How Much Do Grapplers Really Make? CJI’s $1M Exposes ADCC Reality
For decades, elite BJJ black belts slept on gym mats despite being world champions. Here’s the reality: how much do professional grapplers make in 2026 depends on which path they choose. ADCC, the “Olympics of Grappling,” pays $10,000 for first place. Craig Jones Invitational pays $1 million. The gap gets worse: traditionalists focusing on ADCC glory make ~$14k annually while the new wave combining CJI, instructional sales, and content creation bank $335k+. From show money to digital courses to sponsorship deals, the CJI effect has created two classes of professional grapplers – and the divide is only growing.