July 16, 2025
Sports - Kendall County
Sports

Yorkville resident Alex Knauf wins two gold medals

Yorkville's Alex Knauf won a pair of gold medals at the Junior Olympic National Championships and the Junior Olympic International Championships. He is pictured above with Sensei Doug Tono of Tohkon Judo Academy in Chicago and his father, Dennis Knauf of Illinois Elite Judo Training Center in Yorkville. (Submitted)

Yorkville's Alex Knauf won a pair of gold medals at the Junior Olympic National Championships and the Junior Olympic International Championships. Between both competitions, Knauf went 10-0 and was not scored on. He faced opponents across the country, including Oklahoma, Virginia, Florida, California and Texas.

Knauf was also awarded the tournament's prestigious Best Technique Award. He is a 12-time USA Judo Jr. national champion and is currently ranked No. 1 in the USA in his division. Knauf trains with Sensei Doug Tono at Tohkon Judo Academy in Chicago and with his father at Illinois Elite Judo Training Center in Yorkville.