CARLSON GRACIE TEAM MMA
Website: Carlson Gracie Team MMA
Info:
The Gracie name is synonymous with honor, tradition, and dedication – the values that the team at continues to uphold. The history of the Gracie name is very important to our coaches.
Carlos Gracie was a third-generation descendant of a Scottish immigrant. Carlos learned his initial teachings from Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judōka and prizefighter in no holds barred competitions. In 1925, Carlos opened the first Gracie jiu-jitsu (as it became commonly spelled) academy in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. He later taught his brothers and children the new technique he developed.
After Carlos retired, his younger brother, Hélio, took it upon himself to defend the Gracie name, further crafting the technique to fit his small stature. Hélio reigned supreme, reportedly only losing two fights in his career, including one to Valdemar Santana which lasted three hours and 45 minutes.
Enter Carlson Gracie, the eldest son of Carlos Gracie. Carlson Gracie continued his father’s teachings, and even got revenge by defeating Santana in vale-tudo (no rules) combat. Eventually he decided to split from his uncle Hélio’s group, and in 1925 he opened his own academy.
Carlson fought nineteen fights with only one loss during his career. He reigned as world champion for over 20 years. His 9th degree red and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) earned him the title of Grandmaster. After his illustrious career, he became the most sought after Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. Carlson trained champion UFC, Pride, WEC, and Chicago Challenge fighters. He died in 2006 at the age of 72. He is widely considered the “Godfather of Mixed Martial Arts.”
The only son of Carlson Gracie Sr., Carlson Gracie Jr. continues his father’s legacy and is a champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Greco Roman Wrestling. He established an academy in Chicago and has trained fighters of all backgrounds, including police departments and military personnel.
In 1993, Rorion Gracie, the oldest son of Hélio Gracie, helped launch the UFC. Driven by the success of the UFC, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has experienced great growth in the last ten years.
At Carlson Gracie Team MMA, we continue the winning tradition. Top student Jeff Neal has trained under the tutelage of Carlson Gracie Sr. and Carlson Gracie Jr. He holds an undefeated no holds barred record in fight competition, has over 700 coaching victories in MMA, sport jiu-jitsu and boxing, and has taught self-defense to law enforcement, the military, and many large international businesses.
Professor Jason Sullins has spent nearly 14 years as a student of Master Carlson Gracie Jr. He also spent 1½ years under the tutelage of legendary Grandmaster Carlson Gracie Sr., and is a Carlson Gracie Team Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Through his instruction, as well as the other world-class coaches, the Carlson Gracie legacy continues to live on and add new members to its family.
Locations:
Carlson Gracie Team MMA – Aurora / Naperville
1585 Beverly Court, Suite 113 Aurora, IL 60502
Phone: (630) 447-8205
Located just north of I-88, slightly east of Farnsworth Avenue (also known as Kirk Road), and just south of Butterfield Road (also known as Route 56).
Carlson Gracie Team MMA – Channahon
24020 S. Northern Illinois Drive, Unit C, Channahon, IL 60410
Phone: (815) 290-9662
Conveniently located right off I-55 one exit south of I-80, on Ridge Road the Carlson Gracie Team MMA – Channahon training school and gym is easily accessible from Minooka, Channahon, Shorewood, Morris and Joliet.
Carlson Gracie Team MMA – Merrillville
1581 East 93rd Ave Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 649-1174
Conveniently located in Merrillville, IN this 6,000 square foot facility is headed by the legendary MMA coach Steve Colon who brings with him a resume of over 500 coaching victories and over 20 champions!
Carlson Gracie Team MMA – Schaumburg
1207 Remington Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: (847) 306-9662
Located near the intersection of Meacham and Golf Road, this location lies in the heart of Schaumburg near I-90, I-290, the Woodfield Mall, Streets of Woodfield, numerous business parks and complexes, and residential communities. Our Schaumburg location is easy to reach for workers and residents of Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows, Mt Prospect, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Streamwood and other surrounding northwest suburban communities.
Carlson Gracie Team MMA – Chicago
17 N. Wabash, 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (773) 977-8411
Carlson Gracie Team MMA – Chicago offers quality instruction, lessons and training by one of the best coaching staff to have ever been assembled in the Chicagoland area. The coaching staff boasts five legitimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts including the master himself Carlson Gracie Jr. Equally impressive are the top quality striking instructors, including former World Champion Angel Manfredy.
Located in the heart of the Chicago Loop on 17 N. Wabash above the Tilted Kilt Restaurant and Pub. The Chicago location has a front door stop to many CTA lines and service routes. The Central location of this school provides convenient access to many Chicago neighborhoods like West Loop, Wicker Park, Bucktown, River West, Lincoln Park, River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast amongst others.
