Meet the Team
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Steven Patterson
Owner/Head Coach
30+ IBJJF GOLD medals Brown belt and above
Silver medal 2011 Worlds NoGI IBJJF
Bronze medal Pan Ams 2012 IBJJF
Bronze Medal Nationals 2021 IBJJF
2x ADCC Chicago Champion
Winning Pro MMA RECORD
10+ years of referee experience
Coached/Owned UofGF 14 years with over 300 Gold medals on smoothcomp
Meet Coach Steve, the esteemed Owner and Head Instructor of our Jiu-Jitsu academy. A 3rd-degree black belt under the legendary Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros, Coach Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the mat. With more than 1,000 combat matches throughout his impressive career.
In addition to his extensive Jiu-Jitsu background, Coach Steve has wrestled for 9 years and holds a black belt in Judo. His diverse skill set contributes to a well-rounded approach to martial arts and self-defense. Furthermore, Coach Steve boasts a winning professional MMA record, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest levels across various combat sports.
Coach Steve’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense is infectious. He believes that martial arts not only build physical strength but also foster confidence, discipline, and resilience in his students. His commitment to sharing this transformative art with others is evident in his teaching style, which emphasizes safety, technique, and personal growth.
Throughout his career, Coach Steve has dedicated himself to coaching, guiding his students to remarkable successes, including over 300 gold medals. His hands-on approach ensures that each student receives personalized attention and encouragement, allowing them to achieve their goals both on and off the mat.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Coach Steve is excited to help you embark on your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Join us at the academy and experience the passion, community, and excellence that Coach Steve embodies!
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Stephanie Lain
Coach
Meet Coach Stephanie Lain, a passionate and dedicated Kids Jiu-Jitsu instructor with a vibrant spirit and a wealth of experience. Coach Stephanie has not only honed her skills on the mat but has also achieved remarkable success in competitions, earning medals at prestigious events including the IBJJF World Championships, Pan American Championships, and National tournaments.
Coach Stephanie believes in the transformative power of martial arts, not just in building physical strength, but also in instilling confidence, discipline, and respect in young students. Her classes are designed to be engaging, fun, and educational, ensuring that every child feels welcomed and inspired.
In addition to her commitment to teaching, Coach Stephanie is an avid CrossFit enthusiast. She integrates her fitness experience into her Jiu-Jitsu training, promoting a well-rounded approach to health and wellness for her students. When she's not on the mat or in the gym, you can find her exploring new fitness challenges or spending quality time with friends and family.
Coach Stephanie is excited to share her passion for Jiu-Jitsu with the next generation and is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential both on and off the mat. Join her class and discover the joys of Jiu-Jitsu!
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Mat Astacio
Coach
Introducing Mat Astacio, a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu instructor who brings a unique blend of wrestling expertise and Jiu-Jitsu experience to the mat. With over 8 years of training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mat has a strong foundation in grappling that enhances his ability to teach young students the art of self-defense and martial arts.
Before stepping onto the Jiu-Jitsu scene, Coach Mat honed his skills through a robust wrestling background. This experience not only informs his teaching style but also helps him instill essential techniques and strategies in his students, ensuring they develop both confidence and competence as they learn.
In addition to his passion for Jiu-Jitsu, Coach Mat is an accomplished videographer who runs his own videography company. He has had the privilege of capturing countless seminars and tournaments across the country, allowing him to witness the sport's growth and evolution firsthand. This unique perspective enriches his teaching, as he incorporates insights gained from his videography work into his instruction.
Coach Mat is committed to creating a fun and engaging environment for his young students, where they can learn valuable skills while building friendships and confidence. His enthusiasm for Jiu-Jitsu is contagious, and he is excited to help the next generation of martial artists discover the joys of the sport. Join Mat on the mat and experience the thrill of Jiu-Jitsu!
KiDs Jiu-Jitsu | ages 4-13
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 5pm-6pm.
Self-Defense
Jiu-Jistu is made for self-defense and we have a great Bully proof program.
