Everything You Need to Know About Grapple in the Capital 2026
Attending our events? This post's for you.
No fluff, no preamble — here's everything we think you need to know ahead of the Grapple in the Capital next week.
First, a detailed reminder of our schedule:
Friday, October 9
Event: Welcome Dinner
Location: Royal Sands Social Club
Time: 7pm-9pmish
Getting there: We recommend traveling to Royal Sands by Metro. The closest station is Navy Yard/Ballpark on the Green Line.
What is it: Just a casual dinner to welcome folks into town. Dinner, drinks, schmoozing.
What to Bring: An appetite and a smile!
Saturday, October 10
Event: Officiating Workshop (+ Breakfast)
Location: Deanwood Recreation Center
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Getting There: We recommend traveling by Metro. The recreation center is located directly across the street from the Deanwood Station (Orange/Silver Line)
What is it: Learn how to officiate wrestling matches from two nationally-recognized freestyle and folkstyle officials. Plus, enjoy a bagel breakfast on us!
What to Bring: No equipment needed for the workshop, though if you plan to attend our clinic, be sure to bring your shoes and gym clothes as the clinic starts immediately afterwards.
Event: Freestyle Clinic
Location: Deanwood Recreation Center
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm
Getting There: We recommend traveling by Metro. The recreation center is located directly across the street from the Deanwood Station (Orange/Silver Line)
What is it: A freestyle wrestling clinic led by 3x All-American Hudson Taylor! Truly one of the best parts of the weekend, you'll learn a lot and have a blast.
What to Bring: Your wrestling gear. Shoes are a must. Gym clothes or a singlet are fine. Highly recommend a water bottle, a towel and/or change of clothes.
What We'll Have: Water, Gatorade, Snacks
Unofficial Event: Private Photo Shoot
Location: Dupont Circle (1633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC)
Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
Getting There: We recommend traveling by Metro. The studio is located near the Dupont Circle station (Red Line)
What is it: Book time with our event photographer for a personal photo shoot! Always wanted your own Media Day-style photos? Headshots? Now's your chance.
What to Bring: Anything you want to wear. Depending on the time, maybe also bring a cute outfit for our Open Play mixer at 6:00pm, located about a 10 minute walk from the studio.
Location: Trade Bar (1410 14th Street NW)
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Getting There: Trade is located in the Logan Circle neighborhood. It's about a 12-minute walk from either the Dupont Circle station (Red Line), U Street/Cardozo station (Green/Yellow Line), or McPherson Square station (Blue/Orange/Silver Line)
What is it: A casual mixer with co-hosts Athlete Ally & Team DC. Mix and mingle with dozens of other sports fans, recreational athletes, LGBTQ policymakers and more.
What to Bring: Your fine self. Dress code is casual (as in: where whatever you feel cute in.)
What We'll Have: Cash bar; light apps & snacks.
Sunday, October 11
Event: Freestyle Tournament
Location: Hook Hall (3400 Georgia Avenue NW)
Time: 9:00am-2:00pm (Doors 8:30am)
Getting There: Via Metro: 7 minute walk from the Georgia Ave./Petworth station (Green/Yellow Line). Via car: free street parking usually available within 3 blocks of the venue. Via rideshare: see address above.
What is it: Our main event of the weekend! It's a wrestling tournament, y'all.
What to Bring: Your wrestling gear. Shoes and singlets (or compression gear) are required. Highly recommend a water bottle, a towel and/or change of clothes.
What We'll Have: Water, Gatorade, Snacks.
Event: Awards Ceremony & Mat Gala Singlet Party
Location: Kiki (915 U Street NW)
Time: 8:00pm-12:00am
Getting There: Via Metro: 2 Minute Walk from Shaw/Howard University station (Green/Yellow Line).
What is it: Your last best chance to party and celebrate a fun weekend on the mats! We'll hand out some awards and maybe do some oil wrestling for anyone interested.
What to Bring: Singlets are encouraged, but not required: wear whatever you're comfortable in.
What We'll Have: Cash bar.
How do I contact someone if I have a question?
The surest, fastest way to reach someone from the club during the weekend is by utilizing our WhatsApp and Discord communities. If you reeeeally need to reach us by phone, you can also call District Wrestling at (202) 770-0835.
Is there a venue map?
You bet. Here's a link to our Google Maps list of all our venues for the weekend, including our two partner hotels.
How do I move about the city?
DC is one of the most public transportation-friendly cities in the country, and we've deliberately chosen venues that are accessible via our Metro system. You can swipe into and out of every station using a credit/debit card or digital wallet (like Apple Pay), without having to purchase a separate SmarTrip card.
If you're driving into the city, there is usually ample street parking in and around our venues. Be mindful of posted signage, as much street parking is metered, especially in more commercial areas.
Rideshare apps like Lyft are another easy option, as is Capital Bikeshare, which has stations throughout the city where you can rent and dock a bike.
What To Pack
An early look at the forecast suggests a beautiful fall weekend, with temps in the upper 60s/low 70s. Possible rain on Sunday. Pack accordingly. Here's a checklist if helpful:
Wrestling shoes.
Singlet(s) – Highly suggest packing more than one if possible. If you don't have more than one, that's totally fine though
Towel(s) – Useful for the tournament and clinic
Water bottle – We'll provide hydration, but it's a good idea to keep your own handy
Headgear – Not required, but allowed
Knee/ankle/wrist guards — Not required, but allowed
Mouth guard – Not required, but allowed
When are weigh-ins?
We will allow you to weigh in for the tournament either at our Saturday clinic, or starting at 8:30am on Sunday morning.
What is the food situation?
By and large, meals are on your own. We will provide breakfast for attendees of our officiating workshop, as well as a light lunch before our freestyle clinic. We will provide snacks for all of our mat events.
What's the shower/locker room situation?
Our Saturday clinic is being held at a recreation center which does have locker rooms and showers on site. Our Sunday tournament is being held at Hook Hall, an event space that does not have locker rooms or showers. Please plan accordingly.
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