Armed with water guns and strategic minds, West Chicago Community High School seniors are diving into one of their most anticipated traditions: Senior Assassin.

The game, popular at high schools across the country, gives seniors a chance to compete in an elimination-style challenge during their final weeks of school. Each player pays $10 to participate, and the winner walks away with the entire pot — which, at WEGO, totals around $800. At some nearby schools, winnings have reportedly reached up to $2,000.

To officially sign up, students must complete a Google Form. Once the game begins, organizers — seniors Robert Witek, Jake Voight, and Brayden Alderton – assign each participant a target to “assassinate” using a water gun. Players who successfully eliminate their targets move on to the next round. Those who fail to eliminate their target – or are “assassinated” themselves – are out.

Students stake out targets at homes, workplaces, and the student parking lot known as Kerr-McGee.

“If you really just use your brain, you can get anyone out, no matter what,” senior Ali Khan said.

Players can wear goggles to gain immunity, but they must be worn properly — covering both the eyes and head. As the weeks go on, the rules evolve. Common immunity items at other schools include floaties, pool noodles, or other beach accessories.

Each week includes a “purge day” when immunity is revoked, speeding up eliminations. On purge days, students may take extreme measures to stay safe: driving different cars, arriving at school at odd times, or even skipping the day altogether. Others prefer to take their chances.

“No, [I don’t wear goggles] because I don’t think I need to. I’m so ahead of everyone else,” Khan said.

Trust becomes a liability in Senior Assassin. Even close friends may betray one another to win. With players constantly trying to track one another down, a single slip of information can lead to elimination.

Because students roam public spaces with water guns, the game occasionally causes concern. Law enforcement agencies and community members have reported players mistaken for threats. According to WGN, the Arlington Heights Police Department received calls about people running near elementary schools with “guns.” Some police departments, like Glen Ellyn’s, have posted social media warnings to reduce panic.

It is also common for students to turn off location-sharing apps like Snapchat, Life360, or Find My iPhone to avoid detection. Since only seniors play, it’s not unusual for friends to become enemies in the game.

Senior Dominic Wasserstrom was the first to fall this year – betrayed by someone he trusted. He and some friends were hanging out on a parking garage when his assassin, senior Royal Day, grabbed classmate Gavin Dyer’s water gun and made his move.

“I got snaked by Gavin Dyer. I probably lasted like not even an hour, so yeah, it’s not fun,” Wasserstrom said.

Since that opening move, eliminations have continued to roll in — and the stakes have only grown.

Recent Game Updates:

• Ulises Huerta eliminated Royal Day

• Jacob Edler eliminated Zach Kreitzer

• Josi Torres took out Tommy Doyle

• Hector Anicua eliminated Carlos Hernandez in a stealthy move on the soccer bleachers

• Royal Day previously eliminated Frankie Ziberna, prompting an emotional Instagram tribute.

  “Frankie was a legend in this game… and yet here we are — left with nothing but memories and a deep sense of loss,” senior Jake Silanskis posted.

Further Instagram comments reflect the drama: “Never would I think this day would come,” senior Vincent Spadoni wrote after Day’s takedown.

With only weeks to go before graduation, students are watching their backs — and double-checking their goggles (or floaties) — as the game pushes toward its finale.