Focus
Focus is a important not just in Jiu-Jitsu but in life. UofGF really focuses on paying attention to the little details.
Technique
Learn step-by-step how to work takedowns, takedown defense, escapes, submissions.
Competition
Although competition are not our main focus in class. But we do enjoy a tournament. Competition are a lot of FUN!
Adult Jiu-Jitsu | ages 14 and up
Morning classes- Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday at 8am-8:45am plus open mat. Saturday mornings at 10am-10:45am plus open mat.
Evening classes- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 6:30pm-7:15pm plus open mat.
Takedowns/ Takedown Defense
Learn the basics of takedown/takedown defense. Such as stance, grips, and movement.
Positions
Learn the basic positions of Jiu-Jitsu that will give you understanding how to control an opponent/attacker.
Submissions
Learn holds that will not only control your opponent/attacker but stop them by giving up or stopping them so they physically can not attack anymore.
Escapes
Learn how to escapes grips and holds. Also learn how to not be held down by your opponent/attacker a get away from danger.
Our Goal
Our mission at University of Ground Fighting is to introduce the dynamic and effective techniques of Jiu-Jitsu to the local community. Our focus is on providing a safe and enjoyable environment where everyone can learn and develop their skills at their own pace. We believe that Jiu Jitsu is not just a martial art, but a way of life that promotes physical fitness, mental strength, and personal growth. Join us and experience the many benefits of this amazing discipline.
UofGF alternates between Gi and NoGi training every other week, enabling students to become proficient in both disciplines. This allows each student to properly analyze a technique or series without being interrupted by a different series the next day.
- October 28 - November 2: Gi Week
- November 4-9: Nogi Week
- November 11-16: Gi Week
- November 18-23: Nogi Week
- November 25 - November 30: Gi Week
- December 2-7: Nogi Week
- December 9-14: Gi Week
- December 16-21: Nogi Week
- December 23-28: Gi Week
- December 30 - January 4: Nogi Week
- January 6-11: Gi Week
- January 13-18: Nogi Week
- January 20-25: Gi Week
- January 27 - February 1: Nogi Week
- February 3-8: Gi Week
“My son learned hard work pays off. Nothing came easy to him and he had to earn every inch of a match. He lost to great competition and Steve taught him to be the best face the best. After years of training and growing he was 12 competing in the adult division just to face obstacles of strength he didn't have yet. A few adult competitors didn't want to face a kid in fear of hurting him, which we understood. He would lose more of those matches than not, but forced him to get better technically. Life lessons of failure and knowing it was ok to grow from it turned him into the young man he is today. He is a professional bull rider now and came from no experience. Just as he and I had no experience in jiu-jitsu he already knew that he can become great at anything if he was determined. Now a suburban kid is riding all over the country in the PBR. When asked how he did it with no family experience in rodeo he says that if you want something bad enough you put in the work. Guess where he was taught that? On the mat.
