Meet Our
Trainers

Founder & Head Coach of Chicago MMA. 4th Degree Ralph Gracie Black Belt (earned 2004), 4th Degree IBJJF Black Belt, 4th Degree Luta Livre Black Belt, and Certified Sityodtong Muay Thai Coach. Graduate of U of I Urbana-Champaign; graduate degrees from Harvard Kennedy School and Northwestern Kellogg. Senior Associate Dean & COO at UChicago Harris School of Public Policy.

BJJ Black Belt 2nd Degree under the Ralph Gracie lineage. Professor Chuong brings decades of mat experience and a methodical teaching approach to every class.

BJJ Black Belt 1st Degree and decorated grappling competitor. Professor Patrick is known for his creative guard game and his ability to break down complex techniques for students at every level.

BJJ Black Belt under the Ralph Gracie lineage. Professor Luis Meza is known for his technical precision and his ability to adapt his teaching to students of all backgrounds.

BJJ Black Belt with an infectious enthusiasm for the art. Professor Matt Krzus is known for his dynamic teaching style and his ability to make training both technically rigorous and genuinely fun.

BJJ Black Belt with a wealth of competition experience. Professor Kody Montgomery brings a calm, systematic approach to teaching that helps students build reliable skills under pressure.

BJJ Brown Belt and Assistant Professor at Chicago MMA. Jeff Otaka is known for his positive energy and his ability to connect with students of all ages and experience levels.

BJJ Brown Belt and Assistant Professor. Kevin Manko brings a sharp technical mind and a competitive edge to his coaching at Chicago MMA.

Active competitor in both Muay Thai and kickboxing. Karina brings real fight experience and technical precision to every class in the adult program.

Professional MMA fighter and BJJ black belt from Mexico City. Competes at welterweight and brings real cage experience to every class.

Active Muay Thai and kickboxing competitor who also serves as Chicago MMA's Strength & Conditioning coach. Brian integrates Sityodtong striking with evidence-based athletic development.

BJJ brown belt and dedicated kids program coach. Builds confidence and discipline through structured, age-appropriate training.

Competitive Muay Thai fighter and trainer bringing authentic striking technique and fight-tested experience to the gym.

BJJ purple belt with a high-energy teaching style. Connects naturally with kids and makes complex techniques accessible and fun.

Professional MMA and Muay Thai fighter who brings elite striking and cage experience to his coaching at Chicago MMA.

BJJ blue belt coach known for warmth and patience. Creates an inclusive, encouraging environment where every child feels welcome on the mat.

Competitive Muay Thai and MMA fighter with a dynamic striking game and a passion for developing fighters at every level.

BJJ blue belt coach with a competitive mindset and natural ability to motivate young athletes. Develops technique and mental toughness in equal measure.

Former WEC Welterweight Champion and UFC veteran with 20+ years of professional experience across MMA, kickboxing, and full-contact karate. Shonie "Mr. International" Carter is a Chicago native, Marine Corps veteran, All-American wrestler, and holder of black belts in Judo, Jujutsu, and Shidokan Karate.