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Chicago Classes Cancelled Through 2012 NATO Summit

May 16th, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- Due to the 2012 NATO Summit the Chicago academy will be closed beginning Wednesday. Carlson Gracie Team - MMA will reopen Tuesday with it's regular schedule.

The 2012 NATO Summit will take place from May 20 -21st, but due to the large amount of protests leading up to and on the days of the Summit, the academy will be closed.

CGT has a Successfull Night at Babes & Brawls XI

May 14th, 2012

Ford Heights, Illinois (IL) -- If you missed Babes & Brawls XI, you missed one of the more exciting nights that Carlson Gracie Team fighters have been a part of. Three of the four CGT fighters not only one, but they put on an exciting show.

It was an amazing night of action for Carlson Team fighters

Click here for the Full CGT results

CGT Fighters Primed for Babes & Brawls

May 7th, 2012

Ford Heights, Illinois (IL) -- Babes & Brawls XI is only one day away! It is going to be another exciting night for Carlson Gracie Team MMA as there will be four fighters on CutThroat MMA's card. Fighting Saturday will be Craig Fruth, Jorge Gonzalez, Jonathan Rivera and Mike Reid. This will be an exciting night of fights with the MMA debut of one of the best young fighters around.

Craig "the Truth" Fruth will be heading into the Babes & Brawls cage with a 6-0 MMA record. Now, what could Craig have in common with one of the UFC's legends Rich Franklin? Like Franklin when he first started his MMA career, Craig is teacher, or at least working towards becoming a teacher...

Click here for the full story

CGT Fighter Becomes TFC Champion

May 7th, 2012

Willowbrook, Illinois (IL) -- Friday, May 4th, was a big night for Carlson Gracie Team fighter and instructor Sam Ferguson. He not only made his Total Fight Challenge debut, but he was the card's Main Event and fought for the promotions Middleweight title. And the night would only get bigger for Sam.

On Friday, Sam's opponent was Matt Paul, who was the TFC Middelweight champion at the beginning of the night. As the fight wore on, it was apparent that Sam was in control of the fight as he was able to get takedowns in all five rounds. In the fourth round, Matt was able to reverse positions and do some damage, but that was not enough. Sam was able to control the fight to earn the decision victory and take the title away from his opponent. Sam will now be defending

CGT MMA Seminar to Support Member

May 1st, 2012

Merrillville, Indiana (IN) -- The morning after J.J. Gilmore's title defense at CutThroat MMA's Invasion Chicago on April 27th, J.J. suffered a huge lose as his mother passed away. J.J. and his family were not emotionally or financially prepared for her passing and they will need all of the support that they can get.

If you would like to give your support to J.J. and his family, Carlson Gracie

Team MMA will be offering an MMA Seminar Thursday night. All of the proceeds from the seminar will go to cover the funeral expenses. Come out and support a member of the Carlson Gracie Team MMA and Team Colon family in these trying times.

For more information go to: Support J.J. Gilmore Seminar

The Wardog Looks to Take a Bite Out of Team Quest

May 1st, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- The long anticipated MMA debut for Mike "the Wardog" Reid is a little over a week away. On May 12th, at Babes & Brawls 11, Mike will be fighting Mike Hernandez, who comes out of Team Quest. Team Quest has produced UFC greats Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen and Matt Lindland. If the names that have come out of Team Quest is any indication of Hernandez's skill level, Reid will have a good fight on his hands.

Mike Reid is making the transition from Muay Thai to MMA after dominanting most of the fights that he has been in. His most recent victory came at CutThroat MMA's first Invasion Chicago on March 16th against Andrew Ballenger. Reid easily handled Ballenger, who was the last person to beat Mike. This will be Mike's biggest fight thus far, and he will have to continue to grow as a fighter in order to further his fighting career.

The Phantom and the Machine are Victorious at Invasion

April 30, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- Invasion Chicago has come and gone. April 27th was set up to be a big night for Carlson Gracie Team MMA as five of CGT's fighters saw action on the card. CGT fighters kicked the night off, and they also ended the night. The night was filled with great fights that produced a lot of action with mixed results.

Axel "the Phatom" Mendez was the first fight of the night. He was able to control the pace of the fight and land effective strikes throughout the match, which led to him getting the decision over Anthony Pazmino. In the Main Event, and for the CutThroat 170 lbs. title, Danny "the Machine" Morales was able to dictate all aspects of the fight to earn the victory in his first ever title defense.

