Meet Antoine Evans of Team Fumaca Academy (Jiu Jitsu) in South Loop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoine Evans.

Antoine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Place I was born and raised in Chicago by my mother, the second oldest of six children. I grew up in some of the toughest parts of Chicago- Jane Adams 16 Stories, Cabrini-Green, Englewood, and Old Town and Garden. I was surrounded by gangs, gun violence, and drug activity on a daily basis, and regularly witnessed many of my childhood friends being shot or taken to jail.

My mother always told us that we can do anything in life if we worked for it- something I live by to this day. We all worked hard and she always led from the front: I worked the early morning paper routes on the Gold Coast along with other neighborhood kids and my mother was the driver. I worked numerous jobs as a kid and into high school including the paper route, subway, horse equestrian, and the young life mentoring program.

I attended Lane Tech and graduated from Lincoln Park High School where I played baseball and football. I decided to serve my country and join the Marine Corps fresh out of high school. I’ve always had plenty of energy and loved to wrestle and horseplay, so I fit right in with the Marine Corp, where we did plenty of hand-to-hand combat and grappling.

One of my co-workers and friends, Paul Kremsky, took me to my first Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) class and I was hooked. I went on to train at two BJJ schools and competed in several world-class competitions in the US and Brazil. I proudly earned my Black Belt in 2016.

I am excited to unite my two passions, effecting positive change in the community and BJJ, by opening a training center- Team Fumaca Academy located at 2635 S. Wabash in Chicago’s South Loop.

I believe that exposing kids, especially kids in difficult circumstances, to BJJ can have a profound, positive impact on their lives. The sport gives kids an outlet and a safe space not only to relax, have fun, and be kids (which many Chicago kids are sadly not allowed to do) but also to gain confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills. It provides an outlet for kids dealing with problems at home or in school and builds character and leadership qualities. Kids that suffer as a result of broken homes may find mentors in the BJJ community. BJJ unites a diverse array of people from all backgrounds, languages, and walks of life, and encourages friendships among people who otherwise would not have crossed paths. I hope to provide the children of Chicago an opportunity to get away from the daily struggles of inner-city Chicago life with a positive environment to grow.

Let’s add more positive energy to the world.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I believe everything in life will have its challenges. My mother instilled in me the value of hard work and dedication, and I carry that with me to this day.

There have been plenty of obstacles along the way, but my morals and values have gotten me through difficult points. I’ve learned many life lessons through this journey. In the process, I’ve lost many friends and teammates, but I have also gained new ones and am fortunate to have a solid circle of people in my corner.

Anything can be achieved with a dream and hard work.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Team Fumaca Academy (Jiu Jitsu) – what should we know?
My school is called Team Fumaca Academy located at 2635 S. Wabash in Chicago’s South Loop.

It is a martial arts school that focuses on creating a solid base with drilling and fundamentals. Our principles are family, respect, perseverance, community, and teamwork.

Our team is made up of individuals who are dedicated to improving their lives through martial arts. We train hard together and support each other through everything from the growing pains of learning new techniques to the challenges associated with competing.

I am proud of the positive changes I see in my students, not only in their jiu-jitsu game but also the changes that happen off the mats: the improved, healthier lifestyles as well as the focus and discipline that translates to other areas of their lives be it professionally or in their personal lives.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe the key to success is hard work and tenacity when faced with obstacles. In jiu-jitsu it is important to keep on fighting, even when hope seems lost. Confidence that comes with training and a supportive corner can get you through the toughest battles, and I believe the same to be true in life.

Pricing:

• Adult Jiu Jitsu: $150 month-to-month , $125 three month or $100 six month membership
• Jiu Jitsu Kids: $75 month-to-month or $60 three month membership
• Jiu Jitsu Discounted for: POLICE, FIRE, TEACHER, MILITARY, VETERAN, SECURITY GUARD, & SOCIAL WORKER
• Family Discounted Jiu Jitsu membership: ON ANY NON-DISCOUNTED MEMBERSHIP WHEN YOU PAY FOR A FULL ADULT MEMBERSHIP
• Adult Personal Fitness Hour: $60 monthly 2 days a week

Contact Info:

• Address: Team Fumaca Academy
  2635 S. Michigan Ave Suite 203
  Chicago, IL 60616
• Website: www.fumacabjj.com
• Instagram: fumacabjj

Image Credit:
Fight2Win,
Mike Calimbas

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