Technique
High-level technique and strong fundamentals, taught in structured, progressive classes that give every student a clear path for improvement.
About us · Lakeview, Chicago
From Rio to Lakeview.
The story, the people and the standard behind Molinaro Jiu-Jitsu — a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy built so others could experience what the sport gave its founder.
Est.2023Chicago
01 Our story
It started on the mats of Rio.
Molinaro Jiu-Jitsu began with the passion and vision of Alexandre Molinaro, a Brazilian-born black belt who grew up training the sport from a young age.
Alex discovered Jiu-Jitsu at age 13 in Rio de Janeiro, after trying other sports like swimming and judo. He quickly fell in love with its technical, strategic nature.
As he progressed through the belts and built a successful competition career — earning his black belt in 2017 under renowned coach André “Alemão” Vasconcelos — his dream shifted toward building a place where other people could experience the same benefits of the sport.
In 2023, that place opened its doors on Clark Street, in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
02 The path
White belt
to black belt.
Every black belt was once a beginner who didn’t quit. Here’s how the journey behind the academy unfolded.
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Age 13Rio de Janeiro
First steps on the mat
After trying swimming and judo, Alex discovers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — and falls for its technical, strategic nature.
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The climbBlue · Purple · Brown
Through the belts
Rank by rank, Alex progresses through the belts while building a successful competition career.
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2017Black belt
Black belt
Alex earns his black belt under renowned coach André “Alemão” Vasconcelos — and has competed at the highest level ever since, becoming a teacher along the way.
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2023Lakeview, Chicago
Molinaro Jiu-Jitsu opens
A dream realized: an academy at 3260 N Clark St where anyone — any age, any level — can experience the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu.
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TodayThe team
One team. One standard.
Dedicated instructors, a kids coaching staff and a schedule that runs seven days a week — from Little Kids at age 3 to adult competition training.
03 What we stand for
More than
a sport.
Jiu-Jitsu here is a discipline that builds strength, confidence and lasting community. Three things guide every class we teach.
Community
A positive environment where students support and challenge each other — built on teamwork and growth, on and off the mats.
Purpose
Discipline, composure under pressure and a confidence that carries far beyond the mat. We train with purpose — and teach you to do the same.
The dream
Build a place where others could feel what Jiu-Jitsu gave him.
04 Meet the team
Our
instructors.
Competition-tested black belts and dedicated kids coaches — every one of them focused on helping you progress, whatever your starting point.
Free trial
Come train
with us.
Your first class is on us. Tour the academy, meet the coaches and step on the mat — no experience required.