The robust sliding mode control for Markov jump systems with parameter uncertainties and an unknown nonlinear function is discussed. Based on a singular system approach and linear matrix inequality (LMI), a sufficient condition which guarantees the existence of linear switching surface and the stochastic stability of sliding mode dynamics is given, A sliding mode controller is designed such that the closed-loop system is convergent to the switching surface in finite time. A numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.