By Philipp — Rollbook · Updated October 18, 2026
BJJ Tournaments in Las Vegas: 2026-2027 Competition Calendar
Every major BJJ event in Las Vegas with dates: IBJJF No-Gi Worlds (Dec 10-12), Kids International, American Nationals, Master Worlds and UFC BJJ at Meta Apex, plus venue and travel tips.
On this page
- BJJ Competition in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas BJJ Calendar 2026-2027
- Major IBJJF Events in Las Vegas
- Pro Grappling in Las Vegas
- Planning Your Vegas Competition Trip
- Training in Las Vegas
- Vegas Venue Guide
- Competition and Entertainment
- Budget Planning
- Vegas-Specific Tips
- Building Your Vegas Competition Routine
- Returning to Vegas
- Official Sources
BJJ Competition in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has become a major hub for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. IBJJF holds three of its biggest annual weekends here (American Nationals in June, Master Worlds with Jiu-Jitsu CON in late summer, and No-Gi Worlds in December), and UFC BJJ stages its pro cards at Meta Apex. With world-class venues, affordable travel options, and plenty of entertainment, Vegas offers the perfect setting for a competition trip.
This guide lists the dated Las Vegas events for 2026-2027, the venues, and everything you need to know for your Vegas competition trip. For the full calendar of events, see our 2026 IBJJF tournament schedule and our IBJJF 2027 calendar.
Las Vegas BJJ Calendar 2026-2027
| Event | Dates | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBJJF American Nationals (gi and no-gi) | June 25-26, 2026 | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall | Done |
| IBJJF American National Kids | June 27, 2026 | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall | Done |
| UFC BJJ 10 | August 20, 2026 | Meta Apex | Done |
| UFC BJJ Open Las Vegas (amateur) | August 22, 2026 | Las Vegas | Done |
| IBJJF Master Worlds | September 3-5, 2026 | Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall | Done (results) |
| IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu CON International | September 3 (gi) and 4 (no-gi), 2026; kids September 4-5 | Las Vegas Convention Center | Done |
| UFC BJJ 11 | September 24, 2026 | Meta Apex | Done |
| UFC BJJ 12 | October 8, 2026 | Meta Apex | Done |
| UFC BJJ 13 | October 29, 2026 | Meta Apex | Upcoming |
| UFC BJJ 14 | December 3, 2026 | Meta Apex | Upcoming |
| IBJJF World No-Gi Championship | December 10-12, 2026 | Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall (N3/N4) | Registration open until November 29 |
| IBJJF Kids International Las Vegas | December 11 (gi) and 12 (no-gi), 2026 | Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall (N3/N4) | Registration open until November 29 |
| IBJJF American Nationals 2027 | Not yet announced | — | — |
| IBJJF Master Worlds 2027 | Not yet announced | — | — |
Major IBJJF Events in Las Vegas
World No-Gi Championship (December)
The last major of the IBJJF year:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship |
| Dates | December 10-12, 2026 |
| Venue | Las Vegas Convention Center, Hall N3/N4 (300 Convention Center Dr) |
| Divisions | Juvenile, Adult and Master 1-7; blue to black belt |
| Entry Fee | $204 until November 29 (earlier windows were $153 and $186) |
| Black Belts | 30 IBJJF no-gi ranking points required (adult division) |
| Spectators | $25 per day; children 12 and under free |
The affiliation deadline is November 19, registration closes November 29, check day is December 4, and the schedule and brackets go up December 9. USADA anti-doping testing applies. Read our No-Gi Worlds 2026 guide for divisions and contenders.
Kids International Las Vegas (December)
The Kids International runs alongside No-Gi Worlds in the same halls: gi divisions on December 11 and no-gi on December 12, 2026. Entry is $119 until November 11, then $133 until November 29; a gi + no-gi combo costs $203, then $227.
Master Worlds (Late Summer)
The biggest annual masters BJJ event in Las Vegas:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | IBJJF World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship |
| 2026 Dates | September 3-5 (completed) |
| Venue | Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall (W1-W3) |
| Divisions | Master 1-7, All belts |
| 2027 | Not yet announced |
Why Compete at Master Worlds:
- Premier masters competition worldwide -- read our Master Worlds 2026 results
- Full brackets in most masters age divisions
- International competitors
- Great Vegas atmosphere
Did You Know: Las Vegas has become the home of Master Worlds. The 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions all ran at the Las Vegas Convention Center alongside Jiu-Jitsu CON, and IBJJF's 2026 results list 475 divisions across Master 1-7 and every belt.
