INSTRUCTORS

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Jay Valko

PhotobucketJay first started training in Martial Arts as a child. He dabbled in traditional Martial Arts such as Aikido and Tae Kwon Do on and off for years before finally discovering his passion for the grappling arts and ground fighting. First on his high school wrestling team then in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

At 19, he joined the Gracie Barra team in Tampa, Florida, training under black belt Eduardo de Lima. At 21 he moved to Chicago and joined the Carlson Gracie Academy, training under the legendary Master Carlson Gracie and Carlson Gracie Jr.

Shortly after joining the Carlson Gracie Academy, Jay began helping Carlson teach classes and eventually earned a position of instructor within the Academy. In March of 2007 Jay branched off and opened his own Academy. Jay was awarded is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt by Eduardo DeLima.

Tournaments

  • Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Black Belt
  • C3 Black Belt Absolute: Silver
  • Pan American no gi 2009: Bronze
  • Extreme Grappling Open 2007: Gold
  • NAGA Midwest 2007: Superfight Champion
  • NAGA Chicago 2006: Silver and Bronze
  • Gracie Worlds Championship 2006: shared gold with teammate Carlos Rodriguez
  • Gracie Worlds Championship 2006: Silver
  • Chicago Combat Championship: Gold
  • NAGA Chicago 2005: Gold
  • Gracie Worlds Championship Absolute 2005: Bronze
  • Gracie Worlds Championship 2005: Silver
  • Gracie Worlds Championship 2005 Pro Qualifier: Gold
  • NAGA Chicago 2004: Gold
  • 1st USA vs Brazil Challenge: Gold
  • U.S. National Jiujitsu Championship: Gold
  • Windy City Challenge: Gold

    • Mark Allen

    Mark Allen
    Boxing coach Mark Allen is a Chicago Golden Gloves champion and has an MMA record of 5-1. He is also a purple belt in BJJ. Mark stresses the importance of a good foundation in the art of boxing. Footwork, body movement and proper punching techniques are all taught every Friday night.

  • Boxing Instructor
  • Chicago Golden Gloves Champion
  • MMA Fighting Record of 5-1
  • BJJ Purple Belt

    • Lawrence Dunning

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  • Muay Thai Instructor
  • BJJ Purple Belt
  • 2006 Chicago Golden Gloves Light-Heavy Weight Champion
  • 2008 C3 Winter Games Blue Belt Division: Bronze
  • 2008 NAGA Blue Belt Division: Bronze
  • 2008 C3 Summer Games Blue Belt: Bronze
  • 2006 C3 Summer Games Blue Belt Absolute Division: Silver
  • 2006 C3 Summer Games Blue Belt: Gold
  • 2005 C3 Winter Games Blue Belt Division: Silver
  • 2005 Combat-Do Tournament: Silver
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