Our Team.
We seek to provide a safe environment where people can train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while developing physically, mentally, and spiritually.
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We also want to help people grow as individuals by using the teaching and philosophies of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a guide to develop a person into the best version of themselves.
Isabella (Boss Baby) Alejandre, has been raised on the mats since she was just a few months old, and started her Jiu-Jitsu journey at two years old, after she told her father that she wanted to wear a Gi too. Her journey has started with private lessons as playtime with her father to participating in group kids classes, and recently received her second stripe on her white belt after about two years of training.
She was born with Jiu-Jitsu in her blood and continues to carry the passion for the art from both of her parents, and continues to tell her father, “Daddy, I want to get my blackbelt when I grow up!”
Isabella was the inspiration behind Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy and the kids baby gorilla logo. As Isabella grows within the Academy, her Jiu-Jitsu journey will represent the transition from baby gorilla to the strong gorilla.
Isabella Alejandre
Owner
Professor Luis Alejandre started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 19, and immediately developed a passion for the art. He has trained in Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, and throughout the United States. He received his black belt in November 2016, and his first degree in November 2019 from Professor Eddie and Adem Redzovic.
Prof. Luis has shared his knowledge of BJJ as a head defensive tactics instructor for various police agencies, the 100 Club, and the United States Army.
Prof. Luis has taken his experience and passion throughout his years of training BJJ and implemented them into his own academy, establishing a safe and enjoyable culture at Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
BJJ lineage: Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Eddie Redzovic > Adem Redzovic > Luis Alejandre.
Luis Alejandre
Owner/BJJ Blackbelt
Professor Luis Alejandre started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 19, and immediately developed a passion for the art. He has trained in Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, and throughout the United States. He received his black belt in November 2016, and his first degree in November 2019 from Professor Eddie and Adem Redzovic.
Prof. Luis has shared his knowledge of BJJ as a head defensive tactics instructor for various police agencies, the 100 Club, and the United States Army.
Prof. Luis has taken his experience and passion throughout his years of training BJJ and implemented them into his own academy, establishing a safe and enjoyable culture at Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
BJJ lineage: Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Eddie Redzovic > Adem Redzovic > Luis Alejandre.
Alex "Wasa" Rosario
BJJ Blackbelt
Professor Wasa began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 at Gracie Barra Chicago (now Team Redzovic Chicago), and has 13+ years of dedicated BJJ training. He has competed at the local and national level, including Combat-Do, NAGA, and IBJJF tournaments.
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In 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt by Professor Eddie and Adem Redzovic.
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He was also promoted to the rank of Orange belt by Sensei Maje Omagbaluwaje and Sensei Brian Higgins.
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Professor Wasa developed a love and desire to teach, which led him in completing the Gracie Barra instructors program. He is recognized for his dedication, skill, selfless teaching ability, and family approach with his students.
Pete's Bio
Pete Roehl
BJJ Blackbelt
Professor Chris has been a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since about 2001-2002, and received his black belt in 2013 by Professor Eddie and Adem Redzovic.
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Professor Chris considers himself to be a lifelong student of Martial Arts, as he continues to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and various other disciplines.
Chris Pinto
BJJ Blackbelt
Brian's Bio
Brian Higgins
Judo Blackbelt