The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) is a professional submission grappling event created by Craig Jones. The event was designed to create a new model for elite-level grappling competition, with an emphasis on athlete compensation, high-level matchmaking, and a submission-focused ruleset.
CJI is primarily a no-gi submission grappling competition featuring some of the world’s top competitors. The event uses a unique tournament structure and rules system that differs from traditional BJJ organizations such as IBJJF and established no-gi events such as ADCC.
CJI Competition Prestige
CJI quickly became one of the most discussed events in modern submission grappling due to its approach to professional competition.
The event gained attention because of several factors:
- Elite athlete participation: CJI attracted many high-level professional grapplers.
- Professional athlete focus: The event emphasized competitor compensation and treatment.
- Alternative competition model: CJI introduced a different structure compared with traditional tournament organizations.
- Modern no-gi relevance: The event reflects the growing popularity of professional submission grappling.
While ADCC has historical prestige as the established elite no-gi championship, CJI represents a newer generation of professional grappling events focused on sustainability, athlete value, and entertainment.
CJI Competition Format
CJI uses a tournament format built around elite no-gi submission grappling.
Key characteristics include:
- No-gi competition
- Professional-level athlete field
- Weight-based divisions
- Submission-focused matches
- Unique event structure
Unlike IBJJF competitions, CJI does not use traditional belt divisions. Competitors are selected based primarily on competitive level and professional status.
CJI Divisions
The CJI format introduced a smaller number of high-level divisions compared with traditional BJJ tournaments.
The primary divisions include:
Men’s Divisions
- 80 kg division
- 80+ kg division
Open Format
The event structure focuses on elite matchups rather than providing divisions for every weight category.
This creates deeper brackets with fewer athletes and concentrates the highest-level competitors into fewer championship races.
CJI Match Format
CJI matches are conducted under a no-gi submission grappling format.
Competitors may use:
- Wrestling techniques
- Takedowns
- Guard systems
- Leg attacks
- Positional control
- Submission attempts
Victory can occur through:
- Submission
- Decision based on scoring criteria when no submission occurs
The rules are designed to encourage offensive grappling and submission attempts.
CJI Ruleset
The CJI ruleset was created to encourage aggressive grappling and reduce situations where competitors can win through passive positional control.
Important characteristics include:
- Submission-focused scoring
- Emphasis on attacking positions
- Reduced reliance on traditional BJJ point accumulation
- Rules designed to encourage engagement
The rules differ from both IBJJF and ADCC formats by introducing new scoring and structural concepts.
CJI Scoring System
CJI uses a scoring system based around effective grappling actions rather than traditional BJJ point categories.
Scoring considerations include:
Takedowns
Successful wrestling exchanges and takedowns are rewarded when they create meaningful control.
Positional Advancement
Dominant positions and offensive progression contribute toward winning decisions.
Examples include:
- Guard passing
- Mount control
- Back control
- Submission advancement
Submission Attempts
Aggressive submission attempts are an important part of CJI competition strategy.
Unlike point-based formats where athletes may protect a lead, CJI encourages competitors to continue pursuing finishes.
The CJI Rules Arena
One of the defining features of CJI is its competition environment.
CJI introduced a unique competition area designed to influence strategy and increase action.
Key features include:
- A specialized circular competition space
- Reduced ability to avoid engagement
- More opportunities for scrambles and transitions
The arena design was intended to create a faster-paced grappling environment.
CJI and No-Gi Grappling
CJI reflects the continued evolution of professional no-gi submission grappling.
The ruleset favors athletes with strong skills in:
Wrestling
Important skills include:
- Takedowns
- Scrambles
- Defensive wrestling
- Top pressure
Submission Systems
Competitors rely on:
- Leg locks
- Back attacks
- Front headlocks
- Arm attacks
- Submission chains
Positional Control
Strong competitors must combine:
- Passing ability
- Pinning systems
- Back retention
- Submission finishing
CJI vs ADCC
CJI and ADCC represent two major approaches to elite no-gi competition.
CJI Characteristics
- Newer professional event
- Athlete-focused model
- Unique tournament structure
- Submission-oriented rules
- Smaller elite divisions
ADCC Characteristics
- Established global championship
- Regional qualification system
- International prestige
- Traditional weight divisions
- Long competitive history
ADCC remains the historical benchmark for elite no-gi grappling, while CJI represents a newer approach focused on professionalization and event innovation.
CJI vs IBJJF
CJI Characteristics
- No-gi only
- Professional athlete focus
- Submission-oriented format
- Limited divisions
- Modern event structure
IBJJF Characteristics
- Gi and no-gi competition
- Belt-based divisions
- Large international tournament system
- Established points framework
The two organizations represent different competitive philosophies:
- IBJJF emphasizes structured progression and positional scoring.
- CJI emphasizes elite matchups, professional competition, and submission-focused action.