Experience everything Chicago MMA has to offer — no commitment required.
Unlimited classes — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing & MMA (80+ classes/week)
Full S&C room access — strength & conditioning facility included
Both locations — Lincoln Park & South Loop
7 full days — plenty of time to find your favorite class and coach
New students only. One trial per person. No credit card required to book.
MASTER
THE ART.
CONQUER THE FIGHT.
JOIN THE LEGACY.
Train under the Ralph Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sityodtong Muay Thai lineages — two of the most respected names in martial arts. No experience required.
Train withPetrosyanBrothers
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Early bird: $100 · Both sessions $200
WORLD-CLASS
PROGRAMS
We teach the world's most effective martial arts in a supportive, high-energy environment. From your first class to your first competition — we have a program for every goal.
The Gentle Art
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Master the world's most effective ground-fighting system. BJJ teaches you to control and submit opponents through leverage and technique — not strength. Whether you're training for competition, self-defense, or fitness, our Fundamentals, All-Levels, and Advanced classes meet you where you are.
The Art of Eight Limbs
Muay Thai
Train in the authentic Sityodtong tradition — one of the most respected Muay Thai lineages in the world. Develop devastating striking power, elite conditioning, and unshakeable discipline. Our curriculum spans pad work, bag training, sparring, and competition preparation.
The Complete System
Mixed Martial Arts
Combine BJJ, Muay Thai, and wrestling into one complete fighting system. Our MMA program is built for those who want to compete or simply achieve peak physical conditioning. Train alongside serious athletes in a structured, progressive curriculum.
KANO
AI GUIDE · CHICAGO MMA
"The purpose of martial arts is not merely to defeat others, but to perfect one's character and contribute to the world."— Jigoro Kano, Founder of Judo
POPULAR QUESTIONS — CLICK TO ASK
Strength &
Conditioning
Every Chicago MMA location has a dedicated Rogue-equipped strength room available to all members — no extra fee, no reservation required. Train before class, after class, or any time the gym is open.
- Full Rogue squat racks at every location
- Olympic barbells & calibrated plates
- Dumbbells, kettlebells & sleds
- Open any time the gym is open — free with membership
2
Dedicated S&C Rooms
100%
Rogue Equipment
Free
With Membership
Open
All Gym Hours
TRAIN WITH YOUR
OWN COACH
Get focused, personalized instruction in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or Strength & Conditioning. 1-on-1 and small group sessions designed around your goals — whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor.
4–15
Ages Served
7
Kids Coaches
BJJ
Ralph Gracie Lineage
Free
First Trial Class
Kids &
Youth BJJ
More than self-defense — we build confident, disciplined kids. Our structured program develops focus, respect, and resilience through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with age-appropriate classes for every level.
- Ages 4–15 — structured, age-appropriate curriculum
- Ralph Gracie BJJ lineage — world-class instruction
- Builds confidence, focus, discipline & respect
- 7 dedicated kids coaches led by Patrick Gatbunton
TRAIN WHERE
LEGENDS TRAIN
There are dozens of martial arts gyms in Chicago. Here's why the best students — and the most serious athletes — choose Chicago MMA.
Authentic Lineages
We don't just teach martial arts — we carry living traditions. Our instructors hold direct lineages from Ralph Gracie (BJJ), Sityodtong (Muay Thai), and Master Hugo Duarte (Luta Livre). You train in the authentic art, not a watered-down version.
World-Class Instructors
Professor Misho Ceko is a 4th-degree BJJ black belt and one of Ralph Gracie's first black belts. Our Muay Thai coaches are certified by Kru Mark DellaGrotte of Sityodtong. Every instructor is a practitioner first — they've competed, they've won, and they've been where you are.
All Levels Welcome
Whether you've never thrown a punch or you're a seasoned competitor, we have a class for you. Our curriculum is structured to meet beginners where they are and push experienced practitioners to the next level.
Real Results
20+ black belts awarded. Dozens of regional and national competition champions. But more importantly — hundreds of students who are stronger, more confident, and more disciplined than when they walked in.
