Who we are

Chicago is a city built on grit, discipline, and relentless reinvention. At Chicago Mixed Martial Arts, we carry that spirit into every class, every student who steps onto the mat.

Founded by Misho Ceko, our school has grown into one of the city’s premier martial arts communities. From the very beginning, our vision was clear: build a place where fighters and families alike could discover confidence, resilience, and skill. What started in Lincoln Park has now expanded into the South Loop—two homes, one heartbeat.

Our lineage runs deep. We are proud members of the Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu team, carrying forward one of the most respected traditions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. On the striking side, we represent Sityodtong Muay Thai, a name synonymous with world-class kickboxing and Thai boxing excellence. And through Luta Livre USA, we preserve and grow a uniquely Brazilian grappling art that complements both MMA and self-defense. These affiliations aren’t just banners on the wall—they’re living traditions, woven into the way we teach, train, and grow.

Step into a class and you’ll feel it immediately. The mats are alive with energy—kids discovering courage through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu games, adults sharpening their striking in the Muay Thai ring, competitors drilling takedowns and transitions as they prepare for the next big fight. Beginners and veterans train side by side, each finding their own pace, their own rhythm, their own breakthrough moments.

But Chicago MMA is more than technique. It’s community. It’s a place where friendships are forged in sweat, where setbacks turn into comebacks, where discipline on the mat spills over into every part of life. Whether your goal is fitness, competition, or personal growth, you’ll find a family here ready to push you, support you, and celebrate your journey.

Today, with thriving locations in Lincoln Park and the South Loop, Chicago MMA stands as a hub for anyone seeking strength—body, mind, and spirit. And as we continue to grow, one truth remains: this is a gym built not just for fighters, but for anyone ready to discover what they’re truly capable of.