Jiu-Jitsu CON is the biggest jiu-jitsu event on the planet and this year’s edition is without a doubt the biggest and best one yet. From the World Master, to the Absolute GP, to all the different seminars and activities, the event has something to offer every jiu-jitsu fan and practitioner. The following is your complete guide, including the schedule, for Jiu-Jitsu CON 2023.

IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix

Absolute GP Press Conference: Thursday, August 31st, 1PM - 2PM

Absolute GP: Friday, September 1st, 5PM

The IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix stands as a premier professional event that features eight of jiu-jitsu’s best athletes competing for the title of Absolute Grand Prix Champion. Scheduled for the 1st of September in Las Vegas, Nevada, this edition of the Grand Prix promises to be an electrifying display of technique and submissions. This year’s field of elite black belts includes World Champions Victor Hugo, Nicholas Meregali, and Fellipe Andrew, along with Gutemberg Pereira, Steffen Banta, Francisco Lo, Horlando Monteiro, and Paulo Merlin. Don't miss your chance to watch this star-studded cast of black belts at the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix. In addition to the Absolute Grand Prix, there will also be five super fights featuring athletes from different weight classes looking to put on a show on the big stage. 

Absolute GP Preview Podcast: https://ibjjf.com/news/ibjjf-podcast-samir-chantre-breaks-down-the-absolute-gp

Absolute GP Preview Article: https://ibjjf.com/news/2023-ibjjf-absolute-gp-preview

Buchecha Movie Premier

Thursday, August 31st, 3:30PM - 4:30PM

Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is an IBJJF Hall of Fame member and has 13 black belt World titles, the most in the history of the sport. As the most accomplished competitor of all time, Buchecha influenced countless jiu-jitsu practitioners all over the world with his technique, determination, and electrifying performances on the mats. To help commemorate his illustrious career, a film documenting his career will be released entitled “Buchecha.” The documentary will premiere at Jiu-Jitsu CON following the Absolute GP press conference on Thursday, August 31st. This is an exclusive first look at the film that you will not want to miss.

Free Seminars

Between all the exciting matches in Las Vegas, Jiu-Jitsu CON attendees will have the opportunity to participate in free seminars with some of the best instructors and athletes in jiu-jitsu. The seminars start on Thursday, August 31st and run through Saturday, September 2nd. Sign ups will be available two hours before each seminar with spots available on a first come first served basis. Don’t miss these opportunities to learn from some of the best coaches and competitors in the sport!

Thursday Aug. 31st, 12PM - 1PM: Julio Cesar and Gutemberg Pereira

GF Team leaders Julio Cesar and Gutemberg Pereira will teach the first Jiu-Jitsu CON free seminar on Thursday, August 31st at 12 PM. Master Julio Cesar is a coral belt and co-founder of GF Team. Gutemberg Pereira is a Brasileiro Champion and Worlds silver medalist and is one of the most dynamic and submission-oriented competitors on the scene and also a highly regarded instructor. Learn the GF Team style that has led the team to countless victories in competition.

Thursday Aug. 31st, 2PM - 3PM: Ronaldo Junior and Rolando Samson

Atos HQ in San Diego, California has long been the home of some of the very best competitors in the world. Ronaldo Junior and Rolando Samson are two examples, as they’ve become elite black belt athleters under the tutelage of IBJJF Hall of Fame member Andre Galvao. Ronaldo is a 2020 Pan Champion and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and dynamic black belt competitors. Rolando Samson is a Jiu-Jitsu CON Champion and a Worlds and Pans bronze medalist. 2023 has been an incredible year for Rolando, who came back from several injuries to put on some of the best performances of his black belt career. If you want to learn from two young champions on the cutting edge of today’s competition tested techniques, then you will not want to miss this seminar. 

Thursday Aug. 31st, 4PM - 5PM: Marcio De Deus and Gabrieli Pessanha

Since being promoted to black belt 2019 at the age of 18, Gabrieli Pessanha has been on a mission to become one of the best competitors of all time. So far she’s won every major black belt title in dominant fashion, even securing the incredibly elusive Double Grand Slam two seasons in a row. Her accomplishments have propelled her to the #1 ranking for adult female black belts by a wide margin. Her Professor, Marcio De Deus, has been instrumental in her career. Marcio started a social project in Rio De Janeiro that was the birthplace of many athletes’ careers, including Gabrieli’s. His work in the community to help underprivileged youth has inspired countless jiu-jitsu practitioners worldwide. 

Friday Sept. 1st, 10AM - 11AM: Leo Vieira and Lucas Leite

Professors Leo Vieira and Lucas Leite are the leaders of the 2021 World Champion team CheckMat. Leo is a World, Pan, and Brasileiro Champion and founded CheckMat alongside his brothers and has developed it into one of the best competition teams in the world. Multiple time World No-Gi and Pan Champion Lucas Leite has also been instrumental in the success of team CheckMat. Leo’s and Lucas’ academies in Seal Beach and La Habra, California, respectively, have produced several champions and continue to churn out high level young talent. 

