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The weekend witnessed incredible action across three Open Circuit events. Former World Champions returned to the mats, elite athletes fought for divisional supremacy, and rising prospects claimed the jiu-jitsu spotlight over the weekend. 
 

Honolulu Open

The IBJJF Circuit returned to Hawaii for the first time in sixteen years. The athletes brought immense energy to the mats, and delivered an incredible exhibition of high-level jiu-jitsu. The city of Wahiawa hosted memorable action, especially from two natives of the state. 

Zach and Jessa Kaina of AOJ secured gold medals in their respective divisions. Zach captured four submission victories en route to claiming gold in both featherweight Gi and No-Gi brackets. Jessa returned to competition for the first time since winning her World Championship title in 2023.  

Another representative of Hawaii, Will Wilson, left the Honolulu Open with a middleweight gold medal and an open class silver. Horlando Monteiro broke through as the double-gold champion in Adult Gi competition, a run that included three victories. 

Reigning No-Gi World silver medalist Marcelo Fausto claimed a pair of submission finishes in his No-Gi double-gold performance. 

All-in-all it was a fantastic return to Hawaii, with athletes supplying an intense atmosphere to contradict the island’s relaxed energy. The community’s response certainly warrants further Hawaiian events, as the island state has proven itself more than capable of bringing the porrada.

 

São Paulo Open

The Brazilian Circuit delivered its own remarkable action in São Paulo. World Champion athletes supplied the starpower, while rising athletes brought distinct spirit to the event.

Vinicius Liberati was certainly a standout performer, with five submissions across six matches en route to earning double-gold honors. The Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu star completed a breakout Gi season in the first half of 2026, and appears to be continuing his ascension through the pound-for-pound rankings.

Another World Champion athlete Tamiris Silva claimed super-heavyweight gold in São Paulo. The DreamArt product has yet to secure a Grand Slam event title since her World Championship title in 2024. After claiming podium placements at both Brasileiro and World Championship events in 2026, Tamiris remains a significant threat in the heavyweight division.

Giovanah Oliveira of JFC Almeida appeared to be in top-form, earning five victories and a pair of gold medals in Gi, while also reaching the No-Gi Absolute finals. Giovanah has steadily improved and risen through the ranks since achieving her black belt, leading many to believe her inaugural major title is coming in the near future.

Ingridd Alves continued to stay busy with another fantastic performance this weekend, earning heavyweight Gi gold and No-Gi double-gold. Ingridd finalized her Gi season with three major event silver medals, an impressive campaign that is undoubtedly difficult to swallow. Since then, she has remained very active in both Gi and No-Gi competition, recently securing the Brasileiro No-Gi Heavyweight title.

Andre Baeta leaves São Paulo as another highlight athlete, securing the prestigious No-Gi double-gold triumph. With this performance, Andre has now secured four No-Gi gold medals on the Brazilian circuit this year.

Jefferson Tijolo of DreamArt secured his inaugural black belt gold medal over the weekend. Jeferson secured a pair of victories to top the heavyweight podium, a memorable feat for one of the most exciting additions to the black belt level.

A collection of elite athletes converged in Brazil over the weekend, resulting in a number of thrilling performances. For more Brazilian competitions, look out for Master International - South America this weekend in Rio de Janeiro and the Vitoria Open the following weekend.

 

Virginia Open

The Virginia Open showcased strong East Coast talent. Fredericksburg played host to adult Gi and No-Gi action, as well as Kids Gi competition. Spectators witnessed intense adult divisions and fascinating next-generation talents showcasing their immense skillsets. 

Elijah Dorsey departed the Virginia Open as the shining star. Elijah secured six victories, double-gold in Gi, and a No-Gi middleweight gold. The Lloyd Irvin product looked phenomenal in his initial return to action since the World Championship event. Elijah remains one of the most exciting and talented middleweight athletes in the world.

Nicole Sullivan of Kogaion Academy matched that energy with three gold medals of her own. Nicole secured the featherweight Gi title, and returned to capture double-gold in No-Gi competition. 

Unity’s Emilia Pakulski secured the female Gi absolute title in a strong showing. The victory marks Emilia’s first gold medal of 2026, while fans can expect her to return to the New York Open to defend her 2025 gold medal performance.

Malachi Edmond secured the Master 1 Featherweight gold medal with a pair of finishes. Malachi is slated to compete at the 2026 World Master event, where he is certainly a strong contender to capture a Master World title.

In brown belt action, Caitlin Ghalayini earned two victories to claim double-gold in the Gi. Elliot Alwes of Team Lloyd Irvin secured double-gold in the male Gi division, earning four victories along the way.

The Virginia Open witnessed strong performances from rising prospects, while proven veterans returned to the mats with incredible runs. With Chicago and New York Open events just around the corner, we look forward to seeing East Coast return to the blue and yellow mats.

 

Stay tuned to official IBJJF Channels for information on upcoming events and championship updates.