Read the full story at: CGT's Take on April 27th

CGT Fighters Going to WKA World Championships

April 23, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- Three Carlson Gracie Team MMA fighters have been selected to fight in the 2012 WKA World Championships for the U.S. National Team. The news is coming off of their success at the 2012 WKA North Armerican Championships, which took place at the end of March.

Allison Casella, Dorothy Schultz and Axel Mendez all managed to place second or better at the North American Championships. Allison was the runner up in her K-1 weight class. Dorothy and Axel both came out of the North American Championships as WKA champions.

Until the World Championships come around in September, they will still be fighting to maintain their form. Dorothy and Axel are both fighing at Invasion Chicago on April 27th.

Invasion Chicago Taking Shape for CGT Fighters

April 12, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- The April 27th CutThroat MMA Invasion Chicago card is starting to take shape as April 27th draws closer. More and more Carlson Gracie Team fighters are starting to find out who their opponents will be as the event draws closer. So far, opponents have been booked for Tom Shoaff, Danny Morales, Dorothy Schultz, and the newly added Axel Mendez. That only leaves Larry Lindenman without an opponent for the night, but his opponent should be named in the next few days.

Read the full story at: Invasion Chicago Taking Shape for CGT Fighters.

UFC Fighter Earns Brown Belt

April 11, 2012

Merrillville, Illinois (IL) -- Carlson Gracie Team fighter, Darren Elkins, will look to improve his UFC record to 4-1 at UFC 146 on May 26th. But before he heads into the UFC octagon for his next fight, he has already earned a new belt. On April 10th Darren earned a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from the Merrillville academy.

Darren is scheduled to fight Diego Brandao at UFC 146 inside of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

WKA Champ and CGT Fighter Looks to continue Dominance

April 06, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- Dorothy Schultz is looking for another reason to celebrate after becoming WKA North American Champion. After Dorothy became WKA Champion, she jumped at the chance to fight at CutThroat MMA's Invasion Chicago.

She joins three other Carlson Gracie Team fighters on the card. And she will be as prepared as her male teammates will be. She will be looking to end her opponents night with a knockout which she continuously done. Support Dorothy, as well as her fellow teammates Danny "the Machine" Morales, Tom Shoaff, and Larry Lindenman as they head into Invasion Chicago

Dorothy Schultz interview

Easter Sunday Closing

April 6th, 2012

All Locations -- All of the Carlon Gracie Team MMA academies will be closed for Easter Sunday on April 8th, 2012. Classes will resume the following day, Monday April 9th, 2012.

We hope that everyone enjoys the holiday, and that we see back in the gym the following day!

Jiu Jitsu Class Added to Chicago

April 6th, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- The Chicago academy has added another class to its schedule.!

Beginning Tuesday, April 10, 2012, Carlson Gracie, Jr. will have a one hour Jiu Jitsu (GI) class. The class will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Chicago academy from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

For the full Chicago schedule: Chicago Schedule Schedule

CGT Member Picks Make a Wish Foundation

March 29, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- Carlson Gracie Team MMA will once again have a strong presence at CutThroat MMA's Invasion Chicago. So far three Carlson Gracie Team MMA members have been scheduled to appear on the April 27th card at the Congress Theater. Danny Morales will defending his CutThroat MMA Welterweight title, Tom Shoaff will be making his Lightweight debut, and just added to the card is Larry Lindenman in a jiu jitsu match. Adding even more incentive to go and watch an exciting night of fights, is that CutThroat MMA will be Donating a portion of the proceeds to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Read more about: Invasion Chicago

Sam Ferguson to Fight for TFC 185 Title

March 26, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- Carlson Gracie Team MMA fighter and instructor, Sam Ferguson, will be making the move from CutThroat MMA Middleweight contender, to Total Fight Challenge Middleweight contender.

His first fight under TFC will be for the 185 lbs. title on May 4th. The fight will take place at the Willowbrook Ballroom and will be his first fight since Invasion - Aurora, where he fought for CutThroat MMA's 185 lbs title.

For more information: Total Fight Challenge

Carlson Gracie Jr. Seminar

March 26, 2012

Aurora, Illinois (IL) -- Carlson Gracie Jr, the son of late Grandmaster Carlson Gracie, will teach a special seminar at the Aurora/ Naperville academy beginning at 1:00 pm.

The seminar is open to all students of Carlson Gracie Team MMA as well as those who train at other schools.

To register: Carlson Gracie Jr Seminar Registration

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Mike Reid Will Make MMA Debut at Babes & Brawls

March 21, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- The 18 year old Mike "the Wardog" Reid has made it a habit of having must watch Muay Thai fights throughout his career and walking through most of his opponents. But he is making a career move on May 12 at Babes & Brawls XI.