Competition-Ready Training
If you want to compete, we'll prepare you. Our competition teams train at the highest level, with regular tournament participation in BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA. If you don't want to compete, that's fine too — the training makes you better either way.
Flexible Schedule
Morning, midday, and evening classes across two locations. Early bird 6 AM classes for professionals. Weekend sessions for those with busy weekday schedules. We built the schedule around your life.
"We don't just teach you how to fight. We teach you how to be better."— PROFESSOR MISHO CEKO, FOUNDER & HEAD INSTRUCTOR
BUILT ON
LEGENDARY LINEAGES
Chicago MMA isn't just a gym — it's a living connection to the greatest martial arts traditions in the world. Our instructors carry direct lineages from the masters who defined these arts.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Born into the legendary Gracie family, Ralph Gracie is a true warrior who helped shape the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. Trained by Carlos and Helio Gracie, Ralph mastered the art of leverage, positioning, and submission — proving that skill beats strength every time.
Chicago MMA was founded by Misho Ceko, one of Ralph's first black belts. Professor Ceko is a 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the top instructors in the country. Over 15 years, Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Chicago has awarded 20 black belts — making us the top martial arts team in Chicago.
Sityodtong Muay Thai
Chicago MMA is proud to be the official representative of Sityodtong Muay Thai in Chicago. Founded by the legendary Grandmaster Yodtong Senanan in Thailand, Sityodtong is one of the most respected Muay Thai lineages in the world — producing countless champions at the famed Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadiums.
At the heart of Sityodtong in the U.S. is Kru Mark DellaGrotte, one of only a handful of masters personally appointed by Grandmaster Yodtong to carry the lineage forward. Kru Mark is recognized globally for his deep knowledge of Muay Thai and his work training world-class MMA and Muay Thai athletes.
Luta Livre
Chicago MMA is proud to serve as the official Midwest representative of Luta Livre under Master Hugo Duarte, one of Brazil's legendary pioneers. Luta Livre — Portuguese for 'free fight' — is Brazil's original no-gi submission grappling art, built on wrestling, judo, and catch-wrestling roots.
Master Hugo Duarte stands at the heart of this tradition. A fierce competitor and trailblazer, Duarte helped shape the evolution of MMA through his legendary rivalry with the Gracie family and his battles in Brazil's no-holds-barred era. At Chicago MMA, students have the rare opportunity to train in this authentic lineage.
MEET YOUR
PROFESSOR
MISHO CEKO
FOUNDER & HEAD INSTRUCTOR
BJJ Rank
4th Degree Black Belt
Lineage
Ralph Gracie
Black Belts Awarded
20+
Years Teaching
15+ in Chicago
"I don't just teach people how to fight. I teach them how to become the best version of themselves — on the mat and off it."
Misho Ceko is the Founder and Head Coach of Chicago Mixed Martial Arts, home to one of the most accomplished martial arts communities in the country, with locations in Lincoln Park and the South Loop.
Misho began his martial arts journey in 1998 at the Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Mountain View, California — at the time the premier BJJ program in the United States, training alongside legends like BJ Penn, Dave and Dan Camarillo, and Kurt Osiander. He earned his black belt directly under Ralph Gracie in 2004 and has since been promoted to 4th Degree — one of the most senior Ralph Gracie black belts in the world. Under his leadership, Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Chicago has awarded over 20 black belts, establishing Chicago MMA as the city's premier BJJ team.
In Muay Thai, Misho trained under Kru Mark DellaGrotte at the world-renowned Sityodtong Academy in Boston, where he earned his Muay Thai coaching credentials within one of the sport's most respected lineages.
As a competitor, Misho won titles at every level and placed 3rd at the 2004 IBJJF Pan-American Championships. He has trained and coached martial artists across Brazil, Japan, Europe, and Africa — including opening the first MMA school in Maputo, Mozambique. He has worked with professional fighters at the highest levels, including the UFC.
