Chicago, IL — The IBJJF Chicago Summer Open 2025 brought some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talent in the Midwest together this past weekend, and the Pedigo Submission Fighting team featuring several athletes from Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu in Rockford, Illinois, delivered an outstanding performance across multiple divisions. Our team proved once again why PSF is one of the top names in grappling.
Jeff Larsen took home silver in the Male Adult Blue Belt Medium-Heavy Division, battling through a tough bracket before falling just short in the finals to teammate Dayton Hall of Pedigo Submission Fighting.
In the Master 2 Blue Belt Open Class, Andrew Yarbro earned gold, just by showing up (nobody showed up lol).
Trevor Schultz, one of Black Flag’s black belt instructors, competed in both the Master 2 Black Belt Ultra-Heavy Division and the Master 2 Black Belt Open Class, securing double silver medals. Schultz’s matches were high-level battles, including multiple showdowns with Eldar Rafigaev from Jungle BJJ.
Black Flag’s younger athletes are also making waves. Brianna Schultz earned double silver medals in the Female Juvenile Blue Belt Heavy Division and the Female Juvenile Blue Belt Open Class Heavy Division.
In the Male Adult White Belt Roosterweight Division, Kane Vongkingkeo took home gold due to his opponent showing up after being disqualified. The Male Adult White Belt Heavy Division saw John Ivanic battle his way to a bronze medal, adding to the medal count for the PSF squad.
Additional notable performances included:
- Andrew R. Yarbro — Silver, Male Master 2 Blue Belt Medium-Heavy Division
- Kenneth L. Martin — Silver, Male Master 3 Black Belt Ultra-Heavy Division
This event further cements Pedigo Submission Fighting’s reputation as one of the most successful and well-rounded teams in the Midwest. From Rockford to Mt. Vernon, PSF athletes continue to prove the effectiveness of the training system across belt levels, weight classes, and competitive formats.
At Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu, we take pride in being part of the PSF family. Our competition results are more than just medals—they’re a testament to the culture, work ethic, and team-first mentality we’ve built. Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or someone just looking to get in shape and learn self-defense, you’ll find that same energy on our mats every day.
Looking Ahead
The momentum from the IBJJF Chicago Summer Open has our athletes motivated for the rest of the 2025 season. With more IBJJF events, super fights, and open tournaments on the horizon, Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu will continue to bring Rockford’s best grapplers to the biggest stages.
If you’re in the Rockford area and ready to challenge yourself, there’s never been a better time to get started. Whether your goal is to compete, train for self-defense, or simply improve your fitness, you can be part of a proven system that produces champions at every level.
Join us on the mats. Train with champions. Be part of something bigger.
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