Jay Rodriguez

Biography

Jay Rodriguez is an American submission grappler from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, raised in Clayton, New Jersey. Growing up in a highly athletic household, he explored multiple sports, but wrestling became his primary focus from the age of six. Throughout his youth, Jay immersed himself in both scholastic and club wrestling, developing the pace, toughness, and scrambling ability that would later define his no-gi style.

During his time at Clayton High School, Rodriguez built an impressive record of 136–19, earning district and regional honors while training year-round to sharpen his competitive edge. As his high school career was winding down, Jay watched his older brother Nick Rodriguez break into the jiu-jitsu spotlight, a rise that motivated Jay to transition into the sport himself. Shortly after graduating in 2020, he began training no-gi full-time under coach Jay Regalbuto in New Jersey, competing almost immediately and gaining experience on the regional circuit.

Rodriguez committed fully to grappling, training twice a day and rapidly rising through the ranks—earning his blue belt in only seven months. By mid-2021, he relocated to Austin, Texas, joining his brother at the newly formed B-Team Jiu-Jitsu. His breakout moment came at the 2022 West Coast ADCC Trials, where he submitted every opponent on his way to the finals and secured the 88kg division with a highlight-reel buggy strangle against Hunter Colvin. Since then, Jay has continued to compete against elite opposition on the global stage, culminating in a run to the finals of the 2024 ADCC World Championships.

Personal

* Legend status is reserved for retired athletes with outstanding achievements and a lasting impact on the sport.

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