Chewjitsu Open Frankenmuth 2026

**$350 Absolute Division Cash Prizes for this event thanks to a sponsorship from 1st Optimal! More info below!**

Chewjitsu Open is not your average tournament! Get ready for MORE MATCHES at this SUB ONLY, Round Robin, Madison style bracketed tournament, grouping you with your nearest weight and experience/age level. You’ll have up to 4 matches per division and not have to worry about cutting or missing weight!

Come back the next day to learn from IBJJF Worlds & three-time Pan Am Champion Nick “Chewy” Albin at a three hour, No Gi seminar. You don’t have to compete to participate in the seminar, but discount rates are available if you do!

The Chewjitsu Open offers Gi and No Gi divisions for all ages with medals and championship belt prizes, as well as optional Absolute divisions with cash prizes for adults. Youth ages 8 and under Beginner/White Belt Divisions are points only, no submissions, to provide a safe and competitive event for kids.

What is Madison bracketing? Click the Rules tab to learn more!

Register | Divisions | Rules | Pricing | Frequently Asked Questions

Chewjitsu Seminar | History & Testimonials

Download the event flyer

Spectator Passes and Official Merch can be purchased HERE!

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New for 2026

1. New Masters III 45+ division
2. New championship belt design and seminar material
3. Family discounts if 3 or more members are competing
4. Youth Team Champion Banners for top 3 youth teams

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Event Location

Harvey Kern Community Pavilion

599 Weiss St

Frankenmuth, MI 48734

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Weigh-ins

Location: Harvey Kern Community Pavilion

Friday, November 6th: Early weigh-ins, 5 - 7 pm for Youth & Adult. Weigh in early to skip the line and avoid the Saturday morning rush.

Saturday, November 7th: Weigh-ins, 7 - 8 am for Youth, 7 - 10 am for Adults. No need to weigh in twice if you already weighed in Friday night.

Failing to weigh in will result in a forfeiture of matches. Refunds will not be issued to those missing weigh ins.

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Event Schedule

Chewjitsu Open - Saturday, November 7th

Youth Rules Meeting & Match Start: 10 am

Adult Rules Meeting & Match Start: 1:30 pm

Match flow: Youth No Gi -> Youth Gi -> Adult No Gi -> Adult Gi -> Absolute No Gi (Adults Only)

All No Gi matches will complete before Gi matches begin.

All Youth matches will complete before Adult matches begin.

Adult Expert/Black Belt will be at the start of the Adult divisions so coaches can compete and be available to coach their students afterwards.

Chewjitsu Seminar - Sunday, November 8th

Click here for more info.

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Awards

We provide high quality awards for individuals and teams.

Medals: Top 3 finishers in all divisions win a high quality Chewjitsu Open medal.

Belts: Win your division and receive a CHAMPIONSHIP BELT! Must compete and place top 3 in a second division to qualify (Gi, No Gi, Absolute). Limit 1 belt per competitor per tournament if winning multiple divisions.

Cash: Absolute No Gi Division Champs also win $350!

Best Team: Top 3 overall teams will take home a Chewjitsu Open banner to display in their gyms.

Best Youth Team: Top 3 overall youth teams will take home a Chewjitsu Open banner to display in their gyms.

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About our Sponsor - 1st Optimal

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They provide personalized, science-driven medical care:

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• Pharmaceutical Grade Supplementation and Nutrition Plans.
• Comprehensive Blood Work and Gut Health Testing.

The 1st Optimal online telehealth platform ensures you perform at your best!

Stay sharp, stay strong, stay on the mats. Get started at 1stOptimal.com and use code "CHEWY" for a 10% discount.

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Work the Event - Join our team!

Referees: Purple belt and up with competition and/or referee experience preferred.

Scorekeepers: Basic jiu-jitsu knowledge and computer skills preferred.

Setup: 5 - 6 hours of work the day before the tournament.

Security: Ensure guests have wristbands for access

Athletic Trainer/First Responder: Professional certification required

We provide:

Competitive pay, training, lunch, and bottled water

Mileage for those traveling 1+ hrs

Lodging for those traveling 2+ hrs

Free t-shirt for Refs, Scorekeepers, and Security that you can keep

30% discount to staff and their children

Apply online here