The founders of the international judo tournament "KAUNAS OPEN" were Žygimantas Rybinas, Regimantas Rybinas and Arnas Šikšnius, who held the first tournament in 2020.

After the loss of Žygimantas Rybinas, the tournament was continued by his family and friends, the title included the entry "In memory of Žygimantas Rybinas", and from 2025 the name of the tournament will be changed to "Žygimantas Rybinas Cup KAUNAS OPEN".

Žygimantas Rybinas was one of the youngest international category judges in the international referee classification and, wholeheartedly devoted to the sport of judo, judged in many judo championships and international tournaments.

Žygimantas popularized the sport of judo in Lithuania and taught young people a healthy lifestyle.

The popularity of this tournament is growing every year. The tournament is served, helped to conduct and promoted by Žygimantas' friends and colleagues from the IJF (international category referees and coaches).

Žygimantas Rybinas' vision - a dream - is being realized through our joint focus, implementation, and participation in the tournament.