Lakeland is a regular BJJ competition stop in central Florida, with most events in the city and a few in nearby Winter Haven and Dade City. Its central location makes it a common choice for state-level and national-branded events.
The American No-Gi Nationals is the most frequent event in Lakeland. JitzKing runs the Lakeland Open and the King of the Swamp JiuJitsu Open, and Chickjitsu holds women-only events in the city. Other competitions include the Copa America Florida States, the TLC Grappling Tournament, the AGF Lakeland Championships and the Love and Loyalty Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Nationals, which also has a kids edition.
Gi and No-Gi divisions are offered in roughly equal measure, and around four in ten events include an absolute division. Around a quarter have kids divisions. November is the busiest month, followed by May and February.
