Instructor
Jay Valko first started training in Martial Arts as a child. He dabbled in traditional Martial Arts such as Aikido and Tae Kwon Do on and off for years before finally discovering his passion for the grappling arts and ground fighting. First on his high school wrestling team then in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
At 19, he joined the Gracie Barra team in Tampa, Florida, training under black belt Eduardo de Lima. At 21 he moved to Chicago and joined the Carlson Gracie Academy, training under the legendary Master Carlson Gracie and Carlson Gracie Jr.
Shortly after joining the Carlson Gracie Academy, Jay began helping Carlson teach classes and eventually earned a position of instructor within the Academy. In March of 2007 Jay branched off and opened his own Academy within the Symmetry Center. Jay was awarded is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt by Eduardo DeLima.
Tournaments
- Windy City Challenge: Gold
- U.S. National Jiujitsu Championship: Gold
- 1st USA vs Brazil Challenge: Gold
- NAGA Chicago 2004: Gold
- Gracie Worlds Championship 2005 Pro Qualifier: Gold
- Gracie Worlds Championship 2005: Silver
- Gracie Worlds Championship Absolute 2005: Bronze
- NAGA Chicago 2005: Gold
- Chicago Combat Championship: Gold
- Gracie Worlds Championship 2006: Gold (Tied with teammate Carlos Rodriguez)
- Gracie Worlds Championship 2006: Silver
- NAGA Chicago 2006: Silver and Bronze
- NAGA Midwest 2007: Superfight Champion
- Extreme Grappling Open 2007: Gold
