ADCC North American Trials 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Complete guide to the 2nd ADCC North American Trials in Pomona, California on April 18-19, 2026 including registration, weight classes, venue details, ADCC rules overview, and preparation tips.
ADCC North American Trials 2026
The ADCC Trials are the primary qualification pathway to the most prestigious no-gi grappling event on the planet: the ADCC World Championship. Unlike invitation-only slots, the Trials are open-entry tournaments where any eligible competitor can earn their place on the world stage through a single-elimination bracket under full ADCC rules.
The 2nd North American Trials takes place April 18-19, 2026, at Fairplex in Pomona, California. Winners in each weight class will punch their ticket to the ADCC 2026 World Championship in Krakow, Poland, on September 12-13. This is the final North American qualifying event before Worlds, making it one of the most important weekends on the 2026 no-gi grappling calendar. For the full ADCC event calendar including all remaining Trials, see the ADCC 2026 schedule.
Event Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 2nd ADCC North American Trials 2026 |
| Dates | Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19, 2026 |
| Venue | Fairplex, Expo Hall 9 |
| Address | 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 |
| Format | No-Gi Submission Grappling, Single Elimination |
| Registration Deadline | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 |
| Registration Fee | $125 |
| Registration Platform | Smoothcomp |
| Rules Meeting | Friday, April 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM |
| Weigh-Ins | Friday, April 17, 2026, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (mandatory) |
Important: The ADCC USA Los Angeles Open and Youth Trials takes place on Friday, April 17, at the same venue, the day before the North American Trials begin. This makes the Pomona weekend a three-day grappling festival for competitors and fans alike.
What Are ADCC Trials?
The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) uses a dual qualification system for its biennial World Championship. Approximately half of the spots are filled through continental Trials events, while the other half are awarded via direct invitation to elite-level grapplers.
ADCC Trials are held across four regions worldwide:
- North America (two events per cycle)
- South America (two events per cycle)
- Europe, Middle East, and Africa (two events per cycle)
- Asia and Oceania (two events per cycle)
Each region holds a first and second round of Trials. The 1st North American Trials (East Coast) took place in November 2025 in Orlando, Florida. This upcoming event in Pomona is the 2nd North American Trials (West Coast), completing the North American qualification cycle.
The Trials are open-entry -- there are no belt requirements or ranking prerequisites. If you hold a valid passport from the region and register before the deadline, you can compete. Qualification is purely merit-based: win your division, and you are going to the ADCC World Championship.
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Weight Classes
The North American Trials use the same weight classes as the ADCC World Championship.
Men's Divisions
| Division | Weight Limit |
|---|---|
| Division 1 | Under 66 kg (145.2 lbs) |
| Division 2 | Under 77 kg (169.8 lbs) |
| Division 3 | Under 88 kg (194 lbs) |
| Division 4 | Under 99 kg (218.3 lbs) |
| Division 5 | Over 99 kg (218.3 lbs) |
Women's Divisions
| Division | Weight Limit |
|---|---|
| Division 1 | Under 55 kg (121.3 lbs) |
| Division 2 | Under 65 kg (143.3 lbs) |
| Division 3 | Over 65 kg (143.3 lbs) |
Note on Women's Qualification: At the 1st North American Trials (East Coast) in 2025, women's division winners did not receive direct ADCC World Championship invitations. Instead, those winners secured their travel to this 2nd North American Trials, where women's division champions will earn their qualification spots to Krakow. This makes the women's brackets in Pomona especially significant.
How Qualification Works
The qualification format is straightforward: win your weight class, and you qualify for the ADCC 2026 World Championship in Krakow.
Here is how the bracket structure works:
- Single elimination format -- there is no consolation bracket. One loss and you are out.
- Full ADCC rules apply, including the split-points system (no points in the first half, points active in the second half).
- Match duration is 10 minutes for qualifying rounds (5 minutes no points, 5 minutes with points), with 5-minute overtime if needed.
- Finals may feature extended time limits.
- One winner per weight class earns the invitation to Worlds.
For the full list of athletes who have already qualified through previous Trials and invitations, see the ADCC 2026 qualified athletes tracker.
