In an exciting development for Brazilian jiu-jitsu fans, Craig Jones has revealed more details about the highly anticipated second installment of the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2), set to take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on August 30-31, 2025.
The event marks a significant evolution from its predecessor, as CJI 2 will feature a team grappling format in partnership with Kazushi Sakuraba‘s renowned Quintet organization. This collaboration represents Quintet’s third event in the United States and their first since 2019.
Jones has confirmed that four of the eight teams have already been secured for the tournament. Team 10th Planet’s roster has been finalized, while the B-Team is expected to compete without Nicky Ryan. Details about the other participating teams remain under wraps.
Adding to the anticipation, Jones, who will compete in his own event, has teased what he describes as maybe the biggest event in the history of the sport.
The timing of CJI 2 appears strategic, as it follows immediately after the 2025 IBJJF World Master Championship, scheduled for August 28-30. This scheduling is likely to benefit ticket sales, with a large number of jiu-jitsu competitors and practitioners already gathered in Las Vegas.
In a separate development, Jones announced his acquisition of the patent for the distinctive pit (or alley) competition surface, which was originally created and patented by Karate Combat. The patent specifically covers a sports surface with walls angled at 15 degrees or more.
Official patent is held by KOKO Sports Management, which is Karate Combat.
