The Forum Open

May 30th, 2026. Kootenai County Fairgrounds

The Forum returns this May!

It’s been a full year since our last event, and we’re excited to officially announce that The Forum is back on May 30th. Join us at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds for a full day of Jiu Jitsu competition, exciting matchups, and an electric atmosphere for athletes, coaches, and spectators.

The Forum has always been about bringing the grappling community together. Competitors, academies, and fans from across the region gather to test themselves, support their teammates, and celebrate the sport we all love. After a year away, we’re looking forward to reconnecting with the community and delivering an event that highlights the skill, sportsmanship, and intensity that make Jiu Jitsu special.

To celebrate our return, we’re making this event more accessible than ever.

For this tournament only, all competitors ranked purple belt and above will receive FREE registration. Our goal is to encourage more upper belts to compete, create deeper divisions, and produce the kind of high-level matchups that everyone wants to see.

We’ve also significantly reduced the registration price for all other competitors. For the May 30th event only, registration will be just $20 for your first bracket and an additional $10 for your second bracket. We hope this lower entry cost encourages more athletes, from first-time competitors to seasoned veterans, to step onto the mats and be part of the action.

Please note that both the free registration for purple belts and above, and the reduced $20 entry fee are special, one-time promotions for the May 30th event only. Future tournaments later this year will return to our standard registration pricing.

Whether you're stepping onto the mats to compete, coaching your teammates, or coming out to watch some incredible grappling, The Forum promises a full day of intense matches, great sportsmanship, and a strong sense of community.

Mark your calendars for May 30th, and get ready for the return of The Forum. We can’t wait to see everyone back on the mats.

Spectators:

$10 admission for anybody who is not competing. Children 10 and under are free.

Registration: 

Register by 05/28/26 11:59 PM

Changes must be in by May 28th at 11:59 PM

Single Division $20.00  Two Divisions $30.00 (Discount at checkout)

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! NO LATE REGISTRATIONS OR DAY OF REGISTRATIONS ALLOWED.

NO EDITS OR CHANGES WILL BE MADE DAY AFTER THURSDAY May 28 at 11:59.

Tentative Schedule: 

8:00AM Doors open and Weigh-Ins Begin

**PLEASE WEIGH IN 1 HOUR BEFORE YOUR MATCH**

9:30AM Adult No-Gi matches begin (Mens and womens) 

11:00AM Adult Gi matches begin (Mens and Womens)

1:00PM Youth No-Gi matches begin

3:00PM Youth Gi matches begin

Every division will start with the highest ranked competitors and work down to the lowest ranked competitors (Black belt first, white belts last)

Please keep an eye on Smoothcomp schedule for more detailed schedule updates! 

*Subject to change*

Rules: 

TIME LIMITS

Youth matches will be 4 minutes with no overtime if it's a draw. 

Adult matches will be 6 minutes with no overtime if it's a draw.

Scoring System

First half is no points. Second half is points

Points awarded for:

- Takedown                           -1 point

- Side Control                        -1 point

- Mount                                  -1 point

- Knee on Belly                      -1 point

- Sweep                                 -1 point

- Back Control w/ 2 Hooks   -1 point

In order to score multiple points, you have to move through multiple transitions and positions. (Example: Passing the guard into side control, then moving to knee on belly, then to mount is worth 3 points. 1 for side control, 1 for knee on belly, 1 for mount.) 

In the event of a tie, winner will be decided by referee's decision.

Fouls

2 warnings for minor fouls, then disqualification.

Any illegal technique or major foul will result in immediate disqualification

Major Fouls:

- Intentional Groin Shot

- Biting

- Intentional Eye Gouging

- Intentional Striking

- Intentional Fish Hooking

- Slamming

- Verbal Abuse Toward Officials 

Minor Fouls:

- Unintentional Groin Shot

- Unintentional Striking

- Unintentional Eye Gouging

- Unintentional Fish Hooking

- Hard/Clubbing Collar Ties

- Verbal Abuse Toward Opponent

- Arguing with Referee (Extends to the athletes coaches and teammates)

Allowed Techniques: 

Divisions: 

Adults: 100 - 115 LBS, 116 - 125 LBS, 126 - 135 LBS, 136 - 145 LBS, 146 - 155 LBS, 156 - 170 LBS, 171 - 185 LBS, 186 - 205 LBS, 206 - 215 LBS, 216 + LBS

Youth and Teens: 49 LBS & under, 50 - 59 LBS, 60 - 69 LBS, 70 - 79 LBS, 80 - 89 LBS, 90 - 99 LBS, 100 - 115 LBS, 116 - 125 LBS, 126 - 135 LBS, 136 - 145 LBS, 146 - 155 LBS, 156 - 170 LBS, 171 - 185 LBS, 186 - 205 LBS, 206 - 215 LBS, 216 + LBS

*2 LBS Allowance for weigh ins. Will be Disqualified if weight is not made.

FORMAT:

Double Elimination Format for 4 and up competitor divisions.

Round Robin Format for a 3-competitor divisions.

Best 2 out of 3 Format for a 2-competitor divisions.

This ensures all competitors will be able to have multiple matches. 

Weigh Ins: 

Starting at 8:00AM on day of competition. 

Youth *2 LBS Allowance for weigh ins. You will be Disqualified if weight is not made.

Brackets and Schedule:

Brackets and Schedules will be posted by Friday, May 29th at 12:00 PM. Available to view on the Brackets and Schedule tab. During the event, you can view it on any mobile device or screen at the event. 

Awards and Podium: 

1st (GOLD), 2nd (SLIVER), and 3rd (BRONZE) place medals will be awarded at the event. We do not have a photographer at the podium, so remember to bring a camera!  

Results: 

Results are live-streamed through smooth comp. Click on the result tab to see.