Three Yorkville Residents Place in Judo Tournaments Across the Country

The Illinois Elite Judo Club has had a busy spring season, competing in four tournaments with many local residents placing.

The Scholastic National Championships were held in Miami, Florida where Kelly Knauf of Yorkville won the Silver Medal in the IJF 18-20 yr old, 44kg division.  This victory earned her a position as an alternate for the Junior World Team.  She also received the bronze medal in the Cadet, 15-17 yr old, 44kg division. 

Derek Edwards of Montgomery earned the Silver medal in the Collegiate, 66kg division. 

The Illinois State tournament yielded a combined record of 13-1 where the team won four gold medals and one silver medal. Ashley Klingberg of Yorkville won the gold in the 9-10 medium weight and silver in the 9-10 light weight.  She went 5-1 on the day and looked impressive as she demonstrated how the hard work she has put into her practice has paid off. 

Alex Knauf won gold in the 11-12 medium weight.  Derek Edwards won two gold in the senior division.

The next tournament was the Senior Nationals held in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  This tournament attracts USA Olympians and hopefuls to make for outstanding competition.  Derek Edwards went 3-2 as he placed 7th in a tough field of athletes. 

The most recent tournament was the Midwest Championships in Lincolnshire, Ill. where the team went 9-1 on the day and came home with three gold. 

Alex Knauf beat two Canadian players on his way to win gold, going 4-0 in the 11-12 42kg division and won all his matches by impressive full point wins.  Ashley Klingberg won gold in the 9-10 30kg division.  Derek Edwards won gold in the Senior 66kg division. 

Illinois Elite Judo Club is coached by National/International coach Dennis Knauf, Senior level competitor Derek Edwards and International competitor Jessie Irons.

Special thanks to Dennis Knauf for the information and photo.