Chicago has one of the busiest BJJ competition calendars in the Midwest. Grappling Industries Chicago is the most frequent event, returning several times a year, and most tournaments are held in the city, with some also running in nearby La Grange and Willowbrook.
The Grappling Games runs a seasonal series with the Chicago Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Games. Other recurring competitions include the NAGA Chicago Grappling Championship, the Combat Sports Report Invitational and the Tap Cancer Out Chicago BJJ Open.
Gi and No-Gi divisions are offered in equal measure, and around two in five events include kids divisions. Around a third run an absolute division. Round-robin brackets under house rules are common. Entry is typically around $30–$105. November is the busiest month, followed by April, October, July and January.
