By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 4/14/25
This year’s IBJJF Chicago Spring Open was one for the books — Citadel BJJ brought our biggest group of competitors to date, with 16 team members stepping onto the mats to represent our academy in both Gi and No-Gi divisions. Since opening our doors in 2019, this was our largest turnout at a major competition — and we couldn’t be more proud of the effort, energy, and results from every athlete.
The IBJJF Chicago Open is the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament in the Midwest, taking place twice a year and drawing competitors from all over the country. If you’re unfamiliar with how the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation works, check out our blog: What is the IBJJF?.
Events like this are an amazing opportunity for our students to test their skills, grow from tough matches, and continue leveling up their jiu-jitsu game.
White Belt
-
Jason Dornbos earned a 3rd place medal in his division, going 2-1 on the day. He battled through some tough matches and gained valuable experience.
-
Brady Schmitt took 1st place, winning her division with impressive determination. She’s always looking to level up her game, and this performance showed how far she’s come.
-
Shoutout to DC, Ash, and Levin who also competed as white belts. While they didn’t place this time, they walked away with great lessons and competitive experience that will fuel their growth on the mats.
Blue Belt
-
Carson put on a dominant display in the Gi division, going 3-0 with 3 submissions to take home the gold. In No-Gi, he added a bronze medal with a 1-1 finish on Sunday.
-
Connor Murphy went 1-1 in No-Gi, showing grit and strong fundamentals in both of his matches.
-
Blue belt competitors Chad, Michael, Jarvis, Jay, Jerry, and Josh also represented Citadel BJJ, stepping up to challenge themselves and support the team. Whether it was a win or a loss, every match was a chance to grow.
Purple Belt
Dan placed 2nd in the M1 Purple Belt Heavyweight division, securing a highlight-reel loop choke finish in the semifinals. His performance was a perfect example of applying technique with confidence on the big stage.
Final Thoughts
Every single competitor that made the trip to Chicago brought something special to the event — heart, hustle, and the desire to represent Citadel BJJ with pride. These events push you out of your comfort zone and help sharpen your BJJ faster than almost anything else.
If you’ve been thinking about competing yourself, check out our blog on 5 Reasons Why Every BJJ Practitioner Should Compete At Least Once. It breaks down why competition can be such a powerful part of your jiu-jitsu journey.
We’re incredibly proud of everyone who stepped on the mats and those who came out to support. Win or lose, you’re building something powerful every time you compete. Keep showing up. Keep learning.
Ready to Compete or Train with Citadel BJJ?
if you’re looking for an environment where you can learn, grow, and be part of a welcoming BJJ community, Citadel BJJ is the place to be. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, you’ll find expert instruction and a supportive atmosphere to help you thrive.
Why You Should Train at Citadel BJJ Iowa City
✅ Newly built, state-of-the-art facility
✅ The most 5-star Google reviews in Iowa (282 and counting!)
✅ Highly experienced instructors
✅ 7 days a week training, up to 4 classes per day
✅ A supportive, friendly community
No matter your experience level, we welcome everyone—from beginners to seasoned martial artists. Whether you’re training for fitness, competition, or self-defense, you’ll find a home at Citadel BJJ Iowa City.
Author Box:
I’m Logan, a brown belt and fundamentals coach at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. As an assistant kids coach with competition experience across the USA, I’ve been grappling since 2017. I focus on building a strong foundation for beginners and fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Read more Citadel BJJ Blogs: https://bjjiniowacity.com/iowa-city-blog/
Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Iowa City
Address: 2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240
319-855-8110
Url: https://www.bjjiniowacity.com
Local Directories:
https://www.manta.com/c/m1wzbxt/citadel-bjj-iowa-city
https://www.yelp.com/biz/citadel-bjj-iowa-city
https://citadel-bjj.webflow.io/
https://dojos.info/CitadelBJJIowaCity/
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/CitadelBJJ
https://www.instagram.com/CitadelBJJ