Judo United and IJF Announce “Baku Experience” Athlete Awards at the Golden State Open

Judo United and IJF Announce “Baku Experience” Athlete Awards at the Golden State Open. Judo United is proud to announce that the Local Organizing Committee for the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku, in collaboration with the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, will award two special “Baku Experience” packages at the upcoming Golden State Open.

The awards will be presented to one male and one female athlete competing in the IJF Junior divisions, creating an extraordinary international opportunity for two rising American judoka.

The Baku Experience is a unique project developed through the growing collaboration between Judo United and the International Judo Federation. The initiative is designed to give young athletes an inside look at the highest levels of international judo while building stronger global connections within the sport ahead of LA28.

The two selected athletes will receive a fully sponsored trip to the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. The package will include roundtrip airline tickets, hotel accommodations, and tickets to the World Championships, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and experiences normally unavailable to the public.

Chuck Jefferson, founder of Judo United, expressed his appreciation for the support behind the project:

“I am very excited that the IJF and Judo United are receiving this incredible support for the Baku Experience. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Local Organizing Committee, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, and everyone involved in making this opportunity available at the Golden State Open. This will be an unforgettable judo experience for the young athletes who participate and a major boost to our efforts to promote the sport and athlete development as we move closer to LA28.”

Eric Sanchez, Tournament Director for the Golden State Open, also shared his excitement about the announcement:

“We are incredibly honored and excited to have the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and the IJF recognize the Golden State Open in this way. To have an international opportunity like the Baku Experience connected to our event further elevates the status of judo events in California and highlights the incredible athletes and community we continue to build here. We believe experiences like this inspire young judoka and show them that the possibilities in our sport are bigger than ever.”

The Baku Experience reflects the shared vision of Judo United and the IJF to create meaningful international opportunities for the next generation of athletes while continuing to elevate the profile of judo in the United States.

USA Judo athletes between the ages of 13 and 20 are eligible to participate in the Baku Experience program during this year’s World Championships cycle. Additional details about selection criteria, program activities, and future opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Baku Experience, visit Judo United. Judo United.