27th Tohkon Classic, 3rd GKJN Cup
and Ryu Shichinohe Training Camp – Cheers to an unforgettable week!
We did it again this year, giving it our all!
From June 14 (Sat) to June 18 (Wed), nearly 900 people including athletes, parents, and staff gathered for:
- The 27th Tohkon Classic (June 14 – Individual matches for adults & kids, about 500 participants)
- The 3rd GKJN Cup (June 15 – Judo Clinic & Kids Team Competition, about 250 participants)
- Ryu Shichinohe & Megumi Ishikawa Training Camp (June 16–18 – Adults & kids, about 150 participants)
These events were held at the Wintrust Sports Complex and other venues in the Chicago suburbs, and all concluded with great excitement. With sincere gratitude for everyone’s support, I’d like to share this report.
1. Ryu Shichinohe Arrives in Chicago & Venue Preparation (June 13)
On Friday, June 13, Ryu Shichinohe arrived early in the morning at O’Hare Airport!
At 193cm, he easily stood out even among Americans—his presence was unmistakable everywhere he went!
(Special thanks to Mr. Terao, Branch Manager of ANA Chicago, and Ms. Shikata for the warm welcome!)
Without rest, he dropped off his luggage at the hotel and immediately helped with venue setup. Since the U.S. Junior Nationals were scheduled for the following weekend, we prepared six full competition mats—all handmade! Immense gratitude to Shichinohe and the volunteers who worked so hard!
2. 27th Tohkon Classic (June 14)
This long-standing tournament is known to all U.S. judoka. The big highlight this year was the introduction of cash prizes for the senior divisions!
- Men’s 1st place: $1,000 (approx. ¥150,000)
- Women’s 1st place: $500 (approx. ¥75,000)
- Prizes awarded through 3rd place
This was a huge motivation boost, and the smiles of the winners were unforgettable. I even joked with Shichinohe, “Maybe we should compete next year ourselves!”
At this point, it feels like a full-fledged international tournament. Maybe next year we’ll even add smoke effects for the athlete entrances…
3. 3rd GKJN Cup (June 15)
Our main event, the GKJN Cup, kicked off the next day! Although it coincided with Father’s Day and we worried about turnout, last-minute dojo visits in Chicago and Shichinohe & Ishikawa’s personal invitations helped push participation to about 250 people, including over 100 kids—a huge success!
(1) Morning: Judo Clinic with Ryu & Megumi
Shichinohe stood out even more in his judogi. He taught his specialty, Ouchi-gari (the very technique he once nearly threw World Champion Teddy Riner with!), explaining clearly even for children.
The highlight was the “Challenge Shichinohe!” randori session, where kids eagerly lined up to face him. Nearly all were thrown, but he graciously gave them a fight—and a priceless memory!
Lunch was generously provided again by Restaurant Daruma—300 meals, free of charge. Thank you so much!
(2) Afternoon: Kids Team Competition & Raffle
In the afternoon, kids fought in 5-member teams, battling for medals with both tears and smiles. The closing raffle was once again the biggest hit—children, learning from the past two years, crowded the raffle area early! With 45 prizes including a brand-new judogi, excitement was sky-high.
We were also deeply moved by the 20+ volunteer referees who traveled from across the U.S. to support us. Truly, it was an event filled with gratitude and inspiration.
4. Training Camp with Shichinohe & Ishikawa (June 16–18)
As a special follow-up, we held a 3-day training camp at Tohkon’s new dojo. Despite the steep U.S. price tag of $120 per person, about 150 participants joined. This showed us America’s spirit: “If it’s good, people will pay for it.”
The camp wasn’t just about learning techniques—it included intense randori sessions. Many adults tested themselves seriously against Shichinohe. I too went all out for three days!
The camp wasn’t just about learning techniques—it included intense randori sessions. Many adults tested themselves seriously against Shichinohe. I too went all out for three days!
5. Closing & Reflections
Once again, we were able to bring countless smiles to children thanks to our sponsors, private supporters, referees, and volunteers. We are truly grateful. Looking ahead, we are even considering hosting the event on the U.S. West Coast. We sincerely ask for your continued support.
Challenges for next year:
- 寄付金減少傾向で財政難。来年度開催のために認知度向上が急務。
- 柔道人口が少ないシカゴでは参加者増に限界。次回西海岸開催も検討。
- イベントコンテンツにマンネリ感。もっと子供たちをドキドキさせる仕掛けを!!
With your guidance and support, we will work on these improvements for the future.
Megumi Ishikawa
