NAGA Chicago Grappling Championship

NAGA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF GRAPPLING EXCELLENCE!

The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) is excited to return to Chicago, IL, where grapplers of all skill levels and ages can showcase their talents and compete to win the best awards in grappling. As the world's largest mixed grappling organization, NAGA offers divisions for Gi and No-Gi competitors, providing a platform for athletes to challenge themselves in a professional and well-organized event. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time participant, NAGA tournaments promise a memorable experience.

NEW FOR 2026:

2 MATCH BRACKETS FOR ALL COMPETITORS

• 2-Person Divisions: Best 2-out-of-3
• 3-Person Divisions: Round Robin
• 4-Person + Divisions: 4 or more competitors will now have a 3rd place bracket for those who lose a match enabling them to compete again at no extra cost

These new bracket types will make sure each competitor has a chance at two matches per division (barring injury, opponent withdrawal, etc.) so they can gain that valuable experience on the mats.

AFFORDABLE PRICING - AS LOW AS $79 TO COMPETE

$79 - Register by 10/10/26, Use coupon code 40CHICAGO2026 at checkout $99 - Register 10/11/26 to 10/24/26, Use coupon code 20CHICAGO2026 at checkout $119 - Register 10/25/26 to 11/13/26 (Early Bird Registration) $139 - Register 11/14/26 to 11/18/26 (Normal Registration) $169 - Register on 11/19/26 to 11/20/26 (Late Registration) * Limit 1 coupon per competitor per tournament. * Extra Divisions including Absolute are $35 each

Prize Money Awarded to the Expert No-Gi Absolute Division Winners

NAGA is excited to offer money prizes at all our 2025 events to the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Adult Expert No-Gi Absolute divisions. To be eligible for the prize money, a competitor must participate in both their weight class division and the absolute division. There must be at least 4 competitors in the absolute division for prize money to be awarded.

The amount awarded to the winner will be based on the number of competitors entered at the start of the division.

0-3 competitors = no prize will be awarded

4-7 competitors = $250

8-11 competitors = $500

12-15 competitors = $750

16 or more competitors = $1000

*Some tournaments may have a Master Expert Absolute, this division is not eligible for the prize money.

*All absolute divisions are single elimination.

CHAMPIONSHIP BELTS AWARDED

NAGA awards HUGE championship belts to all Children, Teen, Adult, Masters, Director and Executive, Expert Division Winners. Each competitor is limited to one championship belt per event.

CHILDREN'S CHAMPIONSHIP BELTS

NAGA now awards Children's Championship belts to all non-expert Children & Teens (17 yrs. & Under) 1st place division winners. Each competitor is limited to one championship belt per event.

NAGA NO-GI INNOVATIONS

1. Points for Submission Attempts: NAGA is the only international circuit to award points for submission attempts
2. Competitor Interviews: NAGA is the only organization that interviews competitors to accurately place them in appropriate skill divisions beyond just belt rank
3. Allowed Submissions: NAGA allows virtually all submissions in our Intermediate and Expert No-Gi Skill levels (Ages 18 & Above)
4. Weigh-In: NAGA was the first to introduce the option of weighing in either the night before or on the day of the event. Additionally, we provide a 1-pound allowance to spare competitors from having to strip down completely during weigh-ins!

THE WORLD'S LARGEST GRAPPLING APPAREL BOOTH!

NAGA boasts the world's largest grappling apparel booth! Spanning over 100 feet, it offers an impressive selection of more than 125 items, including board shorts, rash guards, t-shirts, duffle bags, laptop bags, baseball caps, skull caps, and even samurai swords. The collection caters to both children and adults and male and female athletes.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM

NAGA organizes over 75 tournaments worldwide each year. If you're interested in becoming a referee, please fill out the Referee Application. We also have various other positions available, such as ring coordinator, security, weigh-in, and awards. If you're not competing but would like to work at an event, email us at info@nagafighter.com.