Remaining Trials Events
| Trials Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd North American Trials | April 18-19, 2026 | Pomona, CA |
| 2nd Asia and Oceania Trials | June 20, 2026 | Carrara, QLD, Australia |
Registration Information
Registration for the 2nd North American Trials is handled through Smoothcomp, the official ADCC registration platform.
How to Register
- Visit the ADCC Smoothcomp page and locate the 2nd North American Trials event.
- Create a Smoothcomp account if you do not already have one.
- Select your weight class and complete the registration form.
- Pay the registration fee to confirm your entry.
Key Registration Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $125 |
| Deadline | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Must hold a valid passport from the North American region |
| Contact | info@adcombat.com |
Pro Tip: Do not wait until the last day to register. ADCC Trials brackets can be very large, and securing your spot early gives you certainty in your competition preparation timeline. Weigh-ins are mandatory on Friday evening (7-9 PM) with no exceptions -- plan your travel accordingly.
ADCC Rules Overview
ADCC rules differ significantly from IBJJF competition rules and standard no-gi tournaments. Understanding these differences is critical for anyone competing at Trials.
Key Rules
- No points in the first half: During the first 5 minutes of a qualifying match, no points are scored. The only way to win is by submission. This encourages aggressive grappling from the start.
- Points in the second half: In the final 5 minutes, points become active. Takedowns (2 pts), passes (3 pts), mount/back mount (4 pts), and knee on belly (2 pts) are all scored.
- Guard pulling penalty: Pulling guard without an immediate submission attempt results in a -1 point penalty. This rule is designed to incentivize takedown grappling and wrestling.
- All submissions legal: Heel hooks, kneebars, toe holds, calf slicers, and all leg lock variations are permitted. Neck cranks are also legal.
- No-gi only: Competitors wear board shorts or compression shorts and a rash guard. No gi grips are available.
- Stalling penalties: Referees actively penalize passivity. Competitors who are not working toward a submission or positional advancement risk penalty points.
- Overtime: If the match is tied after regulation, overtime rounds determine the winner with escalating rules that force action.
For a detailed comparison of ADCC and IBJJF rules, see our ADCC 2026 World Championship guide.
Venue and Travel
Fairplex, Expo Hall 9
Fairplex is a 543-acre event complex in Pomona, California, best known as the home of the Los Angeles County Fair. It is one of the largest multi-use event venues in Southern California and has hosted grappling tournaments before, including events by the North American Grappling Association (NAGA).
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Expo Hall 9 provides over 42,000 square feet of open floor space with high ceilings (39 feet at center), making it well-suited for a multi-mat competition setup. The venue offers on-site parking, though parking fees apply.
Nearby Airports
| Airport | Code | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario International Airport | ONT | ~10 miles | ~15-20 min |
| Los Angeles International Airport | LAX | ~40 miles | ~50-75 min |
| John Wayne Airport (Orange County) | SNA | ~35 miles | ~40-60 min |
| Hollywood Burbank Airport | BUR | ~45 miles | ~50-70 min |
Pro Tip: Ontario International Airport (ONT) is by far the closest and most convenient airport for Fairplex. It is a smaller airport with shorter security lines and cheaper rental cars than LAX. If your flight options allow it, fly into Ontario.
Accommodation
On-Site:
- Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center -- Located directly on the Fairplex grounds at 601 W McKinley Ave, this is the most convenient option. Book early, as it will fill up quickly for a major ADCC event.
Nearby (Pomona/Claremont/Ontario):
- Numerous hotel chains along the I-10 and I-210 corridors within 5-15 minutes of the venue.
- The Claremont area (10 minutes west) offers charming downtown dining and lodging options.
- Ontario (10 minutes east) has a wide selection of hotels near the airport.
Budget Tips:
- Book accommodation as soon as possible -- ADCC events draw large crowds, and Pomona has a limited hotel supply compared to major cities.
- Consider Airbnb or VRBO options in residential Pomona or nearby Claremont for better rates.
- If flying into LAX, staying near Ontario or Pomona rather than in Los Angeles will save significant commute time.
Weather
Pomona in mid-April typically sees pleasant Southern California weather: daytime highs around 75-80 F (24-27 C) with low humidity. Indoor conditions at Expo Hall 9 may vary, so prepare for a warm competition environment.
