About Us">
About Us
Zangief Jiu Jitsu believes that you are your own key to unlock your full potential. There’s only one secret to success, you just have to keep showing up. When you take the time and energy to commit to Jiu Jitsu you’ll discover tremendous improvement. Through martial arts training, Zangief students are improving their confidence directly and learning how to adapt to problems in the world too. Whatever your age, experience, or physique is, we have an environment that’s like home and makes you the best version of yourself.
About Us: Meet the Zangief team!
Gabriel Barbose Checco
Owner & Chief Instructor
Gabriel Checco started training Jiu Jitsu in 2000, when he was 15 years old because back there Jiu Jitsu was only for the “bad boys”. Gabriel always trying to be different than others, he decide to join. Back there wasn’t Jiu Jitsu classes for kids, so he started training with adults
In 2011 he started training MMA and 2012 he had his first pro MMA fight back in Brazil. He started training at Diego Lima Chute Boxe in SP, home of some UFC fighters like Charles Olivera , Felipe Sertanejo, Thomas Almeida, Allan Nascimento, Daniel Willycat, Jorge Patino and others
Them he moved to America to open his own Jiu Jitsu school in April 2014 with partner, them after 5 years the partnership didn’t work, and lead him to open his own Jiu Jitsu team in 2019, Zangief Jiu Jitsu
With MMA record of 12-7, at 38 years old he still fighting MMA professional and Jiu Jitsu events
“I feel the age it’s in our mind not on our ID, I feel young and have no clue when I will stop”
David Gill
Black Belt – BJJ Instructor
David Gill is a family man, husband and a father of two daughters. He started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey back in 1998 when he attended a Charles Gracie seminar in Reno.
David received his black belt in 2008, by Charles Gracie and Gary Grate. He is currently a 4th degree black belt and has trained and competed around the world. Some of David’s major competition achievements are that he is a multi-time IBJJF World, Pans and American Nationals Champion.
He has won numerous IBJJF opens, SUG winner and has medaled or won many other tournaments. One of his biggest BJJ accomplishments is being recognized by IBJJF as being the #1 Master 4, Black Belt, in the World, for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Yami Valdes
Master Instructor Taekwondo
Master, Yamira Valdes Over 20 years in martial arts. She has received her black belt from Master Ranaweera 7th degree black belt.
Valdes took over Sunrise Family Martial Arts 2018. She teaches her students discipline, strength, honesty, perseverance, dedication, determination, pride, compassion, courage, and honor. As well as teaching striking and self-defense.
Valdes is a 2016 and 2017 Nevada State Champion in TKD. As well as a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, under Gabriel Checco, with 20 gold medals, two silver, and five bronze. World champion multiple times in gi and nogi, at blue belt, purple belt and brown belt.
Class Schedule!
Stay up to date on class times! Contact us if you have any questions about our classes.
Meet Our Affiliates
Here at Zangief Jiu Jitsu, our fellow small businesses are the secret to our communities success. We are proud to have a team of highly experienced and dedicated entrepreneurs who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping our community grow. Meet the team below!
Free Trial Class!
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Zangief Jiu Jitsu
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Zangief Jiu Jitsu has everything…except you! Join our community today and begin your Jiu Jitsu journey!
What Are People Saying?
Wow..this place is amazing!!! I don’t even know where to start. We decided to sign up our 9 year old son for Jiu Jitsu and based on raving reviews inquired at Zangief Jiu Jitsu. Got a response right away from coach Gabe who invited us for a free week of classes. Location is super close and convenient to our house. We were happy to find this is not a regular gym but rather a big family that is trying to help each other in any way possible. Kids got unbelievable personal attention during the entire class from coach Gabe and another higher belt coach all the time. There is a hidden gem too.. :)) Taekwondo classes 3 times a week with highly skilled and very personable coach Yami, who is also an active Jiu Jitsu competitor. I love it so much that I’ve decided at 48 years old to start Jiu Jitsu classes too and signed in along with my son with the adults. The amount of talent in this gym is unmatched in my opinion and you can never encounter a big ego or intimidation of any kind…Thank you for the amazing environment!
Tony J.
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Started my BJJ journey with Gabriel and his team at Zangief Jiu Jitsu about 5 months ago at the age of 41. This academy will push and motivate you to be the best version of yourself. I highly recommend Zangief BJJ for anyone looking to get out of their comfort zone and train BJJ. Almost forgot to mention that my 8 year old son trains there as well. The kids BJJ anti-bullying program is great. Get your kids off the couch and away from screens.
Sean H.
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By far the best atmosphere I’ve ever been in. This place has a tremendous presence of peace. Everyone here that I meet has a humble attitude and is very polite, respectful, and pleasant. Coach Gabriel is an amazing athlete and instructor. He not only trains for his own professional fight, but he is there day to day giving class, giving personal tips for improvement and keeps the place clearer then some restaurants. This place has helped me physically, emotionally and mentally. Learning to move my body in and out of challenging positions allowed me the ability to attack life in the same manner. This place is incredible. Join today!!!!!!
All F.
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This is a great place to train. Coach Gabe is very friendly and of course extremely knowledgeable. I've attempted to train BJJ at other gyms but immediately felt like it's a "cult of douches" and I didn't belong. This place is different, from day one I felt welcomed by all members from black belt to other white belts. Everyone is willing to help and provide advice.
Gerald N.
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It’s a great gym with a family environment. Both myself and my 6 year old son train here. Their kids program alternates days of taekwondo and Jiu Jitsu, which keeps him engaged and learning. Gabe is a great instructor that has helped me improve my Jiu Jitsu tremendously.
Mikkel B.
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Been training with Zangief Jiu Jitsu for a few months now and I love it. The energy, the good vibes all around and mostly the people at this gym are amazing. I never felt out of place when I first started. Everyone was welcoming and willing to help you grow. Professor Gabriel is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met and not only does he lead our class to great training and technique but also life lessons making us better people in and out. 100% recommend this Gym. Zangief Jiu Jitsu! Fair warning though once you start it gets addicting! It’s not a sport, it's a lifestyle. OSS!
Nikko M.
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