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Chess–Jitsu Tournament #2

Presented by Fraser Valley Chess Academy & Kalianda One Athletics

FVCA Chess-Jitsu Tournament


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. FVCA is excited to collaborate with Kalianda One Athletics to host the 2nd Chess-Jitsu tournament series. A spectacular prize fund of $720 to be presented to the top 2 finishers in each bracket + weight category (total of 12 unique winners).

More about Kalianda One Athletics:

Kalianda One Athletics officially opened its doors in January 2025 with a mission to provide high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and a strong community environment for students of all ages. The academy is owned and operated by coaches Ryan Plessl and Maizar Suryadi, both lifelong martial artists with deep experience as competitors, instructors, and youth-focused coaches.

Ryan and Maizar have each been training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for many years, consistently testing themselves on major stages throughout North America. Both coaches are North American Champions and have held Top-10 world rankings at their respective belt levels. Their competitive backgrounds shape the technical standard of the academy, while their teaching experience ensures a welcoming and structured environment for beginners and advanced athletes alike.

Beyond the mats, both Ryan and Maizar are passionate chess enthusiasts. Their belief in the shared problem-solving mindset between chess and Jiu-Jitsu naturally led to supporting the Chess/Jitsu collaboration. They are excited to help grow this event and continue building community connections through both disciplines.

Event Guidelines:

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.

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. Free street parking.
Date & time: Feb 21st, 2026 (Saturday) from 12pm to 6pm.

Entry Fees:
Players: $30 + GST per bracket; Register Before 18th February, 2026.
Adult Spectators:
$10 + GST per bracket (including parents)
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.

Event Schedule:
Bracket 1 (White Belt): 12pm to 2:45pm
Lunch Break: 2:45pm to 3:15pm
Bracket 2 (Grey Belt): 3:15pm to 6pm

Weight Classes:
60-70lbs/ 70-80lbs/ 80-90lbs
*Weight will be verified before the tournament. Weight classes may be subject to change.

Prizes:
White Belt (Bracket 1)
60-70 lbs – 1st place : $70/ 2nd place : $50
70-80 lbs – 1st place : $70/ 2nd place : $50
80-90 lbs – 1st place : $70/ 2nd place : $50

Grey Belt (Bracket 2)
60-70 lbs – 1st place : $70/ 2nd place : $50
70-80 lbs – 1st place : $70/ 2nd place : $50
80-90 lbs – 1st place : $70/ 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.

Please fill out the registration form below to enter the tournament:

1Player Info
2Bracket Info
3Payment Details
REGISTERED COMPETITORS:
Full Name
Belt Colour
Weight Class
CFC ID
City
Svyatoslav Brezghin
Langley Township
Theodore-Barry Campbell
Coquitlam