NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: Cohen Brothers Judo Club

Vernon Hills, IL – August, 2018 – Cohen Brothers Judo Club with athletes ranging from 4 years old to 19 years old won 30 medals in the 30th annual US Judo Open Championship held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on July 26-29, 2018.

“I am so proud of our kids,” said RJ Cohen, co-founder and head coach of the Cohen Brothers “Our team came from Vernon Hills, Illinois all the way to Florida and fought their hearts out to earn 13 gold, 6 silver and 11 bronze medals. Our club won the most overall medals in the Jr. US Open and are proud to say we are the best team in the USA. This competition had over 800 athletes from over 10 countries. Our kids trained all year finishing with an intense two-week training camp prior to this international event. We are the best because we have the best athletes and parents in the world. You believe in us and we believe in you.”

Cohen Brothers athletes both, boys and girls, who participating in the Championships ranged from 4-19 years old. In addition to winning 30 medals, Jaden Vodovoz received Irwin Cohen best technique award and Sara Golden received the most outstanding female athlete of the tournament award winning two divisions. Bringing home gold medals are: Braeden Wittkamp, Ethan Sandal, Jacob Sandal, Jaden Vodovoz, Danielle Pekler, Sara Golden, Alex Knauf, Alex Poholik, Rylee Roloff and Sophia Kontos. Silver medallists include Grey Tinsley, Layla Britton, Stefan Virhov, Garry Gurevich, Rylee Roloff, Daniel Berdich. Bronze medal winners are: Ryan Rubalsky, Jacob Vaysman, Urban Tinsley, Tomas Jarecky, Jayme Cohen, Deina Taujinskas, Aiden Cohen, Harlee Hiller, Robert Suvi, Nich Hermsen, Seth Digby, Erin Bush and Val Vihrov. Fifth place was awarded to Tagg Miller, Mary Mingoue, Carolina Jarecky, Alex Shvartsman, Zoe Brandt, Adrian Cohen and Gela Nyamochir.

Cohen Brothers is a family business, with multiple generations of the Cohen family working together to bring their love of the Olympic sport of Judo to the Vernon Hills, IL area. We have a proud tradition of developing young athletes into Olympic level athletes and we encourage anyone with an interest in the martial arts to visit our training facility. Our judo classes embody the noble philosophy and technique associated with these martial arts. The coaches at Cohen Brothers Training Centers care deeply for each and every athlete. We accommodate families with special needs and offer martial arts classes for beginner to novice, and children to adults.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: US Open Championships is a nationwide tournament open to Junior, Senior and Veteran athletes. It is held annually in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. July, 2018 marks its 30th anniversary.