URJ Training Center Brazilian BJJ

URJ Training Center Brazilian BJJ, now Chess Lab Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Yakima, is built on a story of persistence and partnership. The academy’s roots trace back to Professor James O’Neal, a second-degree black belt under Fabiano “Pega Leve” Scherner, who kept jiu-jitsu alive in Yakima by training wherever he could—garages, school gyms, even living rooms—before finding a permanent home. In 2025, Jen Bailey, co-founder of the former URJ Training Center, reached out to O’Neal to merge her facility and community with his leadership. Together, they formed a new academy grounded in the Carlson Gracie lineage, with a direct connection to Scherner—an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and respected MMA veteran. Classes at Chess Lab Yakima reflect both tradition and adaptability. The weekly schedule features adult gi classes throughout the day, including early-morning and lunch-hour options for working students. Both gi and no-gi formats rotate for adults and youth, with “Holy Rolls” on Sundays and open mat sessions every Saturday morning. The kids’ program is split into Tiny Kids (ages 4–6) and Youth (ages 7–13), including a dedicated Homeschool Youth Class on Fridays that serves local families with flexible needs. Women’s training is a clear priority, with self-defense classes twice weekly and a women’s-only BJJ class every Friday and Sunday. Professor O’Neal leads instruction with a combination of technical detail and practical experience, shaped by his military service and background as a physician assistant. The academy’s approach carries the influence of Fabiano Scherner’s top-pressure style, but the heart of the school is its grassroots determination to keep BJJ thriving in Yakima. From running classes in makeshift spaces to building a full schedule of gi, no-gi, judo fundamentals, and youth programs, Chess Lab Yakima is the product of years of grit and a commitment to real, lasting jiu-jitsu.

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