3STEP Sports
UFC BJJ Opens - Bracketing Director
3STEP Sports - Part Time
Glenview · IL · Hybrid
Event Operations/Management · Competition Management
2
3
hours ago
UFC BJJ Opens - Bracketing Director - Contract/Part-time
About 3STEP Sports
About 3STEP Sports
3STEP Sports has an exciting opportunity for you to join a growing and leading organization in the youth sports space. At 3STEP Sports we do everything for one purpose: to unite people and unlock potential through the power of sport. As the largest and most connected youth sports organization with more than 2+ million athlete participants in clubs and events across seven sports, we bring sport to more athletes than any other organization in the country. By investing in our athletes and our team, both on and off the field, we’re shaping champions for life and empowering people through sport.
To learn more visit: www.threestep.com
About the Position
Job Title: Bracketing Director
Department: UFC BJJ Opens
Reports to: Senior Director Event Operations
Employment Type: Contract / Part-time
Location: Hybrid based in Glenview, IL
Travel/Schedule: Part time Monday-Friday business hours plus evenings and weekend hours as needed with travel to tournaments once or twice per month
Who We Are
3STEP Sports has been selected by the UFC as an operating partner for the UFC BJJ Opens, a new national competition platform built to develop the next generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champions across youth, adult, and masters divisions.
For more details visit www.ufcbjjopens.com/page/home
Position Overview
The UFC BJJ Opens is a new BJJ event series that is being launched in 2026. We're looking for an experienced Bracketing Director on a contract / part-time basis to own the structure and flow of competitions at our events — from finalizing brackets before the doors open to managing real-time adjustments that keep every mat running on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
Before the event
- Build and finalize divisions across age, belt, weight, and gi/no-gi categories
- Close registration, verify entries, seed brackets, and publish them to athletes and coaches
- Coordinate mat assignments and a competition schedule that keeps the event on time and avoids double-booking athletes across divisions
During the event
- Manage brackets in real time, handling no-shows, DQs, injuries, failed weigh-ins, walkovers, and late changes
- Combine, split, or re-bracket divisions on the fly as registration numbers require
- Direct mat flow and timing in coordination with referees, mat coordinators, and the head table
- Serve as the point of contact for bracket, seeding, and weight-class questions or disputes from athletes and coaches
After the event
- Finalize and post results
Requirements Expected
- 3+ years of experience in BJJ tournament bracketing and event direction
- Proven track record directing live events you can speak to and provide references for
- Expert knowledge of how to bracket divisions and combine/split them as needed
- Experience with Smoothcomp - including event setup, division management, seeding, mat assignment, and live updates
- Knowledge of competition rule sets, including age divisions, belt divisions, weight classes, and absolutes
- Solid understanding of the BJJ community and competition landscape
Requirements Preferred
- Personal BJJ background as a competitor or coach
- Experience running large-scale events (500+ competitors)
- Familiarity with mat-side operations and event-day logistics
- Flexibility to work onsite in the Glenview office during business hours on some week days
Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the contractor. They may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Job Questions:
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
Will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
Do you have BJJ tournament bracketing and event direction experience?