Friday Sept. 1st, 12PM - 1PM: Dimitrius Souza

European, Pan, and Brasileiro Champion Dimitrius Souza has been one of the top competitors out of the Alliance team for well over a decade. He received his black belt back in 2011 and quickly established himself as an elite athlete. His most recent major title came at the 2022 Pans, where he beat world class competitors on his way to gold. Dimitrius has a well rounded skill set and is a very detail oriented instructor, so his seminar is not one you’ll want to miss.

Saturday Sept. 2nd, 10AM - 11AM: Robert Drysdale and Amy Campo

Zenith BJJ black belts Robert Drysdale and Amy Campo will teach a free Jiu-Jitsu CON  seminar for the second straight year on Saturday, September 2nd at 10 AM. Their seminar in 2022 had an amazing turnout so this one is expected to be packed. Professor Robert Drysdale is a black belt World Champion and also the co-founder of the Zenith BJJ Team. Amy Campo is also a black belt World Champion, winning the 2023 Worlds in the medium-heavyweight division. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from two black belt World Champions.

Saturday Sept. 2nd, 12PM - 1PM: Heath Pedigo and Jacob Couch

Pedigo Submission Fighting founder Heath Pedigo and brown belt World No-Gi Champion Jacob Couch are two highly respected figures in the jiu-jitsu community. Heath has created not only a team but a family in Mount Vernon, Illinois at PSF headquarters. They’ve produced excellent results in competition, winning back to back team titles at the Pans No-Gi. Jacob Couch has been one of the team's most successful competitors. Not only does he possess a high technical level, he is also a very charismatic leader who has inspired the jiu-jitsu community.

Saturday Sept. 2nd, 2PM - 3PM: Carlson Gracie Jr. and Sergio “Canudo” Zimmermann

Carlson Gracie Jr. is the only son of Carlson Gracie Sr., one of the most important figures in the history of jiu-jitsu. After learning under his father throughout his youth, Carlson Jr. became a competitor and an instructor. He moved to the Midwest of the U.S. in the mid nineties where he played a major role in the growth and development of the sport. World Master and European Champion Sergio “Canudo” Zimmermann is the founder and head coach of Pound For Pound Munich where he’s taught the art and been highly influential on the German jiu-jitsu scene.

Tournaments

World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championships (Aug. 31st - Sept. 2nd, 2023)

The World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championships are the largest jiu-jitsu tournament in the world, drawing more and more 30+ year old competitors to Las Vegas each and every year. From 30 year old Master 1 competitors all the way up to 70+ year old master 7 competitors, the World Masters have divisions for a wide range of ages and ability levels. Since the first edition of the event all the way back in 2012, the World Master has evolved into an annual tournament that carries significant prestige among the community. The master 1 and 2 black belts will compete on Thursday August 31st and the master 3-7 black belts will compete on Friday September 1st.

World Masters Athletes To Watch, Masters 1 and 2 Thursday, Aug. 31st: 

Joao Miyao, Paulo Miyao, Samir Chantre, Nathalie Ribeiro, Raquel Canuto, JT Torres, Michael Liera Jr., Jaime Canuto, Marcos Tinoco, Manuel Ribamar, Sergio Rios, Maria Malyjasiak, Mayara Custódio, Wilson Reis, Gregor Gracie, Rafael Lovato Jr., Piter Frank, Ricardo Evangelista, Karen Antunes, Talita Nogueira, and many more

World Masters Athletes To Watch, Masters 3 through 7, Friday, Sept. 1st:

Alexandre “Soca” Fernandes, Bianca Barreto, Wellington “Megaton” Dias, Roberto Godoi, Rodrigo Medeiros, Josh Hinger, Bruno Bastos, Suyan Queiroz, Cássio Werneck, Jair Lourenço, Fabio Leopoldo, and many more

Jiu-Jitsu CON International & Jiu-Jitsu CON No-Gi International (Aug. 31st - Sept 1st, 2023)

Jiu-Jitsu CON hosts several other prestigious gi and no-gi tournaments that draw competitors from around the globe, including the Jiu-Jitsu CON International and the Jiu-Jitsu CON No-Gi International. These competitions carry a two-star rating, translating to increased ranking points for podium-finishing athletes. The heightened significance and scoring potential of these events promise thrilling encounters, captivating both participants and spectators alike.

