Launching the Next Chapter of Judo United
- Chuck Jefferson
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Over the past four years, the San Jose Open has grown into one of the largest and most respected judo tournaments in the United States. That success has never belonged to one person or one organization—it has been built by the athletes, coaches, clubs, referees, volunteers, and families who have supported our events year after year.
Today, I'm excited to share the next chapter of that journey.
Beginning with the 2026 San Jose Open, the tournament will be sanctioned by Judo United and will no longer be a USA Judo point event.
This decision reflects the vision we have for the future of Judo United.
We believe the greatest opportunity to grow judo lies in strengthening our local and regional communities. California is home to one of the most passionate judo communities in the country, and we believe there is tremendous potential to create more opportunities for athletes of all ages through exceptional tournaments, training camps, clinics, educational programs, and community initiatives.
Our commitment remains simple. We will continue to host professionally organized events with outstanding competition, experienced referees, quality facilities, and an atmosphere that welcomes athletes of every age and experience level. We will continue investing in our officials, volunteers, coaches, and event staff because they are essential to creating a first-class experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
The San Jose Open has never been successful because of a sanctioning logo. It has been successful because this community has embraced it. That foundation remains unchanged.
We also recognize the important role that national organizations play in supporting elite athletes, international competition, and Olympic development. Those responsibilities are significant and deserve respect. At Judo United, however, our focus is different. Our mission is to grow judo from the ground up by supporting local clubs, creating exceptional events, and making participation more accessible for athletes and families throughout California.
This is only the beginning.
Judo United has exciting plans for the future that we will begin sharing over the coming weeks and months. Our focus will remain on strengthening local and regional judo by creating more opportunities for athletes, coaches, referees, and clubs while continuing to raise the standard for events throughout California.
As we begin this next chapter, our focus is exactly where it has always been—delivering an exceptional experience for every athlete, coach, referee, volunteer, and family who joins us.
Registration for the 2026 San Jose Open is open! , and our goal is simple: to make this year's event the best one yet.
The San Jose Open will be open to everyone. No memberships in any national judo organization will be required to participate. Every athlete, coach, referee, volunteer, and event staff member will be covered under the Judo United event insurance program, allowing our entire community to come together under one banner for an outstanding weekend of judo.
Whether you're stepping onto the mat for your very first tournament or competing at the highest level, you'll find the same professionalism, organization, and welcoming atmosphere that have defined the San Jose Open from the very beginning.
One Community. One Weekend. One Passion for Judo.
We are Judo United.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 San Jose Open.
Yours in Judo,
Chuck Jefferson
CEO, Judo United
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