COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Public Safety has announced it will host the “Battle of Boots and Badges” Jiu-Jitsu Tournament on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in partnership with the Ohio Departments of Veterans Services and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, and Chewjitsu Open.
The free tournament is exclusively open to active and reserve military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers. Organizers say the event is designed to promote camaraderie, team building, wellness, and defensive tactics training among Ohio’s military and first responder communities.
The competition will take place at RPAC South Gym, located at 337 Annie and John Glenn Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210, on the campus of The Ohio State University. The event will be held in conjunction with the Ohio Veterans Convention happening the same day.
According to event organizers, the tournament will follow a SUB ONLY, Round Robin, Madison-style bracket format, grouping competitors by their nearest weight class and experience/age level. Each participant will have the opportunity to compete in up to four matches per division. Organizers also noted that competitors will not need to cut weight.
Registration for the event is free for all eligible participants.
Officials say the goal of the tournament is not only friendly competition, but also to encourage wellness, support mental and physical health, and strengthen bonds across Ohio’s first responder and veteran communities.
For additional information or to register, participants are encouraged to visit the Ohio Department of Public Safety website.