Mike will be making the transition from Muay Thai, to Mixed Martial Arts on the May 12th card. His first MMA fight will be against Andrew West, who he knocked out in the first round of the Babes & Brawls X main event. Even though he will be making the tranisition now to MMA, he still looks to end the fight with a devastating knockout.

Read more about Babes & Brawls XI

Carlson Gracie Team Aims to have two CutThroat Titles

March 18, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- On Friday the 27th of April 2012 at CutThroat MMA's Invasion Chicago at the Congress Theater, Carlson Gracie looks to add another CutThroat title to the one that is already in the camp. Tom Shoaff will be making the move from Welterweight to Lightweight at Invasion Chicago to fight Eric Rasmussen for the CutThroat Lightweight title. If successful, he will join Danny Morales as the camps CutThroat champion for their respective weight class.

This night will also mark the first time that Danny Morales defends his Welterweight title, which he won at Invasion 3. Danny's opponent is the former CutThroat Light Heavyweight champion and former Middleweight conteder, David Booth.

Read more about: April 27 Invasion Chicago

Carlson Gracie Team MMA 3 - 0 at Invasion Chicago

March 18, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- On Friday the 16th of March 2012 at Chicago's Congress Theater, the hardwork and dedication that the Carlson Gracie Team fighters put into the fight preparation showed as they were able to go 3 - 0 for the night.

Aaron Brooks began the night with a strong performance, earning a submission victory over Zack Sesko. Audrey Pang followed up Aaron's victory with a TKO victory, which cause the crowd to errupt with "Audrey Audrey" chants. Mike ended the night as the main event with a KO over Andrew Ballenger, redeeming his last lose in the process.

Read more about: Invasion Chicago Results

Carlson Gracie Team MMA Fighters to take Chicago

February 27, 2012

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- On Friday the 16th of March 2012 at the Congress Theater in Chicago at 6:00 PM, the Carlson Gracie Team MMA presence will be felt as they send three fighters to Invasion Chicago.

The 16th will be an exciting night for Carlson Gracie Team MMA, as it will feature former Princeton University wrestler Audrey Pang, the rematch of Mike Reid and Andrew Ballenger, and the MMA debut of Aaron Brooks.

Read more about: Invasion Chicago

Carlson Gracie Team MMA Takes on Invasion - Aurora

January 27th, 2012

Aurora, Illinois (IL) -- On Friday the 27th of January 2012 at La Sierra in Aurora at 6:30 PM, the Carlson Gracie Team will occupy half of the action packed Cut Throat Invasion 4 card.

At one end of the card in the main event of the evening, we have Carlson Gracie Team instructor Sam Ferguson looking to finally capture what he feels is rightfully his as the number two ranked fighter in his weight class, the Cut Throat Middleweight Title!

Read more about: Carlson Gracie Team Takes on Invasion - Aurora

Carlson Gracie Team Tournament Details Announced!

January 9th, 2012

Aurora, Illinois (IL) -- On Sunday the 29th of January at La Sierra in Aurora, Carlson Gracie Team will host its first annual Carlson Gracie Team Tournament!

For the first time ever, the Carlson Gracie Federation will host its own Carlson Gracie Team official tournament open exclusively to members of affiliated schools and special invited guests.  Being an official Federation event, the tournament will have the full support and active participation of Carlson Gracie Jr himself.

Read more about: Carlson Gracie Team Tournament

Holiday Schedule Announced

December 21st, 2011

All locations -- All Carlson Gracie Team MMA locations will be closed Saturday 12/24 and Sunday 12/25 as well as Saturday 12/31 and Sunday 1/1 to celebrate the holiday season.

We hope everyone has a great holiday season and we look forward to the New Year!

Tom Shoaff and Sam Ferguson Win at Invasion 4

December 7th, 2011

Aurora, Illinois (IL) -- Carlson Gracie Team was well represented at Cut Throat’s Invasion 4 last Friday at La Sierra in Aurora. Our team sent two well-seasoned fighters into the cage and left with two victories. Both were in the first round, and both were dominant one-sided affairs. Those fighters were: Tom Shoaff and Sam Ferguson.

Instructor Tom Shoaff came into the fight undefeated, hungry and looking for a chance to show off his striking ability. Before the fight, Shoaff had two opponents drop...

Read more about: Shoaff and Ferguson winning at Invasion 4

BJJ Class Added in Chicago

December 7th, 2011

Chicago, Illinois ( IL ) -- Beginning this Friday 12/9/11, a second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will be added to Chicago's Friday schedule and will run from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sparring will immediately follow from 12:30 - 1:00 pm.

Shoaff and Ferguson to fight at CutThroat's Invasion 4

November 29th, 2011

Aurora, Illinois (IL) -- This Friday night at La Sierra in Aurora, Instructor Tom Shoaff and Sam Ferguson both enter the cage at CutThroat MMA's Invasion 4 looking to add victories to their impressive resumes as they progress toward promising professional careers.

Instructor Tom Shoaff, who is undefeated, has been impressive in finishing his last three fights by winning with two slick arm bar submissions and a highlight reel head-kick knockout. However, his success has made him a prime target for other up and comers looking to make a name off his resume and prestigious status as a Carlson Gracie Team MMA Instructor.

Read more about: Shoaff and Ferguson fighting at CutThroat MMA's Invasion 4

Happy Thanksgiving! Holiday Scheduled Closings

November 23rd, 2011

All locations -- All locations will be closed Wednesday evening and Thursday to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. All class schedules will resume on Friday. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

MMA Class Added in Chicago on Tuesday Afternoons

October 26th, 2011

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- The Chicago schedule has changed!

Tuesday afternoons have picked up an additional class at 1pm. MMA class will run from 1pm - 2pm taught by by coach Jeff Neal. The class will cover all aspects of MMA from stand-up striking to take-downs, ground and pound to submissions

Check out the schedule for full details: Chicago Loop Schedule

2011 NAGA Midwest Overall Team Champions - Carlson Gracie Team!!!

October 25th, 2011

East Chicago, Indiana (IN) -- Carlson Gracie Team captured its second consecutive NAGA Overall Team Championship this past August at the 2011 NAGA Midwest Championship. Following up on the first overall team championship in May, Carlson Gracie Team came in and made a statement by more than doubling the points of second place Team Torres.

Great job to all of our members and coaches who made the second championship happen and good luck to all of our members who will be fighting to defend it on November 5th!

Read more about: Carlson Gracie Team's 2011 NAGA Midwest Overall Team Championship

Schedule Changes - Merrillville

October 21st, 2011

Merrillville, Illinois (IL) -- The Merrillville schedule has changed!

Wednesday night now has Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi) added to the schedule with an all new instructor! We are pleased to add Carlson Gracie Brown Belt Malik Elliott to the staff. In addition to being a Carlson Gracie Brown Belt Malik also is a former D1 College Wrestler from Northwestern and Boston!

Saturday's have also been adjusted. Check out the full schedule for details: Merrillville Schedule

Ferguson and Reid to Headline Clash at the Kilt 2

October 13th, 2011

Elgin, Illinois (IL) -- This Friday night presents the next opportunity for our surging fight team to showcase why it is arguably the top fight team in the region as CutThroat MMA presents Clash at the Kilt 2 at the Tilted Kilt's Highland Music Lounge in Elgin, Illinois.

In the main event, Sam Ferguson looks to secure the Middleweight CutThroat MMA Championship belt by facing off against David Booth.  Booth is coming off a huge underdog win which earned him the current CutThroat Light heavyweight Championship belt. 

Read more about: CutThroat MMA presents Clash at the Kilt 2

Morales and Shoaff Victorious at Invasion 3

October 13th, 2011

Aurora, Illinois (IL) -- Last Friday night in front of a packed house at La Sierra De Aurora Restaurante & Banquets in Aurora, CutThroat MMA's Invasion 3 provided an opportunity for both Carlson Gracie's Danny Morales and Tom Shoaff to showcase their talents against two extremely tough opponents.

Tension for the members of Carlson Gracie Team MMA in attendance ran high as Tom Shoaff stepped into the cage against rival Tim Young from neighboring rival Full Mount MMA of Aurora. 

Read more about: Moarles and Shoaff's Victory at Invasion 3

Schedule Changes - Multiple Locations

October 6th, 2011

Channahon, Illinois (IL) -- Boxing class is now added to Monday night from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Aurora, Illinois (IL) -- No-Gi BJJ on Tuesday and Thursday is now at 5:30 pm

Schaumburg, Illinois (IL) -- BJJ is now only from 6:30 - 7:30 pm on Monday and Wednesday night. Muay Thai on Monday night is now 7:00 pm. Boxing on Wednesday night is now 7:00 pm

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt Test Registration Now Open

September 23rd, 2011

All Locations-- Nothing is given everything is earned - This phrase holds particularly well for Carlson Gracie Team belt ranks.  For only the second time since January '10, Carlson Gracie Team MMA will be holding belt rank testing for students of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs (Gi is required).  On Saturday, October 8th 1pm at our Aurora location, Black Belts Jeff Neal and Jason Sullins will be evaluating candidates for rank advancement by testing their knowledge of BJJ fundamentals taught in our programs.

