Why Bowl the Bowlers Journal Championships?
You’re already in Reno for the Open Championships. Your equipment is dialed in. You’ve made the trip. The Bowlers Journal Championships gives you the perfect opportunity to get more competitive games on the same oil pattern—and compete for additional prize money while you’re at it.
🎯 Key Benefits of Bowling the BJC
• Bowl on the same oil pattern as Open Championships doubles/singles
• Additional chances to cash with 1:6 payout ratio in every division
• Enter up to 8 times per event you qualify for
• Singles entry includes a one-year Bowlers Journal International subscription
• Great practice opportunity before your official Open Championships events
Now in its 79th year, the BJC has become a beloved tradition among tournament bowlers. Whether you’re looking to practice on tournament conditions, maximize your trip value, or simply love competitive bowling, the BJC delivers.
Events & Divisions
The BJC offers seven different events across scratch and handicap formats. There’s something for every skill level and age group.
Scratch Events (Actual Score)
Open Singles
Open to any USBC member. Three games, actual score. The main event for serious competitors.
Senior Singles
Open to bowlers 50 years of age or older as of their competition date. Three games, actual score.
Super Senior Singles
Open to bowlers 60 years of age or older as of their competition date. Three games, actual score.
Open Doubles
Open to all USBC members. Three games, combined actual score. No more than ONE professional, titlist, or national team member per doubles team.
Senior Doubles
Both partners must be 50 years or older as of competition date. Three games, combined actual score. No more than ONE professional, titlist, or national team member per team.
Handicap Events
Handicap Singles
Open only to bowlers with a Sport average (or converted Sport average) of 181 and below. Handicap is 90% of the difference between your average and 181 per game.
Note: Professionals, titlists, collegiate bowlers, and national team members are NOT eligible.
Handicap Doubles
Teams where the combined Sport averages total 362 and below. Handicap is 90% of the difference between the combined averages and 362 per game.
Note: Professionals, titlists, collegiate bowlers, and national team members are NOT eligible.
Multiple Doubles Partners
Here’s a unique BJC opportunity: you can bowl doubles with up to four different partners at the same time by paying the appropriate fees. Each partner counts toward your maximum of eight entries per qualified division. This is a great way to maximize your competition if you’re traveling with a group.
Entry Fees & Payouts
Singles Events
Entry Fee: $80 per event
Breakdown: $43 prizes, $16 BJI subscription, $21 lineage/expenses
Reentry Fee: $70 (no additional subscription)
Doubles Events
Entry Fee: $80 per team ($40 per bowler)
Breakdown: $43 prizes, $37 lineage/expenses
Reentry Fee: $80 (no discount)
💡 Dual Entry Option
Pay a singles entry fee AND a doubles entry fee, and your three-game total will count for both events. You’ll also be eligible for the separate Dual Entry prize fund. This is a smart way to maximize value if you’re bowling both events.
Jackpot Trio Side Event
For an additional $20, you can enter the Jackpot Trio—a special side event that includes three jackpots:
• Clean Frame Jackpot – Rewards consistent spare shooting
• High Game Jackpot – Rewards your best single game
• Strike-It-Rich Jackpot – Additional strike-based prizes
All Jackpot Trio events feature prize-fund style payouts with multiple cashing places based on entries.
Prize Fund Details
All prize portions of entry money are returned 100% in cash prizes and merchandise. The prize fund features a 1:6 payout ratio in every division—meaning roughly 1 in 6 entries will cash.
Important cashing rules:
• You may cash only once per division you’re eligible for
• You may cash only once with the same partner in any doubles event
• Prize checks are distributed within 30 days after the tournament concludes
Average Requirements
Your entering average for the BJC is determined in the same order as the Open Championships:
1. Championships Average (First Priority)
Your Open Championships tournament average based on your most recent 27 games bowled since 2017.
2. League Average (Second Priority)
If you don’t have a qualifying Championships Average, use your highest average from 2024/2025, 2023/2024, or 2022/2023 USBC winter or summer seasons (21+ games). This average is then converted to Sport using the USBC Average Conversion Chart.
3. Current Average (Third Priority)
If you don’t qualify under options 1 or 2, use your current certified average of 21+ games (or composite of 21+ games), converted to Sport. You must present league standings sheets or verification from your association manager at check-in.
4. No Average
Bowlers who don’t meet any requirements enter with a 220 Sport average.
⚠️ Green Sheet Required for Handicap Events
All bowlers competing in Handicap Singles or Handicap Doubles must complete and sign the Bowlers Journal Green Sheet available on BOWL.com before competition. Failure to provide accurate information can result in disqualification.
Squad Schedule
The BJC runs concurrently with the Open Championships from March 13 through July 18, 2026. All squads are contested on the fourth floor of the National Bowling Stadium, toward the low end of the facility.
Squad Times (All Times Pacific)
8:00 AM – Early morning squad
11:00 AM – Late morning squad
2:00 PM – Afternoon squad
5:00 PM – Early evening squad
8:00 PM – Evening squad
11:00 PM – Late night squad
💡 Check-In Requirements
• Online reservations take priority over walk-up entries
• Walk-up entries close 30 minutes before each squad
• You must check in 30 minutes before your squad time or your reservation may be forfeited
Equipment & Rules
The BJC follows the same equipment rules as the Open Championships. If your gear is legal for the Open Championships, it’s legal for the BJC.
⚠️ 2026 Urethane Ball Restrictions Apply
All slow oil-absorbing high-performance bowling balls (urethane) produced before August 1, 2022 are ineligible for the BJC. Only urethane balls with 78D hardness manufactured after August 1, 2022 are allowed.
→ Read our complete guide to USBC urethane ball rules for 2026 for the full ineligible ball list.
Key Rules to Remember
Open Championships Participation Required: You must participate in at least one event in the 2026 USBC Open Championships to enter the BJC. You can meet this requirement at any point during the tournament dates. If you bowl the BJC intending to compete in the Open Championships later but fail to do so, you’ll be disqualified.
Surface Alterations Prohibited: Altering ball surfaces using abrasives, cleaners, or polish is prohibited during competition. You may only wipe your ball with a dry towel once competition begins.
No Headphones: Using devices to listen to music or broadcasts is prohibited during competition.
One Re-Rack Per Game: Each bowler is allowed one re-rack per game.
Format: Three games per event. Maximum six bowlers per pair. You will NOT move pairs between games.
Dress Code
All clothing must be neat, clean, and in good condition. Tournament staff will make judgment calls on dress code concerns. The same restrictions as the Open Championships apply—no shorts, tank tops, or workout attire.
Strategy Tips for the BJC
🎯 Use the BJC as Practice
If you can schedule your BJC entry before your Open Championships doubles/singles, you’ll get valuable experience on the exact same oil pattern. Pay attention to ball reaction, lane transition, and your comfort level. Take mental notes you can apply to your official events.
🎯 Consider Multiple Entries
You can enter each qualified event up to 8 times. If you’re serious about cashing, consider entering multiple times at different squad times. Lane conditions may play differently at 8 AM versus 11 PM, and you might find a squad time that suits your game better.
🎯 Maximize the Dual Entry Option
If you’re planning to bowl both singles and doubles, the Dual Entry option is excellent value. Your three-game total counts for both events, plus you’re eligible for the separate Dual Entry prize fund. Three chances to cash from one set of games.
🎯 Don’t Overlook Senior Divisions
If you’re 50 or older, you can enter both Open AND Senior events. Same games, different prize funds. If you’re 60 or older, add Super Senior Singles to the mix. That’s three cashing opportunities from the same set of games.
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