JCC believes that education involves body and spirit as well as the mind. Students at JCC participate in athletics for a variety of reasons which gives each student athlete an opportunity to take a real measure of himself/herself and to pursue a goal of excellence through personal discipline, striving, and hard work.

The Cattaraugus County Campus Jaguars program provides opportunities for students to participate in intercollegiate competition in men's basketball, women's soccer, and women's softball.

The Jamestown Campus Jayhawks program participates in intercollegiate competition in men's and women's basketball, soccer, golf, and swimming, women's volleyball, and men's baseball and wrestling. Jayhawk teams have gained regional and national recognition and a reputation for fielding well-coached squads.

JCC is a member of the Western New York Athletic Conference and Region III of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Further details are available from the director of athletics.