Presented by

Best Care

Join the fun at AuSM’s annual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition! Held in the iconic Huntington Bank Rotunda at Mall of America or virtually over Zoom, this exciting competition brings together puzzle lovers of all ages and skill levels for a day of teamwork, strategy, and spirited community connection.

Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or just looking for a fun family activity, this event has something for everyone. Teams can raise funds to support AuSM as another way to show off their puzzle pride and amplify their impact.

Event Highlights

🤝 Friendly competition with unique puzzles for each division
🎉 Live audience cheering on teams from the Rotunda
🌍 Virtual participation available via Zoom
♾️ Autism resources fair in the Rotunda
❤️ Fundraising for a cause—support AuSM’s mission to serve the Minnesota autism community

Read a Social Narrative about the event here.

Divisions + Registration

All teams will complete a 500-piece puzzle. Each division has a unique design.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

🧩 4-Person Division (Beginner or Advanced)
8:30–10:30 a.m. | $60 per team
Featuring a brand new, unreleased PuzzleTwist puzzle

🧩 2-Person Division
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | $60 per team
Featuring a classic, previously released puzzle

🧩 Free-For-All Division
1:30–3:30 p.m. | $60 per team
Any number of puzzlers—compete solo or as a team of 2, 3, or 4!
Featuring a classic, previously released puzzle

Beginner vs. Advanced: Which 4-Person Division is Right for You?

The 4-Person Division is split into two categories to help keep the competition fun and fair for everyone:

Beginner Division: Perfect for families, casual puzzlers, or anyone who wants a low-pressure, fun-focused experience. If your team is newer to puzzling, enjoys doing puzzles together at home, or is participating mainly for the experience and connection—this is your spot!
Advanced Division: This division is designed for competitive puzzlers who are in it to win it. If your team has placed in past AuSM competitions or participated in other formal puzzle contests, we ask that you register for the Advanced Division. Let’s keep the competition exciting and equitable for everyone involved!

Not sure which one to choose? When in doubt, opt for Beginner—unless your team has competition experience or a trophy shelf full of puzzle glory!

💻 Participating virtually? Register by September 11 to have your puzzle shipped. Be sure to add puzzle shipping to your registration. You can also register for the virtual competition and pick up your puzzle at the AuSM office in St. Paul, MN. Puzzles must be picked up by October 1.

Become a Very Important Puzzler (VIP)!

VIPs make a $20 donation to AuSM and receive a $25 Games by James gift card. Limited to one per team.

❄️ NOTE: Our friend at the Winter Carnival Puzzle Competition open their registration on October 3 at 10 a.m. during our competition window. In order to accommodate those who wish to sign up, we are starting with our 4-person division (typically our speediest division). This will ensure ample time for puzzlers to finish the first division and register in the break. Someone from the Winter Carnival Puzzle Competition will be onsite and able to answer questions.

🤫 In order to allow puzzlers to focus, our emcee will be primarily making announcements during the breaks. We're excited to promote AuSM's incredible impact while reducing disturbances as much as possible. Because the rotunda is in the middle of the busy Mall of America, there will be some noise that we cannot control. Noise-cancelling headphones are welcome.

Fundraise with Your Team: Piece Together a Better Future

This event features a powerful way to support the autism community: team fundraising! In addition to registering for the competition, you and your team can create a personalized fundraising page to help raise critical funds for the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM). Every dollar you raise supports autistic individuals and families through vital programs like:

🔹 Social and recreation programs that help autistic youth and adults build community and confidence

🔹 Mental health services from therapists trained to work with autistic clients

🔹 Support groups and advocacy resources for parents, caregivers, and self-advocates

🔹 Culturally responsive outreach to underserved and underrepresented communities

🔹 Trainings that make Minnesota schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems more autism-friendly

Why Fundraise?

Just like solving a puzzle, creating an inclusive and supportive community takes teamwork, strategy, and heart. By fundraising with your team, you're doing more than competing—you’re making a difference.

Each donation you collect is a piece of the larger picture: a world where autistic people are empowered, understood, and celebrated for who they are.

Get all the details about running a strong fundraiser in our Fundraising Toolkit.

PLUS you can earn exclusive fundraising prizes from AuSM.

How to Start

It’s easy:

Register your team for the competition.
Set up your team fundraising page (you’ll get the link after registration).
Share your story and ask friends, family, and fans to support your puzzling power!

Whether you raise $20 or $2,000, your efforts help AuSM connect, educate, and advocate for the autism community across Minnesota. Together, we’ll put the pieces in place for a stronger, more inclusive future.

Photo Policy

Please be advised that Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) may take photos or recordings of this event for promotional, educational, or archival purposes, including use on our website, social media, fundraising, marketing, or print materials. By participating in this event, you consent to your voice, name, and/or likeness being used for such purposes, and agree that you understand you will receive no compensation of any kind for the use of your likeness and/or information. Furthermore, you release the Organization, its affiliates, agents, employees, licensees, and assigns from and against any and all claims in law, equity, or otherwise arising out of the production, distribution, broadcast, or exhibition of your likeness and/or information.

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify us at info@ausm.org.

AuSM's 9th Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition 2026

Puzzle. Play. Support a Purpose.

Team Leaderboard

Team Members