SIO Winter Classic 2026

The SIO Winter Classic 2026 is coming to Vancouver Island on Saturday, November 7th, 2026!

This Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tournament is open to competitors of all ages, features both Gi and No-Gi divisions, and is open to Jiu-jitsu clubs of all affiliations. Competitors who register in both Gi and NoGi Divisions will receive the second division at a discounted price. 

Black belts register free using the coupon code: Blackbelt2026

We use a points system and the round-robin format (rather than elimination-based) for all divisions, and the number of matches will depend on the number of competitors in your division*. 

Our ‘Sub-Hunter’ ruleset favours submission wins over points wins in the rankings for medals (except for Mighty Mite divisions, which are not allowed submissions). All divisions will be formed based on a combination of age, weight, and skill. Note that the Athletes list is sorted by age and skill only, and do not represent the actual brackets (which will be formed after registration closes). We will make every effort to create even and competitive brackets; however, we reserve the right to create divisions in order to give everyone the best experience. 

BRACKETS, SCHEDULE & WEIGH INS:

Brackets and schedule will be posted on Smoothcomp mid-week prior to the event and notifications will be sent to competitors. The tournament is expected to run from approximately 9am to 4pm, and competitors are required to be checked in no later than 30 minutes before their division is expected to begin. The schedule is dynamic and subject to change so we recommend affording yourself an hour to be safe.

Weigh in will occur the morning of the event. Gi competitors must weigh in wearing their gi; if also competing in no-gi we can typically approve at the same time without changing clothing. Doors open at 8:30am, but preference will be given to Mighty Mites and Pee Wees so that matches can begin on time.

MOVEMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY:

All competitors must ensure that their registration info (age, skill, and weight) is accurate prior to registration closing. Note that declared weight of registration will be used for the day of the event, so be sure to check again BEFORE the deadline to avoid disqualification. No division movement or weight change requests will be processed after registration closes. Changes to or cancellation of any competitor’s registration must be initiated by the competitor’s Parent/Guardian in Smoothcomp while Registration is open. Login to your profile and select "My Account". Then, click "Edit" for this event. To cancel an athlete's registration, click "Cancel". If an Athlete must cancel after Late Registration closes, please email us at southislandopen@gmail.com.

REFUNDS & CREDITS POLICY

Competitors may cancel and receive a refund (minus a 10% service fee) through their Smoothcomp account until the normal registration deadline. 

From the normal registration deadline until the late registration deadline, competitors may cancel and receive a 75% refund through their Smoothcomp account, OR request a credit for a future SIO event in case of withdrawal due to sickness, injuries, or bereavement (email southislandopen@gmail.com). 

Refunds and credits will not be available after the late registration deadline, or if a competitor is disqualified for any reason.

If we are unable to place a participant in a suitable bracket, they will receive a full refund (or credit if preferred). 

SPECTATORS:

Registered minor competitors (age 17 and below) will be permitted one parent spectator free of charge. Otherwise, there will be a $10 spectator fee which may be paid at the door (cash preferred). 

COACH PASSES:

Coach Passes are for active coaches/instructors ONLY and are based on the number of competitors per academy. Head coaches of each academy should appoint coaches accordingly:

·      1 Competitor = 1 Coach Pass

·      2 to 5 Competitors = 2 Coach Passes

·      6 to 15 Competitors = 3 Coach Passes

·      16+ Competitors = 4 Coach Passes

Coach Passes grant access to the Coach Corridor, alongside the mats. Only one coach per academy is permitted at each mat, and coaches must sit in the chairs provided. Once the match is over, the coach must yield the chair and leave the Coach Corridor, unless actively coaching a next match. 

*For large divisions matches will be limited to a maximum of 4