JOHN SIMMONS BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP
The premier bodybuilding competition in Detroit, Michigan. Compete with the best and earn your NPC National Qualification.
Master of Ceremonies & Special Guests
World-class talent on and off the stage for the 2026 championship.
Special Guest MC
Shawn Ray
IFBB Pro Hall of Fame Bodybuilder · 13-Time Mr. Olympia Finalist
One of the most celebrated physiques in NPC/IFBB history. Shawn Ray brings championship-level energy, knowledge, and entertainment to the John Simmons stage.
Guest Appearances
IFBB Pro & 2023 Middleweight Champion
Abbey & Paul Lopez
Ms. Abbey Lopez, IFBB Professional athlete, and Paul Lopez, 2023 Middleweight Winner of the John Simmons Classic — returning together to the stage that made them champions.
IFBB Pro
Ms. Ashley Monet
IFBB Professional athlete and an inspiring presence at the 2026 John Simmons Championship.
Competition Divisions
NPC National Qualifier — all divisions open to competitors of all experience levels
Men’s Bodybuilding
Classic Physique
Men’s Physique
Women’s Figure
Bikini
Wellness
Women’s Physique
Fitness & Fit Model
All divisions subject to athlete entry counts. Contact with division questions.
Get Started
Athlete Registration
Register as a competitor and showcase your hard work on stage. All divisions welcome.
Register NowNPC Card
Purchase your official NPC membership card — required for all athletes, staff, and backstage coaches.
Get NPC CardShow Tickets
Come support the athletes and experience an unforgettable day of competition.
Buy TicketsTickets & Entry Fees
Hillberry Gateway Theatre — May 16, 2026. Purchase at the door or online.
Fan Tickets
- All seating — general admission
- All NPC divisions
- Doors open 10:00 AM
- All seating — general admission
- Championship rounds & awards
- Doors open 5:00 PM
Athlete Entry Fees
Mail entry form & money order payable to Tigre Inc.
Entry deadline: May 8, 2026 • Late entries accepted with a $75 late fee.
NPC Membership Required
ALL athletes, staff, and backstage coaches are required to have a valid NPC membership card. Purchase or renew your membership before registration.
Purchase NPC CardTanning & Make-Up Services
Schedule your professional tanning and makeup services with 1 FITJOKER for competition day.
Venue & Accommodation
Motor City Casino & Hotel
2901 Grand River Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 237-7711
Our Sponsors
Thank you to the partners making the 2026 John Simmons Championship possible.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact us today!
Event Schedule
Prejudging Begins
All divisions compete in morning prejudging rounds. Athletes showcase their conditioning, symmetry, and posing.
Mid Day Break
Break between the morning and evening shows. Exact timing varies based on how quickly the AM show concludes.
Finals & Awards
Evening finals with individual routines, callouts, and award ceremonies for all divisions.
About
IFBB Pro John Simmons
John Simmons is an IFBB Professional Bodybuilder with years of experience competing at the sport’s highest levels and an equally deep passion for developing the next generation of champions.
A decorated coach and trainer, John has prepared countless nationally qualified competitors and continues to work with athletes at every stage of their journey — guiding them from their first NPC show through national qualification and into the IFBB and Olympia ranks.
Beyond the competition floor, John hosts posing clinics and prep seminars throughout the year, sharing the knowledge he has built across a career at the elite level of the sport.
As the founder of JSimmons Productions, he brings that same standard of excellence to his annual John Simmons Bodybuilding Championship — Detroit’s premier NPC event, known for exceptional organization, fair judging, and an electric atmosphere that competitors and fans keep coming back for year after year.
