The US Amateur Sport Act of 1978, authorized by the House of Representatives and the Senate, established National Governing Bodies of various sports to promote and coordinate amateur athletic activities within the United States for their sport. The Corporation set up to administer this Act was the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) which then came under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The National Governing Body (NGB) for Judo was established in 1980 as United States Judo, Inc. (USJI) with its first President, Mr Frank Fullerton of El Paso, TX. USJI is currently recognized as USA Judo with offices in Colorado Springs. USA Judo is also a charter member of the International Judo Federation.

In 1981, the State Governing Body of Illinois was chartered as Illinois Judo, Inc. with its first President, Mr Willis Elias. Since that time, we have had 4 other presidents:

Mr Willis Elias (1981 – 1984
Mr Henry Armetta (1984 – 1990)
Dr Kei Narimatsu (1990 – 1996)
Mr James Colgan (1996 – 2006)
Mr Tim Schultheis (2006 – present)

Illinois Judo has always been one of the top states in membership generally ranking in the top 4 to 5 in total membership as well as 36 life members. We have had a constant presence in USA Judo in representation on the Board of Directors, National and International referees (currently 6 and 3 respectively), and Committees(Referee, Coaches, Managers, Standards, Standards and Certification, Promotion, Ethics, Kata and others). Illinois Judo has National, International and Olympic level Players, Coaches, Referees, and Kata Judges. Illinois Judo has hosted Junior Olympics, Senior Nationals, Middle School, High School and Collegiate Nationals as well as assisted in the organization and running of various Junior Nationals events. Illinois Judo promotes local and regional training sessions for players, coaches, and referees.

Illinois Judo is your JUDO link to the World of Judo at the local, regional, national and international levels.