The biggest weekend in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is almost here.
In just days, the 2026 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Championship will return to Long Beach as the world’s best grapplers prepare for one of the most important tournaments in combat sports.
From May 28 through May 31, thousands of athletes, coaches, and fans will gather inside the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid for four days of elite competition, pressure-filled moments, and career-defining performances.
Every year, IBJJF Worlds becomes the center of the Jiu-Jitsu world.
For some competitors, this tournament represents the final step toward becoming a champion after years of sacrifice and training. For others, it is the opportunity to break through on the sport’s biggest stage and announce themselves to the global grappling community.
The Biggest Stage in Gi Jiu-Jitsu
The IBJJF World Championship is widely regarded as the premier gi tournament in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The event features Juvenile and Adult divisions across blue, purple, brown, and black belts, with the adult black belt brackets traditionally receiving the most attention.
Many of the sport’s most respected names built their legacies through performances at Worlds, making the championship one of the most prestigious achievements in modern grappling.
Winning an IBJJF world title is not simply about earning a medal. For many athletes, it becomes part of their identity for the rest of their careers.
Where Will the IBJJF World Championship 2026 Be Held?
The 2026 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Worlds Championship will be held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid in Long Beach.
Location:
LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid
1250 N Bellflower Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90840
United States of America
The Pyramid has become one of the most recognized venues in competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and regularly hosts some of the biggest IBJJF tournaments in the world.
Long Beach Once Again Hosts the Grappling World
The Pyramid in Long Beach has become one of the most recognizable venues in Jiu-Jitsu due to its long history with IBJJF competition.
The official brackets and tournament schedule are expected to be released on May 26, just days before the championship begins.
As the event approaches, athletes around the world are now entering the final phase of preparation. Training camps are winding down while competitors focus on recovery, strategy, conditioning, and weight management before arriving in California.
Worlds Is a Tournament Few Reach
Competing at IBJJF Worlds is not easy.
Adult black belt competitors must earn at least 80 IBJJF ranking points in order to qualify for the championship.
The tournament also operates under strict competition rules involving weigh-ins, uniforms, eligibility requirements, and anti-doping policies. Athletes are only allowed one attempt to make weight before competition.
The IBJJF has also confirmed anti-doping oversight through United States Anti-Doping Agency for the 2026 championship. Athletes are subject to testing under World Anti-Doping Agency standards during the event.
Open Class Could Produce the Weekend’s Biggest Moments
One of the most anticipated parts of IBJJF Worlds every year is the Open Class division.
Athletes who place in the top three of their divisions become eligible to enter the Open Class bracket, where competitors from different weight classes face each other in pursuit of absolute gold.
In the adult black belt division, all athletes are eligible to compete in Open Class regardless of placement.
Historically, some of the most memorable matches in IBJJF history have taken place during the absolute division because of the unpredictable stylistic matchups and championship stakes.
Gold, Pressure and Legacy Await at Worlds
Prize money will once again be awarded in the adult black belt divisions, with champions earning up to $10,000 USD depending on bracket size. Open Class champions can earn $18,000 USD.
Still, for many competitors, the title itself matters more than the financial reward.
Because becoming an IBJJF World Champion carries a level of respect that lasts forever within the grappling world.
And now, with the countdown nearly complete, the focus shifts toward Long Beach once again.
The mats are almost ready.
The brackets are coming soon.
And the next chapter in Jiu-Jitsu history is about to begin.
For more information on prices, athlete list, divisions and more, visit IBJJF
