Chewjitsu Open Gatlinburg 2026
Gatlinburg, TN, United States
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
Download the event flyer
Spectator Passes and Official Merch can be purchased HERE!
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New for 2026
- New Masters III 45+ division
- New championship belt design and seminar material
- Family discounts if 3 or more members are competing
- Youth Team Champion Banners for top 3 youth teams
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Event Location
Gatlinburg Convention Center
234 Airport Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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Weigh-ins
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Friday, November 13th: Early weigh-ins, 5 - 7 pm for Youth & Adult. Weigh in early to skip the line and avoid the Saturday morning rush.
Saturday, November 14th: Weigh-ins, 7 - 8 am for Youth, 7 - 10 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, November 14th
Youth Rules Meeting & Match Start: 10 am
Adult Rules Meeting & Match Start: 1:30 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, November 15th
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 and place top 3 in a second division to qualify (Gi, No Gi, Absolute). Limit 1 belt per competitor per tournament if winning multiple divisions.
Cash: Absolute No Gi Division Champs also win $350!
Best Team: Top 3 overall teams will take home a Chewjitsu Open banner to display in their gyms.
Best Youth Team: Top 3 overall youth teams will take home a Chewjitsu Open banner to display in their gyms.
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About our Sponsor - 1st Optimal
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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 and use code "CHEWY" for a 10% discount.
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Work the Event - Join our team!
Referees: Purple belt and up with competition and/or referee experience preferred.
Scorekeepers: Basic jiu-jitsu knowledge and computer skills preferred.
Setup: 5 - 6 hours of work the day before the tournament.
Security: Ensure guests have wristbands for access
Athletic Trainer/First Responder: Professional certification required
We provide:
Competitive pay, training, lunch, and bottled water
Mileage for those traveling 1+ hrs
Lodging for those traveling 2+ hrs
Free t-shirt for Refs, Scorekeepers, and Security that you can keep
30% discount to staff and their children
Divisions
- Gi$94
- No Gi$94
- Chewjitsu Seminar$69
Organizer
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Chewjitsu Open Gatlinburg 2026?
The tournament is Saturday, November 14th at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Airport Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
What time do matches start?
Youth rules meeting and match start is at 10 am. Adult rules meeting and match start is at 1:30 pm.
What is the match flow for the tournament?
The match flow is Youth No Gi, Youth Gi, Adult No Gi, Adult Gi, then Absolute No Gi for adults only. All No Gi matches will complete before Gi matches begin, and all Youth matches will complete before Adult matches begin.
When and where are weigh-ins?
Weigh-ins are at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Early weigh-ins are Friday, November 13th from 5 - 7 pm for Youth and Adult; Saturday weigh-ins are 7 - 8 am for Youth and 7 - 10 am for Adults.
Do competitors need to weigh in more than once?
No. Competitors do not need to weigh in twice if they already weighed in Friday night.
What happens if a competitor misses weigh-ins?
Failing to weigh in will result in forfeiture of matches. Refunds will not be issued to those missing weigh-ins.
What divisions are offered?
The event offers Gi and No Gi divisions for all ages, plus optional Absolute divisions with cash prizes for adults. New for 2026 is a Masters III 45+ division.
What awards are available?
Top 3 finishers in all divisions win a Chewjitsu Open medal. Division winners can receive a championship belt if they compete and place top 3 in a second division, with a limit of 1 belt per competitor per tournament.
Are there cash prizes?
Yes. Absolute No Gi Division champions win $350.
Can spectator passes be purchased?
Yes. Spectator passes and official merch can be purchased through the linked Chewjitsu Open shop.
