Chess–Jitsu Tournament #1
Presented by Fraser Valley Chess Academy & Kalianda One Athletics
Experience a unique fusion of strategy and athleticism. This special event brings together the precision of Chess and the dynamic intensity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in a competitive, engaging format.
Participants will alternate between timed chess rounds and grappling bouts, testing their focus, skill, and adaptability. Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, expect an exciting showcase of mental sharpness and physical mastery.
Join us for a tournament where two disciplines meet and true versatility shines!
Top 2 finishers in each weight class per bracket win cash prizes, for a total prize pool of $720.
Location: Kalianda One Athletics, 20145 Stewart Crescent #106, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0T6
Date: Dec 13th, 2025 (Saturday)
Entry Fees:
Players: $30 + GST per bracket; Register Before 12th December 2025.
Adult Spectators: $10 + GST per bracket
Youth Spectators (under 18): Free
There are a limited number of spectator spots for up to 40-50 people, therefore we ask that you purchase a spectator ticket in advance of the tournament. This fee also helps support the tournament organization and prize fund.
Brackets are designed by belt color and weight categories.
Belt Colours:
White Belt – Bracket 1, 12pm to 3pm
Grey Belt – Bracket 2, 3pm to 6pm
Weight Classes:
60-70lbs
70-80lbs
80-90lbs
*Weight will be verified before the tournament. Weight classes may be subject to change.
Event Schedule:
Overall Timing: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Bracket 1 (White Belt): 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Break: 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Bracket 2 (Grey Belt): 3:15 PM – 6:00 PM
Prizes:
White Belt
60-70 lbs – 1st place : $70
60-70 lbs – 2nd place : $50
70-80 lbs – 1st place : $70
70-80 lbs – 2nd place : $50
80-90 lbs – 1st place : $70
80-90 lbs – 2nd place : $50
Grey Belt
60-70 lbs – 1st place : $70
60-70 lbs – 2nd place : $50
70-80 lbs – 1st place : $70
70-80 lbs – 2nd place : $50
80-90 lbs – 1st place : $70
80-90 lbs – 2nd place : $50
Tournament Guidelines
Match Format
- Each showcase match consists of two-minute rounds alternating between chess and Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). - A coin flip will determine who chooses the starting discipline. The winner of the flip selects whether to
begin with chess or BJJ. - The competitor who did not call the coin flip chooses their chess color (white or black)
Chess Round
- All chess games will be played using a chess clock.
- Each competitor must press the clock after making a move to stop their time and start the
opponent’s. - When the two-minute round ends, the chess clock will be paused, and the board position will be
preserved exactly for the next chess round. - Chess rounds resume from the last recorded position.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Round
- Matches will follow the IBJJF legality system with no points awarded — submission or checkmate
decides the outcome. - The IBJJF legality system means all techniques must comply with IBJJF rules for the child’s age
and belt level, including: - No heel hooks, neck cranks, or twisting leg locks
- No slams or suplexes
- Chokes and joint locks are only allowed when age and rank appropriate
- Safety is prioritized at all times — referees may stop a match if a competitor is in danger or not
defending safely - When the two-minute BJJ round ends, the position is paused, and the next round begins with chess.
Victory Conditions
- The first competitor to achieve checkmate or submission wins the match.
- If neither occurs within the allotted rounds, the referee may declare a draw or extend time at their
discretion. - Tiebreaks will be determined with coin flip at the judges discretion.
- Judges may consider a technical criteria if necessary to determine a tiebreak instead of a coin flip if there is sufficient information to make a decision.