About Us
Crimson Guard Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Crimson Guard Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a training program geared towards multiple purposes and goals - Sport, Self Defense, Fitness, Confidence, Philosphy, and more. The training at Crimson Guard centers around the most important fundamentals of submissions, positioning, and strategy to form a complete understanding and practice of the fastest growing martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Crimson Guard focuses on not only training, but an improved and healthier lifestyle as well. Suitable for children, teens, and adults, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu improves physical & mental health, builds confidence, and creates a strong bond of friendships and unity that cannot be replicated in other environments.
Self Defense:
Learn how to keep yourself safe whether you're at work, school, out with friends, or simply walking to your car. There are many situations that are uncontrollable and unprovoked. This is where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes in. Not only are these life-saving techniques, but you can learn how to control and neutralize a threat without needing excessive force for retaliation. It's been proven effective in the real world time and time again.
Sport:
Whether you want to compete in submission grappling, or take it further and step in the cage for Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the foundation. All instructors at Crimson Guard have a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience both on the mat and in the cage and will coach you to your full potential.
Training basics:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at Crimson Guard generally begin with stretching and an exercise or technique-based warmup. The class will then lead into instruction on technique, breaking down moves and positions, and why they are vital in different situations. After, the students have the option & suggestion to do "live" rolling, aka sparring. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi is required for the majority of classes. Cups and mouthpieces are also suggested.
Instructors
Matt Giancarlo
Matt Giancarlo is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is the owner & lead instructor at Crimson Guard. He began wrestling at Marist High School in 2003 with an early intention to pursue Mixed Martial Arts, and then began to train his wrestling independently with Belarusian national champion Vladimir Anoshenko in 2006. In the same year, he began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. After competing in several BJJ and submission grappling tournaments he made his MMA debut in 2009 and compiled a 7-1 MMA record with 7 finish victories, 6 by way of submission. Throughout that time, he has trained in various parts of the country with notable fighters and coaches such as Chael Sonnen (UFC), Matt Lindland (UFC/USA Olympic wrestling coach), Yusup Saadulaev (ONE FC), and Nick Serra (UFC/2nd American black belt under Renzo Gracie). Since 2019, Matt has been training under the tutelage of grappling legend and coach to multiple UFC champions Marc Laimon at Nova Gyms in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, whom he was awarded his black belt from. During his time as a black belt, Matt has gotten the opportunities to learn from grappling icons including Rigan Machado, Jean Jacques Machado, Josh Barnett, Dean Lister, Geo Martinez, and many others.
BJJ Lineage:
Helio Gracie - Carlos Gracie Jr - Rigan Machado - Marc Laimon - Matt Giancarlo
Joey Gilbert
Joey Gilbert is the first 4x Illinois state wrestling champion in history, compiling a 161-1 high school record and is considered one of the greatest Illinois wrestlers of all time. An IL wrestling hall of famer, Joey Gilbert went on to wrestle for University of Michigan where he became the Big 10 Freshman of the Year award winner, a 2x All-American, and took 3rd place in the NCAA championship. Joey went on to compete in MMA including fighting in the UFC as BJ Penn's very first UFC opponent. Joey furthermore competed at the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world - ADCC where he took 3rd place in a star-studded bracket. Joey is widely noted as one of the original Chicagoland MMA & grappling pioneers. Joey teaches no gi submission grappling and wrestling at Crimson Guard BJJ, bringing an aggressive wrestling style to the art of submission grappling.
Erick Bucio
Erick Bucio is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt and holds a Mixed Martial Arts record of 3-1. Aside from competition in MMA, Erick has competed in various submission grappling tournaments in both gi and no gi divisions, becoming division champion in multiple organizations and brackets. Erick is also an instructor for the Cook County Sheriff's academy and has trained countless law enforcement officers in defensive tactics. With nearly a decade of BJJ & MMA experience, Erick also assitant coaches the compition team at tournaments helping our competitors achieve success.
Eddie Zepeda
Eddie is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Team Fumaca Academy and teaches the Monday BJJ class at Crimson Guard. Eddie started wrestling for Marist High School in 2004, and soon developed an interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after graduating. Eddie has over a decade of BJJ experience including in competition and coaching, and shares his skills and knowledge each class.
Dan Stittgen
Dan Stittgen is both a multi-fight UFC & Bellator vet, along with being the final UCL Welterweight Champion. With international fight experience in the sport of professional Mixed Martial Arts, Dan Stittgen brings a unique and aggressive style of submission grappling known as Catch Wrestling. Making his mixed martial arts debut in 2008, Dan has compiled over 20 fights and offers his teaching ability through extensive MMA and submission grappling experience. Dan teaches alternating Thursdays and brings a mean side to BJJ training through catch wrestling.