LIBERTY BELL 2026

Sunday, September 27, 2026 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

At a Glance

Divisions

Kids

Entry

$80 - $2012

Prizes

$750

Description

REGISTRATION INFO

Tournament location and Hotel Info along with specific registration details should all be posted by June. Please use this as your save the date until then!

Call Adam with any Questions: (215) 815-2555. If you are having issues registering please contact libertybelljudo@gmail.com or text Kristin at 215.470.4169.

During the event you can follow along the event on the smoothcomp for updates as to your division, bracket and start times. Please note that changes can occur live - be sure to be at the venue at least 1 hr before your initial listed time and to keep an eye on the tournaments progressions in person.

Rule for Fighting in 2 Divisions :

Juniors may fight up a weight category in their age OR up age category in their weight class
Senior Novice may fight up one weight class in Novice or same weight in Brown, Elite, or Veteran (if age applicable)
Senior Brown may fight up one weight class in Brown belt or in same weight in Elite or Veteran (if age applicable)
Senior Elite may fight up one weight class in Elite or same weight in Veteran (if age applicable)
Veterans may fight in additional senior category OR up in age or weight in veterans

IF FIGHTING MULTIPLE DIVISIONS YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH. Discounts are applied for competing in multiple divisions!

Tournament director reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary to ensure safety and fairness for all competitors.

Senior Elites on the USA JUDO National Roster will be seeded 1-8 in their divisions.

The tournament is USA JUDO SANCTIONED and open to only USA Judo, USJF, or ATJA members. You can obtain an "events only" membership here if you are not a member of USA Judo, USJF, or ATJA.

SCHEDULE INFO

*Note: it is always reccoed to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the time that smoothcomp is estimating your matches (in case things speed up).

Tentative Schedule Details
SATURDAY (Sept 26)	SUNDAY (Sept 27)
4-6 pm: Weigh Ins (hotel)- room TBD	8 am Site Opens
6-7pm: Referee Meeting (hotel)- room TBD	8:30 am Coaches Meeting & Referee Meeting
	9:00 am : Opening Ceremony Followed by Competition starting
Goal is to provide bracket start times by 10pm Sept 26th.

AWARDS INFO

1st - 2nd - 3rd place Liberty Bell Judo Classic Medals for each Division - Additional Special Awards will be given out!

Prize money is awarded in the Black Belt senior elite divisions- the more people that are in your division, the larger the pot you can take home!

PRIZE MONEY FOR ELITE DIVISIONS
# Competitors in Division	1st Place	2nd Place	3rd Place
2-5 people	$100
6-10 people	$250
11-15 people	$450	$150
16+ people	$750	$250	$50

KATA will unfortunately not be available this year, but will return in 2027!

Event Details

Schedule

Saturday: 4–6 PM weigh-ins (hotel), 6–7 PM referee meeting (hotel). Sunday: 8:00 AM site opens; 8:30 AM coaches & referee meeting; 9:00 AM opening ceremony followed by competition start. Bracket start times to be provided by 10:00 PM Sept 26.

Weigh-In

Saturday (Sept 26): Weigh-ins 4:00–6:00 PM (hotel, room TBD).

Prize Details

Prize money awarded in Black Belt senior elite divisions. Payouts scale by division size: 2-5 competitors: $100 (1st); 6-10: $250 (1st); 11-15: $450/$150 (1st/2nd); 16+: $750/$250/$50 (1st/2nd/3rd).

Divisions

Senior Women (NOVICE: Green Belt and Below)$80
Senior Women Elite$100
Veteran Women$80
Senior Men (NOVICE: Green Belt and Below)$80
Senior Men (NOVICE: Brown Belt and Below)$80
Senior Men Elite$100
Veteran Men$80
Bantam$80
All Bantam Levels: Born 2015 -2020
Intermediate$80
Born 2013-2014
Juvenile$80
Born 2011-2012
Cadet$80
Born 2008-2010
IJF Junior$80
Born 2005-2010

Organizer

El Idrissi Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Liberty Bell 2026?

The tentative schedule lists weigh-ins on Saturday, Sept 26, and the event site opening with competition on Sunday, Sept 27.

When will tournament location and hotel information be posted?

Tournament location and hotel information, along with specific registration details, should be posted by June.

What is the tentative event schedule?

On Saturday, Sept 26, weigh-ins are 4-6 pm at the hotel, room TBD, and the referee meeting is 6-7 pm at the hotel, room TBD. On Sunday, Sept 27, the site opens at 8 am, the coaches meeting and referee meeting are at 8:30 am, and the opening ceremony is at 9:00 am followed by competition starting.

When should competitors arrive for their matches?

Competitors are advised to be at the venue at least 1 hour before their initial listed time because changes can occur live and the tournament may run ahead of schedule.

When will bracket start times be available?

The stated goal is to provide bracket start times by 10pm Sept 26th.

Who is eligible to compete?

The tournament is USA JUDO sanctioned and open only to USA Judo, USJF, or ATJA members. The description states that an “events only” membership is available for those who are not a member of USA Judo, USJF, or ATJA.

Can competitors enter more than one division?

Yes, but competitors fighting multiple divisions must register for both divisions. Discounts are applied for competing in multiple divisions.

What are the rules for fighting in two divisions?

Juniors may fight up a weight category in their age or up an age category in their weight class. Senior Novice, Senior Brown, Senior Elite, and Veterans have listed options to fight up by weight, category, or age where applicable.

Are awards or prize money offered?

Liberty Bell Judo Classic medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division, with additional special awards. Prize money is awarded in Black Belt senior elite divisions based on the number of competitors in the division.

Who should I contact with questions or registration issues?

Call Adam with questions at (215) 815-2555. For registration issues, contact libertybelljudo@gmail.com or text Kristin at 215.470.4169.