Description
**$350 Absolute Division Cash Prizes for this event thanks to a sponsorship from 1st Optimal! More info below!**
Chewjitsu Open is not your average tournament! Get ready for MORE MATCHES at this SUB ONLY, Round Robin, Madison style bracketed tournament, grouping you with your nearest weight and experience/age level. You’ll have up to 4 matches per division and not have to worry about cutting or missing weight!
Come back the next day to learn from IBJJF Worlds & three-time Pan Am Champion Nick “Chewy” Albin at a three hour, No Gi seminar. You don’t have to compete to participate in the seminar, but discount rates are available if you do!
The Chewjitsu Open offers Gi and No Gi divisions for all ages with medals and championship belt prizes, as well as optional Absolute divisions with cash prizes for adults. Youth ages 8 and under Beginner/White Belt Divisions are points only, no submissions, to provide a safe and competitive event for kids.
What is Madison bracketing? Click the Rules tab to learn more!
Register | Divisions | Rules | Pricing | Frequently Asked Questions
Chewjitsu Seminar | History & Testimonials | Chewjitsu Open Website
Download the event flyer
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New for 2025
More standalone jiu-jitsu tournaments instead of side by side with wrestling tournaments. This tournament will have its own space. This means more space for competitors and guests!
Peewee 8U grey belts/intermediates and up can now do subs! We are still doing points only, no subs for 8 & under white belts/beginner divisions for a safe experience for the youngest and least experienced kiddos.
Livestreaming and recording of matches for most tournaments.
New championship belt design. Got one in 2024? Get a different one in 2025!
New seminar material. Already participated in one in 2024? Come back for new material in 2025!
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Event Location
Gatlinburg Convention Center
234 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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Weigh-ins
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Friday, December 5th: Early weigh-ins, 5 - 7 pm. Weigh in early to skip the line and avoid the Saturday morning rush.
Saturday, December 6th: Weigh-ins, 7 - 8:30 am for Youth, 7 - 9 am for Adults. No need to weigh in twice if you already weighed in Friday night.
Failing to weigh in will result in a forfeiture of matches. Refunds will not be issued to those missing weigh ins.
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Event Schedule
Chewjitsu Open - Saturday, December 6th
Youth Rules Meeting & Match Start: 10 am
Adult Rules Meeting & Match Start: 1 pm
Match flow: Youth No Gi -> Youth Gi -> Adult No Gi -> Adult Gi -> Absolute No Gi (Adults Only)
All No Gi matches will complete before Gi matches begin.
All Youth matches will complete before Adult matches begin.
Adult Expert/Black Belt will be at the start of the Adult divisions so coaches can compete and be available to coach their students afterwards.
Chewjitsu Seminar - Sunday, December 7th
Click here for more info.
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Awards
We provide high quality awards for individuals and teams.
Medals: Top 3 finishers in all divisions win a high quality Chewjitsu Open medal.
Belts: Win your division and receive a CHAMPIONSHIP BELT! Must compete in at least two divisions to qualify (Gi, No Gi, Absolute).
Cash: Absolute No Gi Division Champs also win $250!
Best Team: Top 3 overall teams will take home a Chewjitsu Open banner to display in their gyms.
Fastest Sub/Most Points: Top 3 competitors with the fastest submission or the most individual points receive a special award!
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About our Sponsor - 1st Optimal
Dominate the Mats, Recover Like a Champ with 1st Optimal
BJJ pushes your body to the limit—1st Optimal keeps you in peak condition.
They provide personalized, science-driven medical care:
- Testosterone Replacement & Natural Testosterone Boosting Therapies.
- Advanced Peptide Therapies for Recovery & Performance.
- Pharmaceutical Grade Supplementation & Nutrition Plans.
- Comprehensive Blood Work and Gut Health Testing.
The 1st Optimal online telehealth platform ensures you perform at your best!
Stay sharp, stay strong, stay on the mats. Get started at 1stOptimal.com
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Work the Event
We are always looking for experienced referees, scorekeepers and event setup/cleanup! We pay competitively and include water and meal vouchers for most events. Apply online at the Job Application Here if interested.
Staff receive a 30% discount if they want to compete the same event they work. Staff may also use this discount for their children who are competing.
Referees: Purple belt and up with competition and/or referee experience preferred. Generally work from 9 am until event close (4 - 6 pm depending on size of tournament).
Scorekeepers: Basic jiu-jitsu knowledge and computer skills preferred. Generally work from 9 am until event close (4 - 6 pm depending on size of tournament).
Setup: 4 - 6 hours of work the day before the tournament. Want to help setup in exchange for free registration? Let us know!
We provide Refs and Scorekeepers with an event t-shirt they can keep after the tournament.
