The Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) has firmly established itself as the most audacious and talked-about event in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world for 2025, continuing a tradition of innovation, athlete empowerment, and spectacle.
A Tournament Born from Player Advocacy
The Invitational was conceived in 2024 by Craig Jones after the ADCC, grappling’s most prestigious event, declined to raise athlete payouts to a level Jones believed athletes deserved. An anonymous benefactor provided backing, allowing CJI to offer prize money that dwarfed all previous events. The inaugural tournament dispensed $1 million each to two division winners and $10,001 to every competitor, making a bold statement about the sport’s future.
2025: The Team-Based Revolution
CJI 2 returns to Las Vegas’s Thomas & Mack Center on 30-31 August 2025, but this year brings a seismic shift: an eight-team, winner-takes-all format with a $1 million prize pool, aligning with the dynamic Quintet team grappling template. Each team fields five athletes across -66kg, -77kg, -88kg, -99kg, and +99kg, with each roster featuring some of the sport’s most recognisable names: B-Team, New Wave, Atos, 10th Planet, Pedigo Submission Fighting (Daisy Fresh), Americas, Europe, and Australasia.
A landmark separate women’s division, sparked by community advocacy, now offers a $100,000 prize to the champion—making it the highest payout in women’s BJJ history—with confirmed competitors such as Helena Crevar and Adele Fornarino.
Format and Unique Rules
CJI 2 remains a no-gi event and deploys its signature "grappling pit" competition area, designed to keep action constant and eliminate referee resets. Matches in the team bracket run for eight minutes; submission secures victory, while a draw sees both team members eliminated—mirroring the drama and strategy of Japan’s Quintet format. Banned moves are focused on safety: striking, spiking, eye gouging, hair pulling, and other dangerous tactics are strictly prohibited.
The Main Event: Jones vs Sonnen
Perhaps the biggest headline comes from the main event’s eleventh-hour shake-up. Originally, Craig Jones was to face 2020 Olympic wrestling gold medallist Gable Steveson, but a severe turf toe injury forced Steveson’s withdrawal just days before competition. Jones was quick to invite Chael Sonnen—MMA and wrestling icon notorious for his wit and showmanship—to step in, setting the stage for a showdown between two of the sport’s most charismatic figures. This isn’t their first meeting; Jones previously submitted Sonnen at the 2017 ADCC World Championships.
Sonnen’s surprise return, coupled with the event’s ever-present unpredictability, reinforces CJI’s growing reputation for mixing world-class grappling with captivating entertainment.
Teams, Bracket, and Athletes to Watch
The eight teams at CJI 2 feature international stars and hometown heroes alike, with each fielding competitors in every division and coaches that include legendary names such as Eddie Bravo and John Danaher. The women’s bracket includes standout grapplers Helena Crevar and Adele Fornarino, with further names expected to be revealed as the event approaches.
Schedule and Viewing Details
The event runs over two nights, 30-31 August 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas. The preshow starts at 5:30 pm PT, with matches kicking off at 6:00 pm PT each evening. For the global grappling community, CJI 2 will be streamed live and free on YouTube, furthering its commitment to accessibility for fans worldwide.
Why CJI 2 Matters
In little more than a year, the Craig Jones Invitational has evolved from a rebel upstart to the gold standard in athlete-focused, high-stakes jiu-jitsu. By championing fair pay, fan-first accessibility, and creative match formats, CJI is redefining what the sport can be for athletes, organisers, and viewers alike.
For those who crave exhilarating jiu-jitsu action and authentic excitement, the 2025 CJI 2 is unmissable—a celebration not only of competitive mastery but of the community and values that drive the sport forward.