Business Details
Your Premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Evanston
Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has established itself as the premier destination for martial arts training in the North Shore region. Our academy delivers world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and self-defense techniques, guided by a team of highly qualified professionals. We prioritize creating a safe, welcoming, and hygienic training environment that fosters personal growth and technical excellence. Our classes are conducted at Gym 1801, where we maintain rigorous standards for both instruction and facility maintenance. With decades of combined experience, our instructors have cultivated champions at all competitive levels while ensuring accessible training for students of all skill backgrounds.We emphasize not only physical development but also the mental discipline and community spirit that define martial arts mastery. Our structured schedule accommodates diverse training needs, including specialized classes for competition preparation and women-only sessions. Through personalized guidance and evidence-based teaching methods, we help students achieve their fitness and self-defense objectives while building lasting confidence. Our commitment to quality instruction is reflected in the numerous championship titles earned by our athletes in prestigious competitions nationwide. We invite both aspiring competitors and casual learners to experience our comprehensive approach to martial arts education.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Boxing
Mixed Martial Arts
Self-Defense
Competition Training
Highlights and features
- We offer championship-level instruction from decorated martial artists
- Our academy maintains a clean, professional training environment at Gym 1801
- We provide specialized classes for competition preparation and women-only training
- Our instructors have produced champions at national and international levels
- We combine traditional techniques with modern competition strategies
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program develops technical proficiency through structured curriculum alternating between Gi and No-Gi training. Students learn leverage-based techniques for self-defense and competition, with progressive skill development from beginner to advanced levels. The program emphasizes practical application through live sparring sessions and positional drills.
Boxing Instruction
Professional boxing training focuses on fundamental striking techniques, footwork, and defensive strategies. Classes incorporate bag work, pad drills, and controlled sparring to improve cardiovascular fitness and combat effectiveness. Instruction caters to both recreational fitness enthusiasts and competitive fighters.
Mixed Martial Arts
Comprehensive MMA program integrates striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques from multiple disciplines. Athletes train in full-contact scenarios preparing for competition while developing functional fitness and combat strategy understanding. Classes include technical instruction and live application drills.
Self-Defense
Practical self-defense courses teach real-world techniques for personal safety situations. Curriculum covers threat assessment, de-escalation tactics, and physical defense against common attack scenarios. Training emphasizes situational awareness and effective countermeasures for non-competitive practitioners.
Competition Preparation
Specialized competition program develops elite athletes through advanced technical instruction, strength conditioning, and tournament strategy. Athletes receive personalized coaching for BJJ, MMA, and grappling competitions, with proven success evidenced by multiple championship titles at national events.
People
Jeff Serafin
Head Instructor
Third-degree black belt with 23 years martial arts experience, 15 years teaching. Multiple-time Fight 2 Win Pro Superfight winner and professional MMA competitor with 5-1 record. Produces champions from local MMA to UFC competitors.
Brandon Batchelor
Black Belt Instructor
Second-degree black belt with 10 years BJJ experience. IBJJF Chicago Open gold medalist and experienced instructor focusing on fundamental technique development for students of all skill levels.
Ilya Bodnya
Black Belt Instructor
First-degree black belt with multiple IBJJF championship titles. Specializes in modern technique development and competition preparation, bringing cutting-edge strategies to regular curriculum instruction.
Jennifer Zanotti
Women's Program Director
Black belt instructor specializing in women's self-defense and competition training. Multiple IBJJF Chicago Open gold medalist with extensive experience developing female martial artists for competitive and practical applications.
Chris Wojcik
Competition Coach
Black belt with notable achievements including West Coast ADCC Trials finalist and multiple No-Gi World Championship titles. Focuses on advanced competition strategy and technical development for elite athletes.
Questions
What martial arts disciplines do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and self-defense training programs for all skill levels.
Are there classes for beginners?
Yes, our structured curriculum accommodates all experience levels with progressive skill development from foundational techniques.
Do you have women-only training options?
We offer dedicated women's only classes on Tuesday and Sunday with specialized instruction tailored to female practitioners.
What are your competition preparation credentials?
Our instructors have produced multiple national and international champions, including UFC competitors and IBJJF titleholders.
Where are your training facilities located?
All classes are held at Gym 1801, located at 1801 Central Street in Evanston, Illinois.
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