Exhibition & Kohaku: Fundraise for Madagascar

Saturday, October 31, 2026 Chesapeake, United States

At a Glance

Divisions

Entry

$50

Description

We will have exhibition matches/brackets available as well as a Team "Kohaku".

How the Kohaku works.

Competitors are organized into two teams — red (Ko) and white (Haku)
Members fight in a relay format, where the winner stays on the mat and faces the next challenger from the opposing team
It continues until all members of one team are defeated or time runs out
It emphasizes continuous fighting and team spirit over individual glory

It's considered one of the most exciting and crowd-pleasing formats in Judo, which is why they are adding it to the North American Judo Championships.

What is needed and what to know:

Properly fitted White Judo Gis Only

Tournament Directors: Harry Kindelberger and Greg Walker

Head Referee:

When: October 31st, 2026

Where: Chesapeake Grappling Academy 108 Kegman Rd W. Chesapeake, Virginia 23322

Weigh Ins: N/s

Who is Eligible: USJF & USA Judo members,single day memberships can be purchased through USJF

Mat Competition Area: 9m x 9m plus an additional 3 m safety area around the mat.

Event Details

Format

Other

Weigh-In

Weigh Ins: N/s

Where to Stay Near the Venue

Affiliate

Closest hotels to the venue, sorted by distance.

Closest 3.5 mi from venue WoodSpring Suites Chesapeake-Norfolk South ★ 3.5 137 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake Check availability

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Divisions

Kohaku$50
"Kohaku" translates to "red and white" in Japanese, referring to the two team colors used in the competitionIt is rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts culture, where red and white are symbolic colors of competition
Boys BJJ Gi$50
Boys Judo$50
We will be using Madison Style Bracketing to make the best match ups for each division.
Juvenile Boys BJJ Gi$50
16-17 years
Men's Judo$50
We will be using Madison Style Bracketing to make the best match ups for each division.
Male BJJ Gi$50
18 years and above
Girls BJJ Gi$50
Juvenile Girls BJJ Gi$50
16-17 years
Female BJJ Gi$50
18 years and above
Female Judo$50

Organizer

Chesapeake Grappling Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Exhibition & Kohaku: Fundraise for Madagascar?

The event is on October 31st, 2026.

Where is the event located?

The event is at Chesapeake Grappling Academy, 108 Kegman Rd W., Chesapeake, Virginia 23322.

What formats are available at the event?

The event will have exhibition matches/brackets and a Team Kohaku format.

How does the Kohaku format work?

Competitors are organized into two teams, red (Ko) and white (Haku). Members fight in a relay format where the winner stays on the mat and faces the next challenger from the opposing team until all members of one team are defeated or time runs out.

What uniform is required?

Properly fitted white Judo Gis only are required.

Who is eligible to compete?

USJF and USA Judo members are eligible. Single day memberships can be purchased through USJF.

Are weigh-ins listed for this event?

The description lists weigh-ins as “N/s.”

Who are the tournament directors?

The tournament directors are Harry Kindelberger and Greg Walker.

What is the mat competition area?

The mat competition area is 9m x 9m plus an additional 3 m safety area around the mat.