Inland Empire Jiu Jitsu Open 2026
Organized by NABJJF
NABJJF brings IBJJF-style competition to Lake Elsinore on October 10, 2026 for the Inland Empire Jiu Jitsu Open. The tournament runs gi and no-gi divisions across all belts and weight classes for competitors throughout the Inland Empire.
Event Description
The Inland Empire Jiu Jitsu Open runs under NABJJF, the North American BJJ Federation, which has been operating for more than 20 years under the motto of turning hobbyists into champions. NABJJF hosts more than ten tournaments a year across a single unified ranking system, scoring matches on a ruleset based on the SJJIF format, with weight classes set by maximum-weight ceilings rather than fixed brackets. This edition takes place Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Lake Elsinore, California, with gi and no-gi divisions open to all belts and weight classes. Registration is handled through nabjjf.smoothcomp.com.
Divisions
Registration deadline: September 30, 2026
About NABJJF
NABJJF (the North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation), founded in Los Angeles in 2005, runs 10+ gi and no-gi tournaments a year for all ages and belts. Its flagship North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament reached its 20th annual edition in 2026.
Rules
IBJJF rules are the standard most BJJ competition rules descend from. Matches are scored on positional progress: 2 points for a takedown, sweep, or knee-on-belly; 3 points for passing the guard; and 4 points for mount, back mount, or back control with hooks. Advantages are awarded for near-scores and close submission attempts and act as the first tiebreaker, followed by penalties and finally referee decision. Match length scales with rank, from 5 minutes for adult white belts up to 10 minutes for black belts.
Legal techniques expand with age and belt. White belts face the tightest restrictions (no wrist locks, slicers, or kneebars); jump to purple and brown/black and more leg attacks and pressure submissions open up. Since the 2021 rule change, heel hooks and inside knee reaping are legal — but only in the adult brown/black no-gi divisions. Kids divisions run shorter matches with a much more restrictive legal-technique list.
Uniform rules are enforced: gis must be white, royal blue, or black, properly fitted, with a rank-appropriate belt; no-gi divisions require rash guards displaying the competitor's belt color. Referees can disqualify for illegal gear, so check the uniform checklist before stepping on the scale.
Always confirm the official rulebook before you compete — organizations update rules between seasons. See the official event page for current rules.
Community results
No results logged yet. Results show up here once competitors log them after the event.
Frequently asked questions
- When and where is the Inland Empire Jiu Jitsu Open?
- Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Lake Elsinore, California.
- What organization runs this event?
- NABJJF, the North American BJJ Federation, which has run tournaments for over 20 years.
- What ruleset is used?
- NABJJF scores matches on a ruleset based on the SJJIF format, with weight classes set by maximum-weight ceilings.
- How do I register?
- Through nabjjf.smoothcomp.com.
- Does NABJJF have a ranking system?
- Yes, NABJJF operates a single unified ranking system across its 10+ annual tournaments.
BJJ gyms near Lake Elsinore, CA
Looking for a place to train before or after the tournament?
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