Academy Owner & Head Instructor

Prof. Michael Stoller

Michael Stoller began his grappling career when he was 10 years old with his elementary school’s wrestling team. He wrestled competitively until 17 years old, earning many high school accolades, including participating in the IESA and IHSA State Wrestling Tournaments. At 19 years old, Michael transitioned his wrestling skills to mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Mike received his black belt from Professor John Ouano on February 14, 2025.

Prof. Mike holds several higher education degrees: Athletic Training from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and degrees in both Nursing and Kinesiology from Parkland College. With this extensive education in human anatomy, physiology, sports science, and human movement, he is the only instructor in the area that uses a scientific approach towards martial arts and fitness. Mike is an active competitor, most notably taking 3rd place at the No-Gi World Championships in 2021.

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Favorite submission: Wrist lock

Assistant BJJ Coach

Kelly Tang

Kelly Tang has been a student with CU Jiu Jitsu since its inception in 2018. She started training with zero martial arts background but has now been actively training BJJ for over 7 years. She earned her brown belt in December 2024. In 2020 Kelly also started training kickboxing and Muay Thai, adding stand-up combat techniques to her martial arts arsenal. 

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Kelly is an assistant coach and head instructor for the women's jiu jitsu class. She believes that training martial arts has given her an immense confidence boost, allowing her to live life more fully with less fear. 

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Outside of the gym, Kelly enjoys a wide variety of hobbies and interests, including: camping and hiking, travelling, food, video games, and watching trashy reality TV.

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Favorite submission: Guillotine choke

Assistant BJJ Coach

Artem Samiahulin

Artem received his brown belt in April 2025.

Kids' Karate Instructor

Dr. Michael Schlosser

Dr. Michael Schlosser holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Governor’s State University, a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from the University of Illinois-Springfield, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

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Dr. Mike is a 9th degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate as well as a Black Belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and has dedicated nearly five decades to martial arts, law enforcement, and teaching. A decorated martial artist, he has competed in over one hundred tournaments worldwide, earning medals at the Police and Fire World Games, and has been inducted into multiple Martial Arts Halls of Fame.

Beyond the dojo, Dr. Schlosser served over 20 years as a police officer and later as Director of the University of Illinois Police Training Institute, where he developed nationally recognized programs in use-of-force, officer wellness, de-escalation, and defensive tactics.