Training Tips for ADCC Trials
Competing under ADCC rules requires specific preparation that differs from standard no-gi or IBJJF tournament training. Here are key areas to focus on.
Wrestling and Takedowns
The guard pulling penalty changes the strategic calculus entirely. At ADCC Trials, you need a real takedown game. Focus on:
- Single and double legs from various setups
- Snap-downs and front headlocks for controlling the pace
- Defensive wrestling to avoid being taken down
- Scramble sequences to recover from failed takedown attempts
Submission-First Mentality
With no points in the first half, the opening five minutes reward submission hunters. Build chains of attacks rather than relying on positional control alone:
- Develop leg lock entries from every major position -- saddle, 50/50, outside ashi, and single-leg X
- Practice heel hook defense extensively, as your opponents will be hunting these submissions
- Work guillotines, darces, and arm triangles from front headlock positions (a natural extension of wrestling exchanges)
- Build back-take sequences that lead to rear naked chokes
Cardio and Pacing
ADCC matches can be grueling. A 10-minute qualifying round with potential 5-minute overtime demands a high level of conditioning. Key considerations:
- Train for sustained high-output grappling over 10-15 minute rounds
- Practice strategic pacing -- explode for takedowns and submission attempts, recover in dominant positions
- Simulate the split-points format in training: spar the first 5 minutes submission-only, then add points for the second half
- Multiple matches in a single day require recovery management between rounds
ADCC-Specific Strategies
- Avoid pulling guard unless you have an immediate sweep or submission setup. The -1 penalty can be decisive in a close match.
- Top pressure passing is heavily rewarded in the second half with 3-point guard passes. Study effective passing systems for no-gi.
- Back exposure awareness -- giving up back mount is a 4-point swing that is extremely difficult to overcome.
- Overtime preparation -- if you expect close matches, have a clear overtime game plan. ADCC overtime rules progressively favor the more aggressive competitor.
1st North American Trials Results (East Coast, 2025)
The 1st North American Trials took place on November 15-16, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Here are the men's division winners who qualified directly for the ADCC 2026 World Championship:
Men's Division Winners (Qualified for ADCC Worlds)
| Weight Class | Winner | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| -66 kg | Dorian Olivarez | |
| -77 kg | Jacob Bornemann | 7 matches, zero points conceded |
| -88 kg | Jon Blank | |
| -99 kg | Achilles Rocha | 5 matches, zero points conceded |
| +99 kg | Brandon Reed |
Women's Division Winners
| Weight Class | Winner |
|---|---|
| -55 kg | Ana Mayordomo |
| -65 kg | Morgan Black |
| +65 kg | Maia Matalon |
The women's winners at the East Coast Trials earned their travel to the 2nd North American Trials in Pomona, where they will have the opportunity to win a qualification spot to the ADCC World Championship. Expect these athletes to be among the top contenders in their respective brackets.
The East Coast Trials showcased the depth of North American no-gi talent. Jacob Bornemann's seven-match shutout and Achilles Rocha's flawless five-match run demonstrated the kind of dominant, points-denial grappling that thrives under the ADCC ruleset.
Additional Events at Fairplex
The 2nd North American Trials is part of a larger ADCC weekend in Pomona:
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ADCC USA Los Angeles Open and Youth Trials | Friday, April 17, 2026 | Open and youth competition, fights start at 8:00 AM |
| 2nd North American Trials | Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19, 2026 | Professional qualification event |
The Los Angeles Open on Friday is an excellent opportunity for competitors who are not ready for the Trials bracket to gain ADCC-rules experience at the same venue. It also serves as a warm-up event for those competing in the Trials the following day, though managing recovery between Friday and Saturday would be a factor.
Key Takeaway
The 2nd ADCC North American Trials on April 18-19, 2026, in Pomona, California, is the last chance for North American grapplers to earn a qualification spot at the ADCC 2026 World Championship in Krakow. Registration closes April 15 through Smoothcomp, with mandatory weigh-ins on Friday evening. Winners in all men's and women's divisions will secure their invitation to the biggest stage in no-gi grappling. If you are competing, prioritize wrestling, leg locks, and ADCC-specific pacing in your preparation. If you are spectating, Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the closest airport, and the Sheraton Fairplex is the most convenient hotel. This is a weekend you do not want to miss.
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Oss!
