OCTOBER 10-12, 2026

What is the Grapple in the Capital?

The Grapple in the Capital is District Wrestling's biggest annual event, featuring a USA Wrestling-sanctioned freestyle tournament, clinics, social events and more throughout the weekend. Our goal is to make it the biggest showcase for the sport of wrestling in the nation's capital.

OUR
VENUE

Welcome to Hook Hall, one of DC's largest and most exciting event spaces. With more than 13,000 square feet, multiple bars and a full kitchen, Grapple in the Capital promises to be a wrestling experience unlike any other.

REGISTRATION UPDATES

STAY UPDATED

Registration will officially open this spring. Sign up here to stay notified and receive updates as they happen.

PLANNED EVENTS

Freestyle

Tournament

Sunday, October 11

Compete in a USA Wrestling-sanctioned tournament. Three periods (2-2-1), with brackets based on weight and experience levels. Officiated using UWW freestyle scoring rules. More details to come.

Clinics for

Everyone

All Weekend

New to wrestling? Want to level up your game? We've got a clinic for you, featuring some of the best wrestlers in the country. New this year: a special clinic for anyone who wants to learn how to officiate folkstyle and freestyle wrestling events!

Social

Events

All Weekend

Unwind after your time on the mats over some drinks and maybe even some jello wrestling at one of our partner bars! Plus, enjoy all DC has to offer across dozens of bars and events across the city.

OUR PARTNERS

A FEW MORE DETAILS

How our brackets will work

Grapple in the Capital aims to create a competitive and safe environment for everyone. In creating our brackets, we consider age, gender identity, weight, and experience level. We aim to ensure each athlete gets three to four matches. Athletes can decline to participate in their assigned bracket. In addition, we allow time for exhibition matches where athletes can have friendly matches with anyone who agrees to have a match.

Equipment Requirements

All wrestlers must wear wrestling shoes on the mats. Wrestlers may choose to wear headgear, kneepads, mouth guards, hair caps, soft knee/ankle/shoulder braces, etc.

For the tournament only, competitors must wear a singlet or two-piece compression outfit. For safety, no loose-fitting clothing will be allowed. If possible, please bring at least two singlets, or a reversible freestyle singlet.

Photos and Social Media

By participating in any Grapple in the Capital events, you accept that you may be photographed or filmed in the course of competing or particpating in our tournament, clinics, or other sanctioned events. If you do not wish to have your image and likeness shared, please inform us on location and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note: spectators will be in attendance for the tournament.

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Code of Conduct

All Grapple in the Capital attendees — including but not limited to athletes, coaches, referees, spectators, and volunteers — must adhere to District Wrestling's Code of Conduct.

You can read the Code in its entirety here, but the bottom line is: we have zero tolerance for any unsafe, reckless, abusive, intimidating or otherwise hostile behavior. District Wrestling is and will always be an inclusive and accepting club for all wrestlers regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or ability.