ASCEND LEGACY

Cultivating Resilience, Focus, and Leadership in the Next Generation.

THE ASCEND LEGACY PROGRAM

The Ascend Legacy Program is not a recreational after-school activity; it is a preparatory physical and cognitive framework. We utilize the precise, leverage-based mechanics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to instill the foundations of high performance in your children.

In a world of instant gratification and digital distraction, we provide a sterile, structured environment where children learn the value of disciplined effort, respect for authority, and the mechanics of real-world problem-solving.

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Group photo of children and two adult martial arts instructors in a gym, with children dressed in martial arts uniforms and an orange and a yellow belt. The instructors are wearing blue and white gis, respectively. Ascend Jiu-Jitsu team photo

HOW WE ENGINEER HIGH-PERFORMING YOUTH

When your child steps onto the Ascend mats, they are not just learning martial arts. They are being subjected to controlled, productive adversity. We focus on three core pillars of development:

1. Cognitive Resilience & Emotional Regulation

Jiu-Jitsu forces children to confront physical challenges in real-time. By placing them in controlled, disadvantageous positions on the mat, we teach them how to manage panic and discomfort. They learn to breathe, stabilize their emotions, and execute logical steps to improve their situation. This emotional regulation transfers directly to academic pressure and social challenges.

2. Strategic Focus & Delayed Gratification

Impulsivity is penalized on the mat; strategic patience is rewarded. We teach children to think two steps ahead—to understand that sacrificing a short-term position can secure a long-term victory. This builds a robust attention span and the ability to delay gratification, which are critical traits for future academic and professional success.

3. Physical Autonomy & Boundary Setting

Confidence is not taught; it is earned through competence. By mastering the mechanics of leverage and control, your child develops a profound sense of physical autonomy. This "quiet confidence" naturally deters bullying. We teach them how to de-escalate physical conflict without resorting to strikes, ensuring they can defend their boundaries safely and ethically.

THE ASCEND STANDARD FOR YOUTH

  • Legacy classes are governed by the exact same proprietary methodology and strict safety standards as our executive adult programs.

  • Children train on pristine mats with strict uniform requirements, instilling a sense of pride and attention to detail from day one.

  • To maintain our strict student-to-instructor ratios and preserve the quality of the room, enrollment in the Legacy Program is highly limited and prioritized for the families of active Ascend members.

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Meet the Team

  • Professor Pierre Pires, Founder and head leader of Ascend Jiu-Jitsu standing in front of a white wall with his framed medals.

    Pierre Pires

    FOUNDER & LEAD PROFESSOR:

    Professor Pierre Pires is the founder of Ascend Jiu-Jitsu and the chief architect of the Ascend Legacy Program. Drawing on over eight years of premium coaching experience, he designed this youth track not as a recreational activity, but as a rigorous, foundational development system for the children of Chicago’s highest performers.

    As an IBJJF American National Champion, San Diego BJJ Pro Champion, and multiple-time Chicago Open Champion, Professor Pires understands the mechanics of elite physical performance. However, his approach to youth instruction is entirely focused on translation: turning high-stakes competitive mechanics into real-world cognitive resilience, strategic focus, and emotional regulation for your child.

    Under his direct oversight, the Legacy Program operates with the exact same uncompromising "Ascend Standard" as the adult executive tier. Professor Pires ensures every youth session enforces strict discipline, pristine hygiene, and a highly structured environment where children learn to navigate controlled adversity with quiet confidence and absolute respect.

  • Ascend Jiu-Jitsu's Coach Ananya in a white gi with a blue belt raising her fist in a victory pose during a tournament.

    Ananya Chandhok

    SENIOR INSTRUCTOR


    Ananya Chandhok serves as the Senior Instructor for the Ascend Legacy Program. Hand-selected and rigorously mentored by Professor Pierre Pires, Coach Ananya has mastered the proprietary Ascend methodology, ensuring flawless execution of our high-performance standards.

    Drawing upon an extensive pedagogical background in youth martial arts instruction, she brings a highly refined, structured approach to childhood development. Coach Ananya excels at translating complex physical mechanics into actionable lessons on focus, discipline, and emotional regulation for the younger generation.

    Beyond her expertise on the mat, Coach Ananya is an active competitive athlete representing the Ascend brand. She leads her students by example, demonstrating the exact resilience, strategic execution, and high-performance mindset we cultivate within the Legacy Program.

  • Kat Tiongson

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    I really appreciate the dedication and effectiveness of Professor Pierre he creates a supportive environment where children build confidence, respect, and strong values. Highly recommend to any parents looking for a positive and nurturing place for their kids!

  • Katrina Sido

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    We’ve been bringing our 4 year old some for a couple weeks and he loves it! It’s a small class size so he’s able to get the attention needed to improve his skills. The core values; Respect, Focus and Honor are are enforced in and outside of class. This helps with behavior!

  • Jelena Kovacevic

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    This is a great place with an excellent overall experience. The professor has a wealth of experience; he is strict but also makes learning fun. Since starting classes, my daughter has become more disciplined, focused, and confident. She has developed a strong sense of self-esteem and is eager to learn and improve her jiu-jitsu skills.

  • Tanvi Patel

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Amazing experience. So thankful we found these classes, all three of our kids wanted to sign up once they did a trial class. He is amazing with all ages, very motivational and you can tell loves teaching and the practice of jiu-Jitisu. Highly recommend to anyone of any age.

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