We believe in teaching concepts as well as step-by-step instruction to ensure each student gains a full understanding of the techniques, positions and movements.

Tristan Espiritu started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in 2002 with virtually no grappling experience. He quickly realized that BJJ was a great way to stay in shape and provided a good foundation for self-defense. But it was the competitive sporting aspect of BJJ that really got him hooked. After over a decade of consistent training, Tristan was awarded his Black Belt in 2012. He currently trains under second degree black belt Jonatas Novaes.

Tristan has competed and placed in many local and national tournaments, including the IBJJF Masters Worlds, Arnold's Gracie Worlds, NAGA, Midwest Grappling Championships, C3, Henry Matamoris' Milwaukee Challenge, US Grappling and the IBJJF Chicago Open.

Juan Marquez began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) journey in 2003. Although he had no grappling experience, he found that he truly appreciated the sporting aspect of BJJ. Throughout the years Juan has had the opportunity to train with some of the legends of the sport, including Jacare Calvacanti, Comprido Medeiros, Andre Galvao, Pedro Carvalho, and Kurt Osiander.

Juan received his Black Belt from Jonatas Novaes April of 2015. 

Jonatas Novaes built the program that would become the foundation of the Bodhi Collaborative. After seven years in Chicago, he moved to Las Vegas to build a new academy while looking to fulfill his dream of fighting in the UFC. His list of accomplishments as a jiu jitsu competitor and MMA fighter is lengthy. The second degree black belt has won world titles on the mats and scored impressive victories in the cage. Jonatas continues to support the Bodhi Collaborative and plans on returning regularly to fine tune the skills of his students in the Chicagoland area. For a complete bio, visit www.jnovaes.com.

Located inside the CounterStrike MMA Academy | 1730 Ogden Ave Downers Grove, Il. 60515 | (331) 330-0662 | bodhi.collaborative@gmail.com