Misho Ceko

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.