team in action

Raider News

SJN Raider Challenge Team Kicks Off Season with a Podium Finish

The SJN Raider Challenge Team launched their 2025 season with an impressive 2nd place overall finish at their first meet of the year.

SJNA JROTC Team Claims 1st Place Overall at Upper Midwest JROTC Challenge

SJNA proudly announces another championship victory at the annual Upper Midwest JROTC Challenge Competition held in Minneapolis on Friday, February 7.

Cadet Spotlight: Allison Belt Becomes SJNA’s First Female Ultimate Raider

This past weekend (Sept. 30), the St. John’s Northwestern Academies Raider team competed at the Ozark Raider Challenge Meet, and Cadet Allison Belt provided a historic first and completed a storybook debut.

Create Your Lancer Legacy!

Join the team today...