Business Details
Your Premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Yoga Studio in Chicago
BJJ X Yoga Studio is a family-owned and operated business founded by Jeff and Deanna Yumul. Our mission is to share our passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and yoga with the community. Jeff Yumul, a black belt under Pete 'The Greek' Letsos of the Carlson Gracie lineage, brings over a decade of competitive and instructional experience. Deanna Spear-Yumul, a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor, specializes in making yoga accessible to all ages and abilities. We prioritize creating a welcoming environment where individuals of all skill levels can grow physically and mentally. Our team includes experienced instructors like Lilla Dent, Rodolfo and Diego Santos, and Victor Almanza, who collectively serve students from children to adults.We opened our doors in 2018, building on Jeff's 2009 start in BJJ and Deanna's 2018 yoga certification. Our studio emphasizes discipline, mental health, and community through martial arts and wellness practices. We offer flexible class schedules, including early morning and evening sessions, to accommodate diverse lifestyles. Our instructors hold certifications from respected institutions like the Chicago School of Yoga and Carlson Gracie Academy. We are committed to fostering inclusivity, safety, and lifelong learning in every class we teach.
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Children's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Mixed Level Yoga
Yoga for BJJ
Open Mat Sessions
Highlights and features
- Family-owned studio with expert instructors in BJJ and yoga
- Certified black belt and RYT-200 instructors with competitive accolades
- Specialized classes for children, adults, and mixed-level practitioners
- Flexible schedule including early morning and evening sessions
- Emphasis on mental health, discipline, and community building
Associations and certifications
- Carlson Gracie Academy
- Yoga Alliance
- Chicago School of Yoga
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes focus on self-defense techniques, competition preparation, and physical conditioning. Our curriculum caters to all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners. Head Instructor Jeff Yumul, a Carlson Gracie black belt, emphasizes practical applications and mental discipline in every session.
Children's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Children's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs teach ages 6-12 martial arts fundamentals, character development, and self-confidence. Certified instructors Rodolfo and Diego Santos use age-appropriate techniques to build discipline and physical coordination in a safe, engaging environment.
Mixed Level Yoga
Mixed Level Yoga classes accommodate practitioners of all experience levels with modified poses and progressive instruction. Led by RYT-200 certified instructor Deanna Spear-Yumul, sessions focus on stress reduction, body awareness, and accessible wellness practices for adults.
Yoga for BJJ
Yoga for BJJ combines flexibility training and mental focus specifically designed for martial artists. This specialized program enhances joint mobility, recovery, and mental clarity to improve performance in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and other combat sports.
Open Mat Sessions
Open Mat Sessions provide supervised training opportunities for technique refinement and sparring practice. These sessions allow students to apply learned skills in a controlled environment under instructor guidance for improved technical proficiency and physical conditioning.
People
Jeff Yumul
Head Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Jeff Yumul began BJJ in 2009, trained under multiple black belts, and earned his black belt from Pete 'The Greek' Letsos. He has competed internationally, winning multiple championships, and leads the Jiu Jitsu program at BJJ X Yoga Studio.
Deanna Spear-Yumul
Head Yoga Instructor
Deanna Spear-Yumul is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor with specialized training in children's yoga. She uses yoga to help students manage anxiety and improve mental health while teaching accessible practices for all body types.
Lilla Dent
Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Lilla Dent brings diverse athletic experience from circus arts and dance to her BJJ instruction. She focuses on making martial arts accessible to women and children while emphasizing self-defense applications and inclusive training environments.
Rodolfo Santos
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Rodolfo Santos, a brown belt with extensive competition experience, teaches children's BJJ classes with an emphasis on discipline and character development. He trains alongside his son Diego and values martial arts as a family activity.
Victor Almanza
BJJ Fundamentals Instructor
Victor Almanza teaches BJJ fundamentals with patience and enthusiasm. A blue belt since 2022, he focuses on building strong technical foundations for new students while maintaining a positive and encouraging learning environment.
Questions
What services does BJJ X Yoga Studio offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for adults and children, mixed-level yoga, yoga specifically for BJJ practitioners, and open mat sessions for additional training opportunities.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes, all our classes accommodate beginners with experienced instructors who provide foundational instruction while allowing advanced students to refine their skills.
What are the instructor qualifications?
Our head instructors hold black belts from Carlson Gracie Academy and RYT-200 certifications. Additional instructors have competition experience and specialized training in children's programs.
What class times are available?
We offer morning sessions starting at 5:00 AM and evening classes until 9:30 PM, with children's classes available after school hours and on weekends.
Is prior experience required?
No prior experience is needed. Our mixed-level classes and fundamentals instruction ensure all students can participate regardless of their current skill level.
What makes your studio unique?
We combine martial arts discipline with wellness practices in a family-owned studio that emphasizes mental health, community building, and accessible training for all ages.
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