Hailey
Pella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu delivered an impressive and well-rounded performance at the Kansas City Jiu Jitsu Expo, finishing in 21st place among more than 100 competing academies.
The event, one of the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments in the Midwest, brought together over 1,500 athletes from across the United States, making the competition both intense and highly competitive.
Despite facing a deep field of experienced teams, Pella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stood out through consistent effort, strong participation, and multiple podium finishes. The academy’s results highlight its continued growth and commitment to developing athletes across age groups.
Kansas City Jiu Jitsu Expo Overview
The Kansas City Jiu Jitsu Expo was held over two days, January 17–18, 2026, at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The tournament featured youth, adult, and masters divisions, allowing competitors of all ages and experience levels to compete.
Athletes competed under structured formats such as round-robin and modified double-elimination brackets, ensuring that participants had multiple matches and meaningful mat time. This format emphasized endurance, adaptability, and technical consistency.
Pella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team Performance
Pella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu entered the tournament with 12 total competitors, representing a balanced mix of youth and adult athletes:
- 5 youth competitors under the age of 16
- 7 adult competitors ranging in age from 26 to 58
Across the two-day event, the team competed in 25 total matches, showing strong participation across multiple divisions and weight classes.
The academy finished the weekend with an impressive 14 total medals, broken down as follows:
- 3 Gold Medals
- 4 Silver Medals
- 7 Bronze Medals
Earning more than one medal per competitor on average, the team demonstrated depth and consistency rather than relying on a single standout athlete.
What The 21st Place Finish Represents
Finishing 21st overall in a field of more than 100 gyms is a meaningful achievement, especially at an event of this size. Team rankings are determined by medal placements and overall participation, meaning every match and podium finish contributed to the final standings.
This result reflects:
- Broad team participation across multiple divisions
- Strong technical preparation
- Competitive success across age groups
- Consistent podium appearances
The mix of youth and adult competitors also highlights the academy’s long-term development approach, nurturing younger athletes while continuing to support adult and masters competitors.
Key Facts And Figures
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Pella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu |
| Event Name | Kansas City Jiu Jitsu Expo |
| Overall Team Finish | 21st Place |
| Total Gyms Competing | 100+ |
| Total Athletes | 1,500+ |
| Pella Competitors | 12 Total |
| Youth Competitors | 5 (Under 16) |
| Adult Competitors | 7 (Ages 26–58) |
| Total Team Matches | 25 Matches |
| Medal Count | 14 Total Medals |
| Gold Medals | 3 |
| Silver Medals | 4 |
| Bronze Medals | 7 |
| Event Dates | January 17–18, 2026 |
| Location | KCI Expo Center, Kansas City, Missouri |
The 21st-place finish at the Kansas City Jiu Jitsu Expo marks a strong showing for Pella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on a major competitive stage.
With 12 athletes, 25 total matches, and 14 medals, the team proved its ability to compete successfully against some of the best academies in the region.
The balanced representation of youth and adult competitors further underscores the academy’s commitment to long-term growth, technical excellence, and team unity.