Midwest Kata Championships 2026

Saturday, October 17, 2026 Oak Lawn, IL, United States

At a Glance

Divisions

Absolute Kids

Ruleset

Points

Entry

$50 - $75

Prizes

Team

Description

2026 Midwest Kata Championships

October 17, 2026

United States Judo Federation Sanction XX-XX-XX

USA Judo Kata Point Event

USA Judo Kata Points will be awarded at this event

Competition Venue:

Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Eligibility:

Open to members with current membership in either USJF, USJA, or USA Judo.

Registration:

Entry fee is for only ONE partner. Both partners need to register. Please indicate your partner, and who is Tori and Uke.

POINT DIVISIONS - Senior OPEN, U18 OPEN

One Kata Category $75.00
Two Kata Categories $100.00
Three Kata Categories $125.00
Four Kata Categories $150.00

NON-POINT DIVISIONS - BEGINNER Senior, BEGINNER U18, ALL U13, U21

One Kata Category $50.00
Two Kata Categories $75.00
Three Kata Categories $100.00
Four Kata Categories $125.00

Awards:

Gold (1st), Silver (2nd) and Bronze (3rd) place medals will be awarded in each division.
The special "Joanne Barthold Award" will be presented to the outstanding Kata Team.

Tournament Hotel:

Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Midway Airport
6630 S. Cicero Ave., Bedford Park, IL, 60638
See "Location and Hotel" tab for reservation information.

Nearest Airport - Chicago Midway Airport

Kata Judge Clinic - Kata Judge Certification Test:

Friday, October 16, 2026

Oak Lawn Community Pavilion
6:00pm - 8:00pm
A USJF Kata Judge Clinic is FREE and open to all judges, coaches and competitors.
KATA JUDGE CERTIFICATION TESTING will be available.
Please contact Sensei Eiko Shepherd for information on the Certification Test and how to register. Eikojudo1@gmail.com or 618 781-5157.

Tournament Directors:

Douglas Tono, 7th dan - info@tohkon.com
Sandra Hauptmann, 4th dan (Co-tournament director) - sanihauptmann@aol.com

Head Kata Judge:

Eiko Shepherd, 8th dan, IJF Kata Judge (all seven katas) - 618 781-5157

Kata Judge Attire:

IJF standard: blue or black blazer, white shirt, black tie, grey slacks

Event Details

Prize Details

The special "Joanne Barthold Award" will be presented to the outstanding Kata Team (team award).

Divisions

NON-POINT DIVISIONS$50
Price shown is for each player
POINT DIVISIONS$75
Price shown is for each player

Organizer

Tohkon Judo Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Midwest Kata Championships 2026?

The event is on October 17, 2026 at Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453.

Who is eligible to compete?

The tournament is open to members with current membership in USJF, USJA, or USA Judo.

How does registration work for kata partners?

The entry fee is for only one partner, and both partners need to register. Competitors should indicate their partner and who is Tori and Uke.

What are the registration fees for point divisions?

For Point Divisions, Senior OPEN and U18 OPEN, fees are $75.00 for one Kata Category, $100.00 for two, $125.00 for three, and $150.00 for four.

What are the registration fees for non-point divisions?

For Non-Point Divisions, BEGINNER Senior, BEGINNER U18, ALL U13, and U21, fees are $50.00 for one Kata Category, $75.00 for two, $100.00 for three, and $125.00 for four.

Will USA Judo Kata Points be awarded?

Yes. USA Judo Kata Points will be awarded at this event.

What awards will be given?

Gold for 1st, Silver for 2nd, and Bronze for 3rd place medals will be awarded in each division. The special Joanne Barthold Award will be presented to the outstanding Kata Team.

Is there a Kata Judge Clinic?

Yes. A USJF Kata Judge Clinic is on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Oak Lawn Community Pavilion from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. It is free and open to all judges, coaches and competitors, and Kata Judge Certification Testing will be available.

Who should I contact about Kata Judge Certification Testing?

Contact Sensei Eiko Shepherd at Eikojudo1@gmail.com or 618 781-5157 for information on the Certification Test and how to register.

Who are the tournament contacts?

Tournament Directors are Douglas Tono at info@tohkon.com and Sandra Hauptmann at sanihauptmann@aol.com. The Head Kata Judge is Eiko Shepherd at 618 781-5157.