Nitro Grappling Expo - October 18th, 2025

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Nitro Grappling Expo is an exciting grappling event featuring a combination of a world-class seminar, featuring iconic names in submission grappling/BJJ at each event, followed by a stacked superfight card of no-gi submission grappling matches taking place at the Oak Lawn Pavilion, located at 9401 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Lawn, IL - just 15 minutes from Midway airport and right off of the 95th St I-294 exit ramp for easy access and plenty of parking.  The event is being hosted by Matt Giancarlo, an Oak Lawn BJJ academy owner (Crimson Guard), BJJ black belt, former competitive grappler & MMA fighter, and former matchmaker for United Combat League MMA.  

Super Fight Rules & Format:

Each matchup will be 6-8 minutes long except main event 10 minutes.  This is a submission-only event.  If a submission does not occur, the match will be judged by 3 judges at the event who are experienced in submission grappling & mixed martial arts.  

Judging criteria: Positional control, effective submission attempts, efforts to push the action by seeking opportunities to finish.  Positional control does not mean top position by default, it is referred to the grappler in the position to attack from.

Rules: All common submissions legal including leg locks, spine locks, and neck cranks.  

NO slamming - zero tolerance for slamming to escape submissions

Takedowns & "slams" - If lifting an opponent on shoulder for a double or single leg takedown, a knee of your own must make contact with mat before your opponent is put down to mat.

Throws/Lateral Drops/Suplees/etc - All legend if the offensive participant's body is attached to the momentum and travels with the body of the defense.  This will be referee's discretion on the judgement.  Further details and examples will be explained at rules meeting at event.

Wrestling:

Modified: Wrestlers have the entire mat space to use rather than being confined in a circle.  Locked hands in all positions are allowed. 

These bouts are considered novice catch wrestling (no submissions).