As far as speeches or yelling goes if you know me well I would say he was soft at times and let kids have fun, but when they were getting over the limit he brought them back in by being stern and expecting respect. Life lessons are taught in sports. If a coach yelling or setting rules and expectations is unacceptable to a parent that child will likely need help learning to respect authority in life. Be it another coach , teacher, or boss at work. Whether you agree with them or not they set the expectations. If you want to succeed in that situation you learn how to deal with it. If you don't you will be failing with a lot of aspects of life. That is where entitled people are formed. Let your kid fail. Let coaches, teachers ride them and they will learn what expectations are. Also they learn that someone believes that they are better than they think of themselves which enables kids to grow to greater things they never thought they could do. So keep pushing kids to greatness and you will have much more than just amazing jiu-jitsu students, you help create great adults of the future.” -Mike
“5 stars all the way. My five boys not only learned BJJ…but it also taught them real life lessons of hard work, dedication and accepting constructive criticism to improve on themselves. You are a great coach and you know how to bring out the full potential of your students.” -Jason
“I had my son join UOGF at a young age (3-4). He didn’t stick with it long term, but enjoyed learning from coach Steve. Never heard him yell once. Yes, young kids get distracted and need the appropriate attention. Would not even hesitate to bring my son back here to train if he wanted to get back into it. Coaches are there to mold athletes and bring the very best out of each athlete. By far the one of the best coaches in the business and definitely the best in our area.” -Chris
“Coach Steve was our son and daughter’s first coach (started at 3 and 5 years old). Our son has gone on to participate in multiple sports but EVERY coach he has had says extremely positive things about his “coachability”. I attribute it to the positive, accountable, respectful style that he learned from his first coach! We feel blessed to have our kids participate in UofGF!” -Emily
“University of Ground Fighting is hands down the best martial arts academy in the southwest suburbs! Coach Steve is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and does his absolute best to tailor his gym to meet the needs of all of his students! Whether you are seeking to better yourself in the area of self defense or looking to be a great competitor, University of Ground Fighting is the place to go! I just so happened to stumble upon UofGF more than 6 years ago desperately looking for something for my daughter to be passionate about and today, 2 of my daughters and myself all train there regularly! Best decision I've ever made for all of us & we now have a whole gym full of "family" who help us become better versions of ourselves everyday. I honestly can't say enough good things about coach Steve & the environment he creates at his gym.” -April
Grey Belt Test
Perform each task
Tie belt with correct knot
Elbow escape
Bridge
Technical stand up
Break fall
Show each position with detail.
Mount
Back Control
Side Control
Knee on Belly
Perform sweeps from each position with detail.
Closed Guard
Half Guard
Open Guard
Perform each submission with detail.
Armbar from closed guard
Kimura from closed guard
Triangle from closed guard
Armbar from mount
Americana from mount
Rear naked choke from back control
Perform each guard pass with detail.
Closed guard
Half guard
Perform each take down with detail
Hip toss
Double leg
Sprawl take back
All belt tests are $100 (cash only)
Note: (UofGF only test White belt- Grey belt, after that promotions are FREE.)
We understand that all students learn at a different pace. On average it takes a 8-10 year old 6months-1year to earn the rank of grey belt. Consistency in practice helps a lot! Student who trains 1-2 days a week or take month off at a time. Will not get promoted as fast as a student who trains 4 days a week non stop.
note: (Competitions are one way to get promoted fast. If the student consistently takes first in tournaments obviously that student needs to be promoted to the next skill level.)
When the Student is ready to earn the next rank Coach Steve will let them know.
Blue belt test
Perform each task
Tie belt with correct knot with detail.
Technical stand up
Break fall
Perform a sweep from each position with detail.
Full guard
Half guard
Open guard
Perform a pass from each position with detail.
1 Closed guard
2 Closed guard
1 Half guard
2 Half guard
Perform each submission with detail.
Kimura from guard
Triangle from guard
Armbar from guard
Americana from side control
Gi choke from side control
Armbar from mount
Bow & choke from mount
Choke with gi from back control
Choke without the gi from back control
Armbar from back control
Perform each escape with detail.
1 side control escape
2 side control escape
1 mount
2 mount
1 back control
2 back control
Perform each self defense technique with detail.
Self defence from Punch
Self defense from Kick
Headlock defense from ground
Perform each Take down with detail.
Hip toss
Double leg
Single leg
Sprawl off double leg and take back control
All belt tests are $100 (cash only)
Note: (UofGF only test White belt- Blue belt, after that promotions are FREE.)
We understand that all students learn at a different pace. On average it takes a student with zero grappling experience 1 year to earn the rank of Blue belt. Consistency in practice helps a lot! Student who trains 1-2 days a week or take month off at a time. Will not get promoted as fast as a student who trains 4 days a week non stop.
note: (Competitions are one way to get promoted fast. If the student consistently takes first in tournaments obviously that student needs to be promoted to the next skill level.)
When the Student is ready to earn the next rank Coach Steve will let you know.