New Japan Pro Wrestling kicks off G1 Climax 36 in Chicago

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) will open its annual G1 Climax 36 tournament on July 11 at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The first night marks the first time in the tournament’s 36‑year history that an opening show is held in the United States. The 20‑man field is split into two blocks, with matches scheduled through August 16 at venues across Japan, including the Ryōgoku Kokugikan for the final. Notable participants include Konosuke Takeshita, Hirooki Goto, Shingo Takagi, Jake Lee, Great-O‑Khan and rising stars such as Aaron Wolf and HENARE.

NJPW president Hiroshi Tanahashi said the U.S. start is a strategic move to increase visibility for the promotion and its talent exchange with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In a conversation with AEW owner Tony Khan, Tanahashi discussed continued cooperation under NJPW’s new ownership by TV Asahi and CyberAgent, emphasizing the importance of cross‑market exposure for wrestlers in both countries.