The Chicago Open is always a good time because of the friendships that have developed over the years. I get to catch up with old teammates, coaches and competitors from the surrounding area. I was also excited about this Chicago Open because three of my Silverback BJJ students were also competing. For two of them this would be their first IBJJF tournament! They did a great job and gained some valuable experience! I have a great group of students at Silverback BJJ and I am honored and blessed to be a part of their Jiu-Jitsu journey!
This was the first time that the “Three Scotts” of 360 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competed together as black belts! Scott Huston opened 360 BJJ back in 2009. I walked into his academy in early 2010 and discovered a great Jiu-Jitsu coach and a perfect environment to learn and grow. Scott Armes and I have shared the path in parallel from white belt to today. All three of us have become good friends and shared many laughs along the way, some of them fueled by the fact that we all have the same first name. It was an honor to compete along side them once again, this time as black belts!
I signed up for the Master 6 age bracket and waited as the tournament date drew near. When the final day for athlete changes approached, there were no other Master 6 competitors signed up, much less any in my weight class. So, I went down an age group to get some matches. I had a three man bracket at Master 5 Black Belt Heavyweight. I went 2-0 to take first place, winning the final by submission.
I signed up for the Master 5 open division along with my good friend and teammate, Scott Armes. I won the semifinal and moved on to the final where I lost advantage to zero. It was an honor to share the podium with my teammate! I am thankful for be able to get another competition under my belt.