http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/7/11/2269875/illinois-passes-bill-that-will-cripple-grappling-competitionsThis is a piece from the BE grappling team, mainly Tom Grant.
The state of Illinois has passed legislation that imposes onerous financial and security requirements on BJJ, submission grappling and kickboxing. This legislation, which seems designed to raise revenue, could kill the budding grappling scene in the state.
Illinois House Bill 1490 is a bill passed by the Illinois General Assembly on July 9th, 2011. It amends the Professional Boxing Act to deal directly with Brazilian jiu jitsu and submission grappling tournaments. The bill does not come out and directly name these competitions - as it focuses on what are called 'amateur full contact martial arts' - but its proposed ambit would cover all "full force" grappling or striking competitions held in Illinois.
The bill exempts any martial arts that are feature in the Olympic Games, recognized by the IOC, held by USA Boxing or any other sanctioning organization approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions or any martial arts in collegiate or high school sports.That covers almost all of amateur boxing, judo, most forms of karate, taekwondo, fencing and wrestling. The only martial arts not exempted are amateur kickboxing, submission grappling and Brazilian jiu jitsu.
This bill places all non-exempted arts under the jurisdiction and regulation of the Illinois State Athletic Commission (ISAC). Participants in any competitions have to register with the ISAC as an 'amateur competing in full contact martial arts', submit a physical to prove they are fit to compete and more than likely pay a registration fee.
Promoters and organizers are compelled to provide the names of all participants in events for approval by the ISAC and provide security to protect the general public attending the event. These are requirements levied against no other amateur sporting events in Illinois. The organizers are also required to get licensed and pay 5% of the gross receipts of the gate - which is potentially event-killing for tourneys and more money for the ISAC coffers.
This move seems to be a blatant money grab and it had the effect of completely knee-capping the growing grappling competition scene in Chicago. The Windy City is home to some of the finest teachers in the BJJ community such as Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros, Carlos Lemos, the late Carlson Gracie and his son, Adem Redzovic, Miguel Torres, Johnny Ramirez and Hannett Staack.
The IBJJF was fully set to bring its third International Open to Chicago this August, but now the event is on hold while the IBJJF weighs their options. NAGA has also announced that their late summer event is now going to be held in East Chicago, Indiana specifically to avoid the Illinois regulations.
There is a Facebook group for those who are trying to repeal this legislation.
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