What is USA Judo’s 2026 Point Tournament Series?
USA Judo has officially announced its 16 point tournaments for the 2026 season, outlining a nationwide competition circuit that will shape rankings and athlete progression across the year.
The schedule includes events across nine U.S. states, creating a structured pathway for juniors, seniors, veterans, and visually impaired divisions to compete and earn points.
Who is involved in the 2026 USA Judo season?
The 2026 circuit will feature:
- Junior athletes
- Senior competitors
- Veteran divisions
- Visually impaired (VI) athletes
These events are open to athletes competing under USA Judo, with ranking points contributing to national standings and future selection opportunities.
What tournaments are included in the 2026 lineup?
The season includes 16 officially recognized point events, highlighted by four major national championships:
USA Judo National Events
- USA Judo Youth National Championships
March 14–15 – Wichita, Kansas - USA Judo Senior National Championships
May 9–10 – Albuquerque, New Mexico - USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships
June (TBD) - USA Judo President’s Cup
November (TBD)
These events form the core of the competitive calendar and carry significant ranking importance.
When does the 2026 USA Judo season take place?
The season runs from January through December 2026, starting with the Veterans Open in New York and concluding with the Northeastern Judo Championships in New Jersey.
Key timeline highlights:
- Season Start: January 31, 2026
- Mid-season peak: May–July (national events + U.S. Open)
- Season End: December 6, 2026
Where are the tournaments being held?
The 2026 events span multiple states, including:
- New York
- Wisconsin
- Kansas
- New Mexico
- California
- Illinois
- Texas
- Florida
- New Jersey
This nationwide distribution allows athletes from across the U.S. to compete without relying on a single region.
Full 2026 USA Judo Point Tournament Schedule
January 31 – Veterans Open (New York, NY)
March 7 – Wahadachi Judo Tournament (Milwaukee, WI)
March 14–15 – USA Judo Youth Nationals (Wichita, KS)
May 3 – Battle in the Square V (New Rochelle, NY)
May 9–10 – USA Judo Senior Nationals (Albuquerque, NM)
May 22–24 – Golden State Open (Los Angeles, CA)
June (TBD) – Junior Olympic Championships
June 7 – Summer Slam (Paterson, NJ)
June 20 – Tohkon Classic 28 (Chicago, IL)
July 22–29 – U.S. Open Judo Championships (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
August 22 – Veterans Open (Houston, TX)
September 18–20 – San Jose Open (San Jose, CA)
September 26 – Suncoast Warriors Championship (Florida)
November 21 – Dallas Open (Irving, TX)
November (TBD) – President’s Cup
December 6 – Northeastern Championships (Paterson, NJ)
What is at stake in the 2026 season?
Each event contributes to the USA Judo points ranking system, which plays a key role in:
- Athlete rankings
- National recognition
- Selection pathways for future international events
Performance across multiple tournaments will be critical for athletes aiming to climb the rankings.
How will the season play out?
The season is structured to build momentum:
- Early events set the tone (January–March)
- National championships define mid-season rankings
- Major events like the U.S. Open impact standings
- Final tournaments close the ranking race
Consistency across events—not just one performance—will determine top athletes.
Why is the 2026 USA Judo circuit important?
The 2026 schedule reflects USA Judo’s continued effort to:
- Expand competitive opportunities nationwide
- Provide structured ranking pathways
- Support development across all divisions
With 16 events across the country, the circuit offers both accessibility and high-level competition.
What’s next for athletes?
USA Judo will release an updated points matrix for 2026, outlining how each event contributes to rankings.
Athletes and coaches are encouraged to plan early and target key tournaments throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many events are in the 2026 season?
There are 16 official USA Judo point tournaments.
Do all events count toward rankings?
Yes, each event contributes points based on level and division.
Are there national championships included?
Yes, four major national events headline the season.
