Florida Panamerican Open & October/November Events
The Florida Pan American Cup is a new addition to the 2026 competition calendar. Judo Canada has established specific participation requirements and a mandatory registration process for the event, with provincial associations responsible for managing all athletes from their province. Judo Canada will not accept individual registrations.
This update outlines those requirements, the registration process Ontario athletes must follow, Judo Ontario’s priorities for the October and November competition period, and plans for an organized provincial team to attend the Florida event.
Competition Priorities
The Ontario Open remains a priority event for all Ontario athletes and is included in the selection criteria for Quest for Gold and other Judo Ontario programs. Participation in Florida or Montreal does not replace the importance of competing at the Ontario Open.
Athletes prioritizing international events and attending the Florida Pan American Cup must also register for and participate in the Montreal Pan American Cup, as required by Judo Canada. For these athletes, participation in the Quebec Open will be optional, with Ontario Open being a secondary priority.
Athletes not attending Florida should aim to participate in both the Ontario Open and Quebec Open. For eligible athletes seeking international competition, the Montreal Pan American Cup provides a more accessible and cost-effective option than travelling to Florida. There is also a planned training camp between Montreal and Quebec Open, creating a great opportunity for a focused 10 days of training and competition.
Florida Pan American Cup Registration
Ontario athletes may participate in Florida if they meet all Judo Canada eligibility requirements and complete the approved registration process through Judo Ontario and Judo Canada.
To be eligible, athletes must:
Have participated in the 2026 Open National Championships.
Participate in the 2026 Montreal Canada Cup in at least one category.
Meet the minimum participation criteria for their applicable age category.
Judo Ontario is responsible for managing the registration of all Ontario participants in the Florida event. Judo Canada will not accept individual registrations directly from athletes or clubs. Athletes will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation and related expenses. Accommodations must be booked through Judo Ontario/Judo Canada based on the minimum requirements set by the organizing committee, and these expenses will be invoiced by Judo Ontario. Judo Ontario will help coordinate coaching support at the event. Reminder that all coaches must be in the IJF Academy program to be eligible to coach at PJC events in 2026.
Additional information regarding the registration process, deadlines, required documentation, accommodations and costs will be communicated to clubs, coaches and athletes. Coaches, please reach out to info@judoontario.ca to confirm your interest in attending and receive the required registration forms.
Florida Panamerican Open – Judo Ontario Trip
Judo Ontario will organize an official trip for the 2026 Florida Pan American Cup. Invited athletes will include age-eligible athletes from:
The Judo Ontario HP/RTC program.
The 2026 Cadet and Junior World Championships teams.
U16 and U18 medallists from the 2026 Open National Championships.
Judo Ontario will coordinate flights, accommodations and coaching support for the organized group. The trip fee and payment details will be communicated directly to selected athletes.
Other eligible Ontario athletes may attend Florida outside the selected provincial team. These athletes will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel and related expenses. Participation outside the provincial team does not include funding or guaranteed Judo Ontario coaching or team support.