About Us
Building the future of collegiate jiu-jitsu.
Our Mission
The Collegiate Jiu-Jitsu League has made its' mission to create a competitive community for collegiate jiu-jitsu. Through competitive, educational, and social opportunities, CJL aims to bring together universities from around the world through the sport of jiu-jitsu.
Competition
Sanctioned tournaments and a national ranking system.
Opportunity
Scholarships, exposure, and pathways beyond the mats.
Education
Clinics and seminars that sharpen technique and IQ.
Community
A nationwide network of student athletes and coaches.
Our Story
Foundation of the Idea
Ruan Oliveira recognized the need for a dedicated collegiate Jiu-Jitsu community in the Boston area and started the initiative.
First Intercollegiate Tournament
Ruan Oliveira organized the first intercollegiate Jiu-Jitsu tournament at Harvard, with many universities from the Boston area participating.
Growing the Community
The intercollegiate competition saw its biggest growth in 2024 with many universities from the northeast joining the initiative.
First CJL Championship
The intercollegiate tournaments officially began operating under the name "CJL".
Official Formation of CJL
CJL was officially registered as a nonprofit organization in Massachusetts and received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Regional Expansion
CJL is expanding across the New England region, starting from Massachusetts, with the long-term goal of becoming a nationwide collegiate Jiu-Jitsu league.
Our Team
Founder & President
A lifelong grappler from Brazil and who made his name known before looking to create something for collegiate jiu-jitsu. Ruan has dedicated his life's work to growing the sport of jiu-jitsu and sharing knowledge to the next generation.
Founder & CEO
Mark Lee oversees the operations of CJL ensuring the league's structural integrity. Devoted to creating a landscape for collegiate jiu-jitsu to flourish, he set out to create CJL for collegiate athletes like he once was.
Member, Board of Directors
Janet Kosloff is an entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with a distinguished career in healthcare innovation and market research. Following her success with health care company, InCrowd, Janet has remained active as an angel investor, mentor, and advisor to emerging companies and nonprofit organizations such as CJL. She is passionate about supporting innovation, education, and initiatives that create lasting positive impact in communities.
Why Jiu-Jitsu
The mat teaches lessons no classroom can. These are the principles at the heart of CJL.
Discipline
Jiu-jitsu rewards consistency. Showing up, drilling the fundamentals, and embracing the grind builds habits that carry far beyond any academy.
Respect
Every roll begins and ends with a handshake. On the mats, opponents become training partners, and humility is the price of progress.
Leadership
Competitors learn to stay calm under pressure, make decisions in real time, and lift up their teammates. Jiu-jitsu creates the makings of lifelong leaders.
NONPROFIT & TRANSPARENCY
CJL is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
EIN
41-5282332
State of Incorporation
Massachussetts
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.