The Warrior BJJ Experience will be staged at MCON 2026, hosted by FUJI BJJ.
Proceeds from The Warrior BJJ Experience go to We Defy Foundation, an organization that assists combat veterans in managing military-connected disabilities through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Warrior BJJ Experience — organized by FUJI BJJ, supporting We Defy Foundation — is set for MCON 2026, happening Oct. 23–25 at the World Market Center Las Vegas.
Every scholarship we award starts with a veteran walking into a gym for the first time. Bringing this tournament to MCON puts that first step in front of thousands at once.”— Kevin Linderman, Executive Director, We Defy FoundationLAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, August 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — MCON, the country's top military, veteran, and family gathering, has announced a fresh collaboration with We Defy Foundation and FUJI BJJ to introduce The Warrior BJJ Experience, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament geared toward military members and veterans, as part of MCON 2026, scheduled for October 23–25 at the World Market Center Las Vegas.
FUJI BJJ, a well‑known competition organizer in the sport, will host the tournament, which benefits We Defy Foundation. The event will bring together elite and grassroots competitors on the mats before the MCON audience, advancing We Defy Foundation's goal of helping combat veterans overcome military‑connected disabilities through Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu and fitness training.
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
MCON was created to unite the military, veteran, and family community through meaningful programming, networking, and resources. Introducing a dedicated BJJ tournament to the 2026 agenda aligns with MCON's broader objective of showcasing the organizations and initiatives that deliver the most significant impact for its community — and few programs demonstrate that impact as directly as We Defy Foundation and FUJI BJJ.
We Defy Foundation supplies combat veterans dealing with military‑connected disabilities a long‑term means to address their challenges via Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu. In 2025 alone, the organization raised over $1.3 million and established a network exceeding 1,200 approved training facilities across all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and three continents. More than 500 veterans are currently active in We Defy's program.
What distinguishes We Defy is its outcome‑driven model, not merely anecdotal evidence. Building on existing third‑party research and years of testimonial data linking Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu to significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms, We Defy is now conducting one of the most comprehensive research studies of its kind to formally evaluate the program's effect on coping skills and reintegration outcomes for combat veterans. This research‑backed, data‑driven approach — intended to inform academic medicine and the broader veteran‑care community rather than rely solely on tradition — has made We Defy a national leader in using Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu as a validated tool for veteran mental health and reintegration.
FUJI BJJ, recognized for its athlete‑first philosophy and carefully structured divisions that ensure fair, competitive matchups at every level, will act as tournament host — bringing its full event operations, refereeing standards, and competition expertise to the MCON stage. FUJI BJJ has long supported the military and veteran community, and this partnership extends that commitment onto a national platform.
STATEMENTS
"MCON exists to bring our community together around the things that actually change lives, and jiu‑jitsu is one of them," said Waco Hoover, Founder and Partner, MCON. "Putting a mat in the middle of MCON 2026 and letting our community watch veterans compete is the kind of moment people carry home with them."
"Every scholarship we award starts with a veteran walking into a gym for the first time," said Kevin Linderman, Executive Director, We Defy Foundation. "Bringing this tournament to MCON puts that first step in front of thousands of service members, veterans and families at once, and gives the Las Vegas community a direct line into our training network."
"FUJI BJJ has built its reputation on fair divisions and a competition environment where every athlete gets a real test, from white belt to black belt," said Brian Olson of FUJI BJJ. "Bringing that to MCON, in front of the military and veteran community, is exactly the kind of event we want our name on."
WHY IT MATTERS FOR LAS VEGAS
The tournament carries particular local importance. Las Vegas boasts a rapidly expanding Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu and combat sports scene, as well as one of the nation's largest veteran populations. Hosting this tournament in Las Vegas gives local gyms, competitors, and coaches a rare chance to compete on a national stage alongside the country's premier military and veteran community event — while offering Las Vegas‑area veterans direct access to We Defy Foundation's scholarship and training network. Organizers view the event as a lasting link between the city's jiu‑jitsu community and its veteran community.
EVENT AND REGISTRATION
The Warrior BJJ Experience will occur during MCON 2026, October 23–25, at the World Market Center Las Vegas. Details regarding divisions, competitor registration, and spectator access will be posted at mcon.live and wedefyfoundation.org in the coming weeks.
ABOUT MCON
MCON was founded by veterans to gather the military community for an epic celebration. It is the only annual event that honors what we love and miss about military culture. Our mission is to build community, enable connections, and enhance the well‑being of those who served and their families. MCON unites service members, veterans, military families, healthcare professionals, employers, advocates, and policymakers under one roof to advance the cause of those who serve and have served. Built on a foundation of service, sacrifice, and culture, MCON delivers programming that is both deeply personal and nationally significant: linking individuals with resources, forging cross‑sector partnerships, and catalyzing systemic change. MCON is more than an event platform; it is a movement. MCON 2026 takes place October 23‑25 at the World Market Center Las Vegas. Learn more at mcon.live.
ABOUT WE DEFY FOUNDATION
We Defy Foundation provides combat veterans coping with military‑connected disabilities a long‑term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu and fitness training. Since its inception, We Defy has awarded more than 1,900 athlete scholarships through a network of over 1,200 approved training facilities across all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and three continents. Learn more at wedefyfoundation.org.
ABOUT FUJI BJJ
FUJI BJJ organizes Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu competitions built around fair, skill‑based divisions and a fun, safe, competitive environment for athletes of all levels. A longtime supporter of the military and veteran community, FUJI BJJ gives competitors the opportunity to test their skills, gain exposure, and build camaraderie within the jiu‑jitsu community. Learn more at fujibjj.com.
Lori Douglass
MCON
ldouglass@mcon.live
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