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2025 is gearing up to be a great year for competitions in and around the Peoria area.

I’ve compiled this list of tournaments that are within a 2-hour drive (more or less) of Peoria.

Some events have information about them out now, while others are still waiting to release theirs. When I know more, I’ll update this post.

This resource is primarily intended for our students, but I thought it would benefit the martial arts community as a whole to know what’s out there.

Bill Auvenshine Memorial Tournament

Flyer for the 2025 Bill Auvenshine Memorial Tournament
  • When: Saturday, March 15, 2024
  • Where: Springfield, Illinois
  • Host: Auvenshine’s Taekwondo
  • Events: Forms, Sparring

2025 Guardian Institute Classic

Flyer for Guardian Institute Classic 2025
  • When: Saturday, March 29, 2024
  • Where: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
  • Host: Guardian Martial Arts
  • Events: Demo Team, Forms, Weapons, Breaking, Sparring

North American Grand Nationals

  • When: Sunday, May 4
  • Where: Janesville, WI
  • Host: Star Martial Arts Studio

Walker’s Taekwondo Tournament Of Champions

  • When: Saturday, July 19
  • Where: Bloomington, IL
  • Host: Walker’s Taekwondo

While Mr. Walker doesn’t have information out about this event today, he asked me to reserve the date at the last event I saw him at.

Other Events On My List

Based on my research of events from 2024, here’s what I’m expecting for 2025:

  • Midwest Martial Arts Federation: Central Illinois Classic (May), Battle Of The Midwest (July), River Valley Championship (August)
  • Ironworks Open: October
  • Sharp’s Taekwondo: Midwest Open (November)
  • Voodoo Sport Karate: Voodoo Open (December)

Of course, dates and locations may vary compared to last year.

If you have an event in or near Peoria, please contact me to get it on the list!

Adam Bockler

Adam Bockler is the head instructor for Metamora Martial Arts. He's practiced and taught martial arts for 20+ years, holds black belts in karate and tai chi chuan, and is also a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise.