Coach Sal
Sal first stepped on a mat at twelve years old for wrestling, and immediately fell in love. The grind on the mat was something that could never be recreated. After wrestling for DeKalb High School and one year at Millikin University, Sal found an MMA school and decided to see if it could scratch that wrestling itch.
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After being kicked and punched multiple times by professional MMA fighters, Sal decided that maybe the “gentle” art was more up his alley.
Since 2008, Sal has been competing, training and teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a variety of gyms throughout the Chicagoland area. Sal, along with many others, found a home at Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling with his friends where he has been teaching and training since they opened.
The goal at Sal’s Jiu Jitsu and Grappling is to spread the Train Hard, Be Kind values and culture throughout the grappling community and to build something wonderful here in Northern Illinois.
Coach Jonah
Jonah started working with Sal at UFC Gym and Pica Pau in 2021.
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Life took Jonah to Chicago for a few years, where he got his blue belt at Chicago MMA. When Jonah relocated to DeKalb, Sal and Jonah reconnected.
After training for a few months at Sal's, Jonah took on the role of our "630" sensei.
Victor Aguirre
Victor started training with Sal in 2021 at UFC Gym North Aurora and Pica Pau.
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Victor, like others in his family, caught the itch to test himself in the cage.
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Victor became the APFC Amateur of the Year and is now undefeated professionally.
