Welcome to Onyx Grappling: Your Premier Grappling Gym
At Onyx Grappling, we believe everyone has the ability to grow stronger, physically and mentally, through the discipline of grappling. We’re building more than a place to train; we’re building an environment where people are challenged, supported, and pushed to improve. No matter where you’re starting, first day on the mats or years into competition, we’re committed to helping you develop your skills, build confidence, and become part of something bigger than yourself.
Our vision goes beyond technique. We focus on developing discipline, resilience, and respect through consistent effort and intentional training. With experienced coaching and a structured approach to growth, Onyx Grappling provides a space where individuals are held to a higher standard while being supported every step of the way. This is where you show up, put in the work, and unlock your potential, on the mats and in life.
Professor Dennis is a native of St. Charles County, having spent his childhood and teenage years growing up in St. Peters, MO. Dennis decided to start training after signing up 3 of his children. After being intrigued by the art since we first saw it 20 years prior, he could no longer simply watch this sport as a spectator and he began studying in BJJ.
Professor Dennis enjoys spending his time off the mats with his family, enjoying the outdoors fishing, and–of course–more jiu jitsu.
Professor Dennis is a 2017 IBJJF World Masters gold medalist, multiple-time gold medalist in the American Grappling Federation in Gi and NoGi competition in multiple states, and holds honors in other organizations as well.
Emma is our Program Director at Onyx Grappling.
She began training Muay Thai in 2009.
She was introduced to Jiu Jitsu just a few years later in 2012.
With some time off, Emma began training and learning the art of Jiu Jitsu again in 2022.
Emma has competed in multiple tournaments over the years such as AGF, COMPNET, and NAGA.
Outside of Jiu Jitsu, Emma likes to spend time with her family, son and daughter, and relax.
Coach Kaden graduated high school in 2021 and was born and raised in St. Charles County, MO. Coach Kaden started Jiu Jitsu in 2012 at the age of 8 after being bullied in elementary school.
Kaden balances his time between work and training. When he is not doing one of these two things, he likes to relax and spend time with family and friends.
Kaden is one of the few children in the Jiu Jitsu world who has been through the entire kids belt system and then on to the adult system. He is one of only two kids that his professor has ever given a green belt to in over 24 years of coaching.
Kaden is a 2015 IBJJF Kids Pan Am gold medalist, 2018 IBJJF Nationals gold medalist, and multiple-time gold medalist in Gi and No Gi events through the American Grappling Federation, NAGA, Rev Gear, and many more all around the Midwest.
Eric started his Jiu jitsu journey in 2000. His favorite part of Jiu jitsu is that the art is always evolving, so he never stops learning. Eric is excited to be a part of the Onyx Grappling team and looks forward to sharing his knowledge with our students.
Professor Chris joined the Onyx team from his home area of Dallas, TX. Starting out by training in Mixed Martial Arts with a background in Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, and of course Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He developed his passion for BJJ over the 10+ years of training, competing, and coaching. Coach Chris would say that the focus is all in the details and is always pushing his students to ask questions.
Professor Chris is all about family whether at the gym or at home spending time with his wife and 4 children. He enjoys training alongside his daughters with their new-found fun in the sport of Jiu Jitsu as well. When off the mats, Professor Chris loves to slow it down by fishing or golfing to relax.
Over the years, Professor Chris has competed in various tournaments such as IBJJF, JJWL, and NABJJF gaining experience with each challenge that presented itself. Among his accomplishment, he fought in Pro-BJJ Super Fights which elevated his understanding of differences throughout the sport. Professor Chris believes that every opportunity becomes a lesson, therefore, you always have something to look forward to every step of the way.
Coach Kris is a competition blue belt under Professor Dennis. He brings a lifelong passion for martial arts and personal development to the mats. With a background in Mixed Martial Arts, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Wrestling, he has continually worked at refining his skills as both a competitor and coach.
A multiple-time IBJJF, AGF, and FUJI Gold Medalist, Coach Kris believes that success is built on consistency, discipline, and a relentless work ethic. He lives by the quote, “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard,” and strives every day to be the hardest worker in the room, setting an example for his teammates and students in both attitude and effort.
In addition to martial arts, Kris has a deep interest in strength and conditioning training and nutrition, understanding that performance on the mats is built on a foundation of physical preparation and healthy habits. He emphasizes that discipline in training, eating, and recovery extends far beyond the gym, it’s a way of life.
Outside of training, Coach Kris enjoys spending time with his family which includes his wife and 4 kids, being outdoors, reading, and sharing his passion for Jiu Jitsu with them. He believes in bringing the whole family into the art, building not only strong athletes but stronger family bonds through shared discipline and growth.
Coach Patrick, a native of Peoria, Illinois, joined the Onyx Grappling team after moving from Honolulu, Hawaii, where he began his Jiu Jitsu journey. Patrick decided to start training in 2022 after enrolling his daughter in the Little Champions program. After having trained in martial arts as a young child, he knew how rewarding it could be, not only for himself, but also his family.
Coach Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children. He also loves to focus on physical fitness through weight training, as well as riding his motorcycle and playing with his kids. He has found a new passion in training alongside his son and sharing his knowledge of BJJ through coaching at Onyx Grappling.
While training and instructing, Coach Patrick fosters a detail-driven approach that remains fun and interesting while also encouraging all students to be persistent in their pursuit of excellence through “the gentle art”.