American Nationals (June)
IBJJF's other big Vegas weekend:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship |
| 2026 Dates | June 25-26 (gi), June 26 (no-gi); kids championship June 27 |
| Venue | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall (S1A/S1B) |
| Divisions | Adult and Masters, plus a separate kids championship |
| 2027 | Not yet announced |
Why Compete:
- Gain IBJJF experience -- if it is your first time, read our first IBJJF tournament guide
- Smaller than the World Championship
- Build ranking points: IBJJF weights American Nationals at 2, double an International Open
- Vegas training camp opportunities
There is no IBJJF Las Vegas Open on the current calendar. IBJJF's Vegas events are American Nationals, Master Worlds with Jiu-Jitsu CON, and No-Gi Worlds with the Kids International.
Jiu-Jitsu CON
IBJJF's Jiu-Jitsu CON International runs in the same building during Master Worlds week. In 2026 it held gi divisions on September 3 and no-gi on September 4, plus a Novice International (September 3) and kids divisions (September 4-5). Like American Nationals, it counts at weight 2 for IBJJF ranking points.
Pro Grappling in Las Vegas
UFC BJJ at Meta Apex
UFC BJJ stages its pro cards at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Since August it has run UFC BJJ 10 (August 20), 11 (September 24) and 12 (October 8). Next up are UFC BJJ 13 on October 29, with William Tackett vs. Jay Rodriguez for the middleweight title, and UFC BJJ 14 on December 3. Since UFC BJJ 11, cards stream on UFC Fight Pass. The amateur UFC BJJ Opens also stopped in Las Vegas on August 22. Results and champions are in our UFC BJJ 2026 schedule and results.
ADCC
Las Vegas hosted the 2024 ADCC World Championship at T-Mobile Arena. The 2026 edition moved to Krakow, Poland (see our ADCC 2026 results), and ADCC has not announced its 2028 host yet.
Local Tournaments
Regional promotions run smaller Vegas events throughout the year. Their schedules change often, so check each promotion's own calendar before you book travel. If you want a lower-pressure first event closer to home, our Fuji BJJ tournament guide covers one beginner-friendly option.
Planning Your Vegas Competition Trip
Best Time to Visit for BJJ
| Season | Events | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| June | American Nationals | Hot (100°F days are common) |
| Late August/September | Master Worlds, Jiu-Jitsu CON | Hot (100°F+) |
| Fall | UFC BJJ cards at Meta Apex | Comfortable |
| December | No-Gi Worlds, Kids International | Cool (50-60°F) |
Booking Strategy
Flights:
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Direct flights from most US cities
- Book 6-8 weeks ahead
- Compare budget carriers for deals
Hotels:
- Strip hotels (exciting but pricier)
- Off-strip hotels (better value)
- Convention area hotels (close to the Las Vegas Convention Center)
- Book early for major events
For No-Gi Worlds 2026, IBJJF's partner hotels are the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (3000 Paradise Road) and the Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center (3275 Paradise Road). The discounted rate runs until November 17 or until the room block fills.
Transportation:
- Rental car not essential on Strip
- Uber/Lyft widely available
- Monorail connects Strip hotels with the Convention Center
- Rental car useful for off-strip gyms
Track every roll — log sessions and techniques for free
Training in Las Vegas
World-Class Gyms
Vegas has excellent BJJ training options. Find drop-in classes and open mats near your hotel in our directory of Las Vegas BJJ gyms.
Benefits of Training Before Competition:
- Acclimate to Vegas climate
- Get rounds with diverse partners
- Final tune-up before competing
- Network with other competitors
What to Expect:
- Most gyms charge a drop-in fee; ask when you call ahead
- Bring your own Gi
- Call ahead for schedule
- Respect local gym culture
Open Mat Opportunities
Many Vegas gyms offer:
- Weekly open mats
- Competition team training
- Visiting competitor sessions
- Pre-event training camps
Vegas Venue Guide
Common Tournament Venues
- Las Vegas Convention Center: IBJJF uses three of its halls: South Hall (American Nationals), West Hall (Master Worlds and Jiu-Jitsu CON) and North Hall (No-Gi Worlds and the Kids International)
- Meta Apex: UFC BJJ pro cards
- Hotel ballrooms and smaller venues for regional events
What to Know:
- Air-conditioned venues
- Parking in the convention center lots costs $20 (No-Gi Worlds 2026 rate)
- Food options nearby
- Easy ride-share access
Navigating Competition Day
Arrival Tips:
- Allow extra time for traffic
- Vegas sprawl can be surprising
- Parking fills up at major events
- Know which hall your mats are in; the convention center is huge
Competition and Entertainment
Before Competition
Keep it low-key before competing:
- Light meals
- Adequate rest
- Hydration
- Avoid late nights
After Competition
Vegas offers post-competition celebration:
- World-class restaurants
- Shows and entertainment
- Pool parties (seasonal)
- Nightlife
Balancing Fun and Competition
Dos:
- Celebrate after your last match
- Enjoy Vegas atmosphere responsibly
- Experience the entertainment
- Make memories with teammates
Don'ts:
- Party the night before competing
- Dehydrate before weigh-ins
- Let Vegas distract from preparation
- Overindulge during competition days
Warning: The Las Vegas casino environment is designed to keep you up late, dehydrated, and distracted. If you are competing the next day, avoid the casino floor, skip the buffet, and get to bed early. The entertainment will still be there after your last match.
