The self-proclaimed world’s second-best grappler, Craig Jones, returns this summer with a highly anticipated continuation of his smash-hit event, the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI).
What’s Different in This Craig Jones Invitational?
The second iteration of the Craig Jones Invitational will depart from the format of its predecessor, shifting from individual athlete-focused brackets to a 5v5 team vs. team format. Eight teams will battle it out for a prize pool of $1 million, with each squad representing a prominent gym or notable syndicate of competitors.
While the team vs. team format is new to CJI, it’s not totally unfamiliar to hardcore jiu-jitsu fans. In Japan, Kazushi Sakuraba’s Quintet event has been pitting teams against each other since 2018, drawing some of the biggest names in combat sports, including Sean O’Malley, Gordon Ryan, and Urijah Faber. Jones himself has competed in Quintet numerous times and has praised its unique, fast-paced, pressure-filled spectacle.
What Teams are Competing in The Craig Jones Invitational This Year?
So far, six of the eight teams have been confirmed for the 2025 version of the Craig Jones Invitational through Jones’s YouTube channel: 10th Planet, B-Team, New Wave, ATOS, CHECKMAT, and Gracie Barra. Each of these gyms is loaded with top-level athletes and ADCC medalists, making the level of competition for this jiu-jitsu team event the highest in history.
While the full roster for each team is currently unknown, the first official lineup for Eddie Bravo’s 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu was recently announced on the official CJI Instagram.
The Craig Jones Invitational II Lineup
Up first, Geo “Freakazoid” Martinez takes the -66kg spot. Hailing from San Diego, California, Geo began training jiu-jitsu at 24, following several years as a talented breakdancer. He has notable wins over Haisam Rida and ADCC bronze medalist Jeff Glover.
Alan Sanchez will fill the -77kg position. From San Francisco, California, Alan began training jiu-jitsu at 18 and earned his black belt in 2020. His guard game is well-rounded and he has good defensive instincts.
ADCC bronze medalist PJ Barch will fill the -88kg spot. The All-American wrestler from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania transitioned to jiu-jitsu after college and this wrestling pedigree has made him very tricky to put on his back. He has notable wins over Levi Jones-Leary, William Tackett, and AJ Agazarm.
Ryan Aitken takes the -99kg position. Aitken is from Marietta, Georgia and has been training since he was 15. He received his black belt in 2022 and has been on a tear throughout 2024. He has notable wins over PJ Barch, Dan Manasoiu, and Pedro Marinho.
Kyle Boehm will fill the +99 kg spot. Boehm is from Escondido, California and is a former MMA fighter who only began training jiu jitsu after amassing a record of 3-0 on the regional scene. He received his black belt in 2019 under John Bellato. He has notable wins over Lucas Barbosa, Tex Johnson, and Pedro Marinho.
Additional Announcement For 2025 Craig Jones Invitational
There are also several super fights scheduled to round out the night, including one featuring Jones himself.
When teasing his potential opponent for the super fight, Jones on his YouTube channel said,
“I won’t be fighting a woman this time, although the guy does have many feminine attributes.”
Many fans online have speculated that this could hint toward a matchup with his former rival, Gordon Ryan, whom Jones has a notorious history of trolling.
