UFC BJJ Opens set to launch this summer through 3STEP productions
May 28, 2026
WOBURN, Mass. — May 28, 2026 — 3STEP Sports, the nation’s largest and most connected youth sports organization, today announced that it has been selected by the UFC as an operating partner for the newly announced UFC BJJ Opens — a new competition platform designed to create meaningful competitive opportunities and athlete pathways for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes under the UFC BJJ banner.
Built for youth, adult, and masters divisions, the UFC BJJ Opens series is designed to bring best-in-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament experiences to competitors of all ages and skill levels through individual and team-based competition formats across both male and female divisions, all centered around identifying and developing the next generation of champions.
The partnership also marks the official launch of 3STEP Productions, a new division focused on integrated event production, athlete experience, and operational services across sports and entertainment properties.
“Over the last several years, we’ve built significant expertise producing and operating some of the largest and best youth and amateur sporting events in the country, creating experiences centered around athletes, families, and the communities that support them,” said Chad Gruen, CEO of 3STEP Sports. “3STEP Productions represents the next evolution of that capability, combining event operations, athlete experience, digital engagement, and production execution into a connected model built for the future of sport.”
The launch of 3STEP Productions formalizes and expands 3STEP’s growing white-label event production business, which already supports leagues, governing bodies, brands, and rights holders through operational and experiential event services. Existing 3STEP Productions work spans partnerships and event execution across properties including the Under Armour Association (UAA and GUAA), National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 Camp, MLS NEXT, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Juniors Championships, alongside large-scale tournaments, showcases, camps, and custom sports experiences across the country.
“Modern sports experiences require more than event management alone,” said Gruen. “They require operational connectivity, athlete engagement, digital infrastructure, and execution that can scale across on-field, on-site, and online touchpoints. We believe 3STEP Productions is uniquely positioned to help partners deliver that kind of integrated and athlete-centric experience.”
Additional information on UFC BJJ Opens launch can be found at UFC.com, for event dates and to register visit the UFC BJJ Opens website.
About 3STEP Sports
3STEP Sports is the nation’s largest and most connected youth sports club and event organization, serving more than 2 million athlete participants across seven sports in more than 40 states. By connecting the athlete journey through competitive clubs, elite events, and its proprietary PlayerFirst™ platform, 3STEP is building a more connected and modern foundation for youth sports. To learn more, visit threestep.com.