Budget Planning
Expected Costs
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | $150-300 | $300-500 | $500+ |
| Hotel (per night) | $50-100 | $100-200 | $200+ |
| Tournament Entry | $153-204 (No-Gi Worlds 2026) | Same | Same |
| Spectator Pass (per day) | $25 (No-Gi Worlds 2026) | Same | Same |
| Parking | $20 at the convention center lots | Same | Same |
| Food (per day) | $30-50 | $50-100 | $100+ |
| Entertainment | $0-50 | $50-150 | $150+ |
Money-Saving Tips
- Register in the first price window (No-Gi Worlds 2026 started at $153)
- Travel with teammates to split costs
- Stay off-strip for major savings
- Cook/prepare some meals
- Use rewards points if available
- Book early for best rates
Pro Tip: Book an off-strip hotel with a kitchenette to save significantly on food costs. A week of restaurant meals in Vegas adds up fast. Preparing your own pre-competition meals also lets you control exactly what you eat, which is crucial for making weight.
Vegas-Specific Tips
Weather Considerations
Summer (American Nationals and Master Worlds season):
- Extreme heat (100°F+)
- Stay hydrated constantly
- Limit outdoor activity
- Air-conditioned venues are a relief
Other Seasons:
- More comfortable temperatures
- Dress in layers
- Unexpected cold nights
- Perfect training weather
Altitude Note
- Vegas elevation: ~2,000 feet
- Minimal impact for most
- May notice slight difference if from sea level
- Hydrate extra just in case
Key Takeaway
Las Vegas is a world-class BJJ competition destination, but treat it as a competition trip first and a vacation second. Book off-strip for better rates, arrive a day early to acclimate to the heat, and save the celebrations for after your last match. The entertainment capital will reward your patience.
Casino Environment
At Casino Venues:
- Smoking areas exist
- 24-hour activity/noise
- Easy to lose track of time
- Focus on competition first
Building Your Vegas Competition Routine
Recommended Schedule
Day Before:
- Arrive and settle in
- Light meal, early rest
- Review competition schedule
- Final Gi prep
Competition Day:
- Wake with time to spare
- Light breakfast (if weight allows)
- Arrive 1.5+ hours early
- Execute your game plan
Day After:
- Recovery and rest
- Light tourism
- Safe travel home
- Process experience
Returning to Vegas
Making It Annual
Many competitors make Vegas a regular destination:
Benefits of Regular Vegas Competition:
- Familiar venue and routine
- Track progress year over year
- Build relationships with competitors
- Combine competition with vacation
Long-Term Planning
Consider Vegas tournaments in your annual calendar:
- Master Worlds as yearly goal
- American Nationals or No-Gi Worlds for a second Vegas trip
- Training camps with friends
- Memorable BJJ experiences
Pro Tip: Coordinate your Vegas trip with teammates or training partners from your gym. Splitting hotel and car rental costs with 2-3 teammates can cut your total trip expense by 40-50%, and having familiar faces in your corner on competition day makes a big difference for morale.
Official Sources
- IBJJF Events Calendar - American Nationals, Master Worlds and No-Gi Worlds dates and registration
- IBJJF World No-Gi Championship 2026 - Fees, deadlines and partner hotels
- UFC BJJ - Upcoming cards at Meta Apex
Planning a Vegas BJJ trip? Download Rollbook to log your training before the trip, add every Vegas gym you drop in at to your Gym Passport, and record tournament days as their own session type. Rollbook is free on iOS and Android.
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