BJJ Lifestyle Academy

BJJ Lifestyle Academy Established since 2009. If you are looking to start or to improve your Jiu-Jitsu you found the right place. We now offer family packages for 2 or more members.
(210)

Learn from a High level 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. We offer Gi, NoGi Jiu-Jitsu and fitness instruction to all kids and adults. Our Programs
Below is a list of the programs we offer at BJJ Lifestyle academy. Feel free to stop by during a class or give us a call at 314-780-4222 for more information or to take a FREE class. Please call for more information. Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
The martial art style the Gracie Family made famous with the UFC. Our instructors are BJJ/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu certified instructors with credentials and competition accolades to back them up. Our adult program is perfect for adults just looking to get in shape and learn self defense or adults looking to compete nationally or fight in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Head Coach

Professor "Brazilian" Mike Rethmeyer

3rd Degree Black Belt under Leo Pechana
14 time International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) medalist. As a black belt, Professor Mike won several titles including a 1st Place at Pan-American Championship and 3rd Place at the World Championship and 7 times International Open Champion. Children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Whether you want your child to learn the best form of self-defense around, or to compete nationally, BJJ Lifestyle Academy is the perfect school for you. No-Gi (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Wrestling)
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the art of BJJ without the use of a Gi. It is also a great base for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Our Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) program works on putting together your striking, wrestling, takedown and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills to form a solid all around game. Conditioning
Women Self-Defence
MMA Striking

09/04/2026

🚨Attention:

In observance of Labor Day, September 7th (Monday), both locations will be closed.

Thank you and have a great holiday.

Coach Mike Rethmeyer

Come join is at Bjj Lifestyle Academy O’Fallon, IL location.•Instructional Kettlebell class followed by a kettlebell wor...
08/23/2026

Come join is at Bjj Lifestyle Academy O’Fallon, IL location.
•Instructional Kettlebell class followed by a kettlebell workout
•You don’t have to be a member to participate
•Need a minimum 5 people
•limited spots available
•deadline to sign up Sept 11
•put in memo on venmo, your name and kettlebell with how many people
•Feel free to bring your own KB, we will also have some to share
•Venmo- -Rethmeyer

Great day at the NAGA St. Louis tournament! Proud of everyone who stepped on the mats and represented BJJ Lifestyle Acad...
07/18/2026

Great day at the NAGA St. Louis tournament! Proud of everyone who stepped on the mats and represented BJJ Lifestyle Academy with heart and determination.

Thank you to all of our coaches, families, and supporters for being there and cheering on our team. Your support means everything.

Onto the next one.

What an awesome day at our in-house tournament. Congratulations to all of our kids for stepping onto the mats and compet...
07/11/2026

What an awesome day at our in-house tournament.

Congratulations to all of our kids for stepping onto the mats and competing with heart. You all displayed great skill and sportsmanship. Congratulations to everyone who earned a new ranking today.

Today also marked our very first Adult NoGi In-House Tournament. Every competitor brought great intensity, tested themselves, and left it all on the mats. It was an incredible display of skill, toughness, and respect.

Thank you to all of our students, families, and coaches for making today such a memorable event. We can’t wait for the next one!

This past week at the IBJJF American Nationals in Las Vegas was another step forward in my journey.My first opponent did...
06/28/2026

This past week at the IBJJF American Nationals in Las Vegas was another step forward in my journey.

My first opponent didn’t show, and in my second match I faced the current World Champion in my age and weight division. I entered with an injured knee from last weekend’s ADCC Dallas Open, but I chose to compete anyway. I felt strong, moved well, and was proud of my performance. My opponent fought a smart match, attacked the injury, and earned the win. No risk no reward, it was fair and square, big props to my opponent, great competitor and a class act gentleman.

Extrinsic motivation is what keeps me going, the challenge, preparation, competition, and support from so many people. Hearing fellow Masters competitors cheer me on and tell me, “Keep going, Mike,” gave me a real lift. After a difficult few months, I’m finally starting to feel my love for Jiu-Jitsu again.

Having my oldest son in my corner made the weekend even more meaningful, and sharing it with my friends Kyle and Lauren made it special.
I’m especially proud of Kyle for bringing home one silver and two bronze medals for our team.

To my family, students, friends, and colleagues, thank you for your love, patience, encouragement, and belief in me.

All glory to my lord Jesus Christ

Now it’s time to heal, get back to work, and prepare for the next one.

Congratulations to Kyle, Andrew, Spencer, and Tim for representing BJJ Lifestyle Academy at the IBJJF St. Louis today. P...
06/21/2026

Congratulations to Kyle, Andrew, Spencer, and Tim for representing BJJ Lifestyle Academy at the IBJJF St. Louis today.

Proud of each of you for stepping onto the mats and showcasing our team skills.

A big thank you to Bart and Kyle for coaching and supporting the team today. Your leadership and willingness to serve your teammates is greatly appreciated.

Proud of everyone. We keep learning, growing, and moving forward together.

Got 🥈place today at the ADCC DALLAS OPEN. I earned 2nd place today after losing my first match in overtime by referee de...
06/20/2026

Got 🥈place today at the ADCC DALLAS OPEN.

I earned 2nd place today after losing my first match in overtime by referee decision. I came back strong, dominated my second match, and won my third by default.

I had an incredible experience at the ADCC Dallas Open. The atmosphere was amazing, the event was extremely well run, the staff was professional and friendly, and all of the competitors were tough, respectful, and brought great energy to the mats.

One of the highlights of the day was having my son, Ethan, there to support and coach me throughout the tournament. That made this experience even more meaningful. Best Father’s Day gift ever.

I’m grateful to be back on the podium, and today reminded me that all I need to do is keep showing up, keep working hard, and trust the process. I left everything on the mats and gave it my all.

Thank you to my family, friends, and students for all the love and support throughout this journey. I truly appreciate every one of you.

All glory to God for blessing me today with this amazing opportunity.

Coach Mike isn’t done yet. The work continues. 🦾🔥

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day both BJJ Lifestyle Academy locations will be closed on Monday (May 25, 2026).

I wish you all a great Memorial Day weekend.

Coach Mike Rethmeyer

Today was one of my proudest moments as a father and coach. By having the honor to promote my son, Ethan, to Blue Belt.T...
04/29/2026

Today was one of my proudest moments as a father and coach. By having the honor to promote my son, Ethan, to Blue Belt.

This belt represents far more than skill on the mats. It reflects years of discipline, hard work, sacrifice, and character. Ethan has consistently shown what it means to earn something through dedication. Not only in training, but by stepping up to help run classes, support students, and put in the unseen work of cleaning and maintaining the gyms.

He understands that true martial arts is built on service, humility, and relentless work ethic.

Watching him grow into a disciplined young man both on and off the mats has been one of my greatest blessings.

This Blue Belt is well deserved, and I know this is only the beginning of his journey.

Proud of you, son. Keep working. Keep growing. Keep leading.

Huge thank you to Professor Leonardo Pecanha for an incredible seminar and for sharing your knowledge with our team.Than...
04/29/2026

Huge thank you to Professor Leonardo Pecanha for an incredible seminar and for sharing your knowledge with our team.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported, and helped make this event a success.

And congratulations to all of our newly ranked students. All your hard work and dedication continue to pay off.

Proud of our team. We keep growing together.

Address

1556 Frontage Road
Belleville, IL
62269

Opening Hours

Monday 5pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday 6pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 5pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 5pm - 7:30pm
Friday 5pm - 8:30pm
Saturday 12pm - 1:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BJJ Lifestyle Academy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category