Read more about: Carlson Gracie Team MMA's Belt Test Registration

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes expanded in Chicago

September 22nd, 2011

Chicago, Illinois (IL) -- Starting Monday September 26th, Carlson Gracie Team MMA - Chicago will expand its Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes on Monday and Wednesday nights. BJJ classes will be taught by Carlson Gracie Black Belt Issac Riggs with beginner level classes from 6:30 - 7:30 pm and advanced level classes from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.

Chicago Loop location officially announced featuring Carlson Gracie Jr.!

August 29th, 2011

Chicago, Illinois (IL) --Carlson Gracie Team MMA - Chicago is set to open this month in a big way! News of the long awaited Chicago Loop school was officially released today and good things absolutely come to those who wait.  From big name instructors to a perfect location, this school is the culmination of the resurgence of the Carlson Gracie Team through the Chicagoland area in the past two years.

The big name instructors tagged to head up classes at the new school feature many regulars to the Team MMA gyms.  However, one name in particular stands out amongst the rest.  Carlson Gracie Jr. will be instructing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes at the new location in addition to Black Belts Isaac Riggs, Marcus Larrieu and Jason Sullins.  With Jeff Neal also in the mix teaching MMA, the number of legitimate black belt level BJJ instructors at the academy will be no less than five!

Read more about: Carlson Gracie Team MMA's Chicago BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA School

IBJJF Chicago Summer Open Championship 2011 Results

August 26th, 2011

Villa Park, Illinois (IL) -- The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation brought the Chicago Summer Open Championship to the Odeum in Villa Park this past Sunday.  As come to be expected, Carlson Gracie Team put the credentials of it's BJJ training on display by earning an array of wins and tournament accolades!

Building off the success of it's previous tournaments in the area, the IBJJF's registration process quickly hit full capacity and locked out many potential competitors who were slow to register.  As a result, the number of jiu-jitsu team members that Carlson Gracie Team was able to send out onto the mats was noticeably smaller than in tournaments past.  Regardless, the talent of those who did make it into the tournament were still strong enough to come away with an overall second place team win!

Read more about IBJJF Chicago Summer Open Championship 2011 Results

UFC Fighters from Merrillville stay undefeated!

June 24th, 2011

Merrillville, Indiana (IN) -- With half the events scheduled for the fighters who have been training out of Team MMA - Merrillville in the books, the team stands at an undefeated 2-0 in June.

Shamar Bailey who was featured on Season 13 of the UFC's hit reality show as a member of Team Dos Santos took to the cage first at the UFC Finale in Las Veags on June 4th.With Coach Steve Colon in his corner he proceeded to dominate Ryan McGillivray for the entire fight.

Read more about: Team MMA - Merrillville UFC fighters in June

Coach Colón and Shamar Bailey ready for TUF Finale!

June 3rd, 2011

Las Vegas, Nevada (NV) --This Saturday Coach Steve Colon will be in the corner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 13's Shamar Bailey as he takes on Ryan McGillivray in the TUF Season 13 Live Finale in Las Vegas.  The coaching staff at Team MMA - Merrillville has been working quietly for weeks preparing Bailey for his big event!

Shamar Bailey was featured on Season 13 of the UFC's hit reality show as a member of Team Dos Santos.  Bailey was a regarded by many as a favorite to win Season 13...

Read more about Coach Colon and Shamar Bailey in the TUF Finale

2011 NAGA Chicago Overall Team Champions - Carlson Gracie Team!!!

May 30th, 2011

Villa Park, Illinois (IL) -- The announcements echoed almost non-stop throughout the Odeum the weekend of NAGA Chicago 2011, 'First Place Carlson Gracie Team... Second Place Carlson Gracie Team... First Place Carlson Gracie Team... '.   As the team dominated the competition on the mats, the announcer became the messenger to the other 185 teams telling them that the Carlson Gracie Team was focused and determined on taking the coveted Overall Team Championship.  When the weekend tournament came to an end, the team looked to the official results to validate what they already knew.  Carlson Gracie Team had taken the NAGA Chicago 2011 Overall Team Championship!!!

Read more about Carlson Gracie Team's 2011 NAGA Chicago Overall Team Championship