PGF Philadelphia Phenoms Qualifier Recap: What Happened, Who Stood Out, and What’s Next

The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) continued its 2026 qualifying run this past weekend with the Philadelphia Phenoms Qualifier, and the event delivered exactly what PGF has become known for: fast finishes, relentless pace, and athletes willing to hunt submissions at all costs.

For fans of modern No-Gi Jiu Jitsu — especially those who follow submission-only formats — this qualifier was more than just another regional event. It was a direct preview of the talent pool entering the upcoming PGF Draft and regular season, and a clear signal of where competitive grappling continues to evolve.

Below is a full breakdown of what happened, who stood out, and what’s coming next — plus how you can experience PGF season live with the team at The Jiu Jitsu Lounge.

Event Overview: PGF Philadelphia Phenoms Qualifier

• Event: PGF Philadelphia Phenoms Qualifier

• Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

• Format: Submission-focused No-Gi grappling

• Prize: Automatic qualification into the 2026 PGF Draft

  
  

Unlike traditional tournaments that reward stalling or positional advantages, PGF qualifiers are designed to force action. Athletes who hesitate are exposed. Athletes who attack advance.

This format consistently highlights competitors with:

• Strong submission chains

• Transitional awareness

• Confidence in leg entanglements and scrambles

• Conditioning built for constant pressure

  
  

And this weekend was no exception.

The standout performance of the event belonged to Jayden Groner, who delivered one of the most dominant qualifier runs of the season so far.

🥇 Champion: Jayden Groner (IG: @jaydenlovesjiujitsu)

At just 19 years old, Jayden Groner out of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Lombard, dominated the Philly Phenoms bracket in an emphatic fashion. Representing Chicago, Groner marched through five matches with less than five minutes total mat time, proving both efficiency and finishing ability on every turn.

Groner’s path to victory:

Groner’s performance was a clinic in submission variety—mixing leg entanglements and upper body pressure with surgical precision. After a season of qualifiers, this phenom now officially earns his place in the 2026 PGF Draft and looks poised to make waves as a freshman pro.

🔥 Notable Performances & Standouts

While Groner stole the headlines, several names from across the qualifier landscape are trending and should be on your radar heading into the Draft and the PGF regular season:

🥋 Regional Qualifier Winners (Season 9)

• Anthony Salisbury — Alabama Twisters Qualifier Winner 

• Travis Haven — Chewjitsu Open Champion (featured in PGF Insiders)

• Sam Schwartzapfel — Pasadena Qualifier Winner 

• Austin Oranday — Dallas Qualifier Winner 

• Jayden Groner — Philadelphia Phenoms Qualifier Winner 

  
  

These athletes punched their tickets and will be among the names drafted or signed to PGF franchises when teams assemble at Draft Night in Las Vegas.

What’s Next for the PGF?

1. The PGF Draft

The PGF Draft is the next major milestone. This is where:

• Teams select their rosters

• Strategies begin to form

• Matchups start to take shape

  
  

For fans, the draft is must-watch content — it sets the tone for rivalries, breakout narratives, and season-long storylines.

2. Final Qualifiers

There is still one last chance for athletes to punch their ticket into the league via the final qualifier. These events are typically high-pressure, high-finish environments, as competitors know this is their last opportunity before rosters lock.

3. PGF Regular Season

Once the season begins, PGF delivers:

• Weekly matchups

• XP-based scoring systems

• Submission bonuses

• Team-based competition

  
  

This structure rewards athletes who push the pace and penalizes those who play it safe — making it one of the most exciting formats in modern grappling.

Why PGF Matters to The Jiu Jitsu Lounge Community

At The Jiu Jitsu Lounge, we don’t just train Jiu Jitsu — we live the culture.

PGF represents many of the same values we prioritize on the mats:

• Action over stalling

• Decision-making under pressure

• Creativity in transitions

• Real-time problem solving

  
  

Watching PGF events together isn’t just entertainment — it’s education, inspiration, and community-building rolled into one.

This season, The Jiu Jitsu Lounge will be hosting PGF watch parties — including:

• 📺 Live PGF Draft watch

• 🔥 Weekly season watch parties

• 🥋 Team breakdowns and post-event discussions

• 🤝 Community hangouts with teammates on and off the mats

  
  

We believe grappling is better when experienced together — as a team, as a community, as Loungers.

Ready to Be Part of the Community?

Watching high-level grappling is better when you’re not doing it alone.

At The Jiu Jitsu Lounge, we train together, watch together, and grow together — on the mats and off them. From PGF watch parties and draft nights to daily training sessions and community events, this is a place where people don’t just show up… they belong.

Start With Our Trial Offer

🥋 3-Class Trial — Just $29.99

✔ Train alongside a tight-knit team

✔ Experience our No-Gi focused program

✔ Join our PGF watch parties, events, and hangouts

✔ Become part of a real Jiu Jitsu community — not just a gym

👉 Come for the training. Stay for the people.

As a bonus, you’ll get access to our free online community and beginner’s guide — so the connection doesn’t stop when you leave the mats.