His credentials include a 4th Degree IBJJF Black Belt, a 4th Degree Luta Livre Black Belt, and certification as a Sityodtong Muay Thai Coach. Beyond the mat, Misho is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds graduate degrees from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He serves as Senior Associate Dean and COO at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.
MEET THE
TEAM
Every instructor carries authentic lineage and real competitive experience. Not a franchise — practitioners who have dedicated their lives to their art.
Misho Ceko
Founder & Head Coach
4th Degree Black Belt — Ralph Gracie Lineage
Chuong Pham
Professor
BJJ Black Belt, 2nd Degree
Patrick Gatbunton
Head Coach - Kids BJJ Program
BJJ Black Belt, 1st Degree
Karina Gonzalez
Muay Thai Coach & Competitor
Shah Zolfaghari
Muay Thai Trainer
ONE WEEK TRIAL
ONLY $49
Unlimited classes for seven full days. Try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or MMA — no commitment, no pressure. Just show up and train.
3-Month Unlimited
BEST VALUE — SALE ENDS MARCH 31
Unlimited access to all classes at both locations. Save 20%.
Monthly Unlimited
FLEXIBLE COMMITMENT
Month-to-month membership with full class access.
Youth Programs
AGES 5–13
Kids BJJ and Youth BJJ programs with dedicated instructors.
All memberships include access to both Chicago locations
TRAIN WHEN
IT WORKS FOR YOU
Classes run 6 days a week at both locations. Morning, midday, and evening options available. Click any class to book your spot.
1528 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60642
Members: sign in via the Gymdesk app to book at member rates. Drop-in pricing applies to unrecognized bookings.
WHAT OUR
STUDENTS SAY
JOIN CHICAGO'S PREMIER
MARTIAL ARTS COMMUNITY
"I walked in with zero experience and zero confidence. Two years later, I'm a blue belt and I've competed in three tournaments. The instructors here don't just teach technique — they build you as a person. Best decision I've ever made."
"As a woman training in a combat sport, I was nervous about the environment. Chicago MMA is the most welcoming, professional gym I've ever been to. The Muay Thai classes are intense, technical, and incredibly fun. I'm in the best shape of my life."
"The lineage here is unreal. You're learning from instructors who have direct connections to the greatest martial artists in history. The quality of instruction is on par with anything I've seen at professional fight camps."
"My son started in the Kids BJJ program at age 7. The transformation has been incredible — not just physically, but in his focus, confidence, and how he handles challenges at school. The coaches are exceptional with children."
"I've trained at gyms across the country. Chicago MMA is the real deal. The Gracie lineage is authentic, the competition team is serious, and the community is unlike anything else. I've won three regional tournaments since joining."
"I started with the 7-day trial and never left. The trial was the best $49 I've ever spent. The coaches took time to understand my goals and built a training path that works for me. The community here feels like family."
Student Voices
What Our Members Say
Real stories from real students — beginners to competitors, kids to adults.
“I've competed at regional level and Chicago MMA gave me the foundation to do it. The BJJ, Muay Thai, and wrestling integration is seamless. The coaches genuinely care about your development — not just showing up.”
Derek W.
MMA competitor · 3-year member
Trained under
Misho CekoHad a great experience?
Share your story and help others find their path in martial arts.
LATEST NEWS
LIFE ON
THE MAT
Training every day. Competing every season. Follow along for class highlights, competition results, and gym life.
TWO LOCATIONS
ACROSS CHICAGO
Train at Lincoln Park or South Loop — your membership gives you access to both locations.
Lincoln Park
Get Directions
South Loop
Get DirectionsYOUR FIRST
CLASS IS FREE
Fill out the form and one of our coaches will reach out within 24 hours to schedule your first class. No experience required. No long-term commitment. Just show up ready to train.
Submit the Form
Tell us your goals and which program interests you.
We'll Reach Out
A coach contacts you within 24 hours to schedule your visit.
Come Train
Arrive at your chosen location. We'll handle the rest.