Gi Athletes to watch: Gabrieli Pessanha, Mayssa Bastos, Diego “Pato,” Lucas Barbosa, Melissa Stricker, Raquel Canuto, Natan Chueng, Rafael Silveira, Arnaldo Maidana, Pedro Alex, Italo Lima, Marco Mendes

No-Gi Athletes to watch: Amanda Alequin, Diego “Pato,” Melissa Stricker, Richar Nogueira, Pedro Rocha, Steffen Banta

Jiu-Jitsu CON Novice International (Aug. 31st - Sept 1st, 2023)

The Jiu-Jitsu CON Novice International stands as one of the largest tournaments globally for novices, offering a top-tier arena for white belt athletes who are relatively new to competitive jiu-jitsu. Should you be partaking in this event, make sure to peruse the schedule and order of fights on ibjjf.com.

Jiu-Jitsu CON Kids International (Sept. 2nd, 2023)

Participating in youth sports is deeply ingrained in our cultural fabric, and among these activities, jiu-jitsu is rapidly emerging as a highly desirable option for kids of all ages. The practice of jiu-jitsu imparts crucial qualities like confidence, self-esteem, respect, and dedication to youngsters. If your child or student is taking part in the upcoming event, we recommend visiting ibjjf.com to thoroughly review the schedule and bout order.

Masters Ranking Awards

Thursday Aug. 31st, 2:30PM: Masters 1 & 2

Friday Sept. 1st, 12:30PM: Masters 3-7

Throughout the 2022/2023 season, masters level athletes have achieved extraordinary results in competition. In order to properly recognize the achievements of our remarkable athletes, there will be two masters ranking award ceremonies. The first one will take place on Thursday, August 31st at 2:30PM and will recognize the top Masters 1 and 2 athletes. Masters 3 through 7 athletes will be recognized at the ranking awards ceremony on Friday, September 1st at 12:30PM. Please join us in honoring the dedication and accomplishments of our masters athletes.

Books Signings

Gabrieli Pessanha

2X Double Grand Slam Champion Gabrieli Pessanha has one of the most inspirational stories in jiu-jitsu. After starting her training in a social project at a young age, Gabrieli quickly rose through the ranks and showed incredible aptitude for the sport, winning nearly every tournament she competed in. Her incredible competition results continued through every belt rank and despite being just 23 years old, Gabrieli is already one of the most accomplished black belts of all time. Her book, Gabrieli Pessanha From the City of God to the World!, chronicles her journey from humble beginning to black belt World Champion. You can get your copy of the book at Jiu-Jitsu CON, where Gabrieli will be doing a book signing on Thursday, August 31st from 5 PM - 6 PM. 

Robert Drysdale

2005 World Champion Robert Drysdale was one of the best competitors of his generation. He faced countless legends in the sport and developed a well-rounded and highly effective game that he used throughout his career. After retiring from competition, Drysdale’s focus has been on The Zenith association and his academy in Las Vegas as well as on his projects documenting the history of our sport. He first released the Opening Closed Guard book  in 2020, which featured interviews from many important figures in the sport who played a significant role in its growth and popularization. This year Drysdale released his second book, The Rise And Evolution Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, documenting the major events and characters that were responsible for turning BJJ into a global phenomenon. 

Private Training Sessions

Buchecha x Wodify Seminar: Thursday, August 31st, 1PM - 3PM

Roger Gracie x KickSite Seminar: Friday, September 1st, 2PM - 4PM

In addition to the free seminars, there will also be private training sessions with two of the best competitors to ever grace the mats. Hall of Fame members Roger Gracie and Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida will be at Jiu-Jitsu CON and will teach exclusive seminars. Buchecha’s seminar will be on Thursday, August 31st from 1-3PM and is in partnership with Wodify, a gym and studio management software company that has helped over 5,000 business owners grow and prosper through its all-in-one management system. Roger Gracie’s seminar will take place on Friday, September 1st from 2PM - 4PM and is in partnership with KickSite, a martial arts software system dedicated to making gym owners’ lives easier since 2007. 

Shoyoroll Gi Drop

Shoyoroll has firmly established itself as one of the premier brands in jiu-jitsu, offering highly sought after kimonos for competitors and everyday practitioners alike. The brand has something extra special in store for the 2023 Jiu-Jitsu CON, a Shoyoroll X IBJJF gi that will be released on Friday, September 1st. There will be both white and blue versions of the gi, with the blue version being a Jiu-Jitsu CON exclusive release. 

Roger Gracie Meet & Greet

Saturday, Sept. 2nd, 2PM - 3PM

10X World Champion and IBJJF Hall of Fame member Roger Gracie will be available for a Jiu-Jitsu CON exclusive meet and greet on Saturday, September 2nd from 2PM to 3PM. Roger’s masterful execution of fundamental techniques and his ability to submit the vast majority of his opponents have made him an icon in the sport. Don’t miss your chance to meet this legend at the biggest jiu-jitsu event in the world.