Month in review June 2026 | Progress Jiu Jitsu

June has been one of our biggest months yet at Progress HQ. We released the Sempre Collection, ran our annual summer sale, announced the Progress Open '128', and hosted our first ever Rolling Club seminar. On the mats, two of our athletes came home from Brazil as champions. Here is everything that happened in the world of BJJ and at Progress this month.

In the World of BJJ

The IBJJF No-Gi Brasileiro returned this month, one of the standout dates on the no-gi calendar and a Grand Slam event that brings the best in the division to the mats. Reigning 2025 world champions Pawel Jaworski and Elisabeth Clay both took gold along with the open class title. In terms of the Progress competition team, two of our athletes came away with gold.

Tarik Hopstock took gold to claim his third consecutive major title, and kept his own Grand Slam campaign alive in the process. After closing out the 2025 season with gold at both the Europeans and the No-Gi Worlds, he carried that form straight into this one. Three majors back to back is a serious run, and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

Julian Espinosa also came away with gold, adding to an already stacked record. He is now a three-time European champion, a Pans champion, and a two-time Brasileiro champion. Two of our team, both competing at the very top of the sport, and both a credit to the brand. 

All Things Progress

We released the Sempre Collection this month, a full range of technical and lifestyle apparel spanning tees, a hoodie, a tech jacket, tech pants and shorts. It is a project that means a lot to us, and it was good to finally put it in your hands after teasing it back in May.

Our annual summer sale also ran through the month, and we want to thank everyone who ordered. Whether you were restocking your competition kit or picking up something new, the support means a lot.

At the start of the month we announced the Progress Open '128', and it is nearly here. Taking place on 25 July in Manchester, it is the biggest and toughest blue belt bracket in the history of European jiu-jitsu. 128 of Europe's best, single elimination, a no time limit final. The winner walks away with a 12-month Progress contract, S&C and technical coaching from our pro athletes, and a fully funded trip to the No-Gi Euros in October. If you are a blue belt looking to test yourself against the best in Europe, this is the one.

We also hosted our first ever Rolling Club seminar on 14 June, a Gi session at FightZone London taught by two Progress athletes, Tarik Hopstock and Taylor Pearman. Two hours of high quality technique and a chance to meet so many of you in person. This was the first of many, so keep an eye on the Rolling Club for what is next.

Looking ahead

July is already shaping up, with the Progress Open '128' landing on 25 July in Manchester. Keep your eyes on our socials.

See you next month,
The Progress Team