Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
About
Project Achilles offers comprehensive martial arts training in Chicago with programs spanning Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and specialized self-defense and concealed carry license courses. The gym is led by a team of highly qualified instructors including founder and head MMA coach Armand Carbonnel, a French Airborne veteran with BJJ and firearms expertise; Muay Thai instructor Adrien De Fontenay, who brings 14 years of experience training under Lumpinee champions; BJJ black belt Joe Malgioglio, an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion; and firearms instructors Adriano De Santis and U.S. Special Forces veteran Nick Ige. This diverse coaching staff provides professional instruction across combat sports, firearms safety, and real-world self-defense scenarios.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the knowledgeable, patient instructors who break down techniques effectively, with specific mentions of Armand's coaching clarity and Adrien's Muay Thai expertise. Reviewers highlight the welcoming, professional atmosphere that feels supportive for all experience levels and particularly respectful for women. The community is described as motivating and collaborative, with everyone pushing each other to improve while maintaining a positive vibe. Several reviews specifically recommend the concealed carry classes for their thorough coverage of safety, legal aspects, and practical training, while parents appreciate the children's programs and instructors' kindness with younger students.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Bru
5 months ago
I have taken project Achilles Concealed Weapon classes. Led by Adriano, we went through multiple topics -gun safety, redemption, weapon operation, and legal questions. We also finished the test in 335 Shooting range. Both Adriano and Armand are super intuitive. Besides that, I was also guided by Tommy, one of an instructors, who is really helpful in operation and lecture. I highly recommend every person who likes to get CCL take this class. I don’t think you can get any better class than this
Maxime Soulier
2 months ago
Very nice place with awesome guys especially Armand and Adrien. My daughter is spending some time in Muay Thai and they have been incredibly nice with her. Quite impressive to stay watching for the grown-ups to train! Strongly recommend this place which is currently expanding!!
Evgeniia Dankin
5 months ago
I’ve been training at Project Achilles for about three months now, and I’m honestly hooked. I do both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, and my coach Armand has been amazing — super knowledgeable, patient, and great at breaking things down so they actually click. His french accent is super cool too! As a woman, I really appreciate how supportive and respectful the environment is. Every class makes me stronger, more confident, and more skilled. The energy here is amazing, serious training but with great people and a positive vibe. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Grégoire Patacq
2 months ago
Awesome crew. Armand kicked my butt at boxing, Adrien kicked my butt at Muai Thai. But I guess that's what you get when you discover the right people to teach you martial arts with a real approach towards daily lives situations. Would recommend for fun and technical approach. ps: be careful of Oleyssa, strong punch.
Gheorghi Turcanu
2 months ago
Project Achilles is hands down one of the best martial arts gyms in Chicago. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming, professional, and highly motivating. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and take the time to work with every student, no matter your experience level. The training in BJJ, Muay Thai, and boxing is top-tier. Classes are well-structured, challenging, and fun, and you can really feel yourself improving every week. The facility is clean, modern, and perfectly set up for serious training. What really stands out is the community — everyone supports each other and pushes each other to be better. Whether you’re here for fitness, competition, confidence, or self-defense, this is the place. Highly recommended for anyone in Chicago looking to level up both physically and mentally. 💪
Contact
9 W Hubbard St #402, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Adriano De Santis
Firearms Instructor
NRA Pistol Instructor and Safety Officer, USCCA Certified Pistol Instructor, Massad Ayoob Group (MAG 20) Certified
NRA Pistol Instructor, Safety Officer, and marksmanship trainer. Leads the Illinois Concealed Carry License course at Project Achilles.
Adrien De Fontenay
Muay Thai Instructor
14 years of Muay Thai experience, trained under Lumpinee champions
Has 14 years of Muay Thai experience, training under golden era legends. Fought amateur in Detroit and trained with UFC, Bellator, ONE, and Glory pros.
Nick Ige
Firearms and Self-Defense Instructor
U.S. Special Forces veteran (75th Ranger Regiment), five combat deployments in Afghanistan
U.S. Special Forces veteran who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Expert in hand-to-hand combat, firearms, tactical leadership, and self-defense against weapons.
Armand Carbonnel
Founder | Head Coach of MMA
French Airborne veteran, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and MMA coach, French Army firearms instructor, USCCA Certified Pistol Instructor
French Airborne veteran who served in the 1st Régiment de Hussards Parachutistes, completing two combat deployments in Mali as a Captain. Expert in hand-to-hand combat, firearms, and tactical leadership.
Joe Malgioglio
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Israel Reyes, IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, Golden Gloves Champion
BJJ black belt under Israel Reyes, IBJJF No-Gi World Champion. Teaches a fundamentals-driven style for competition and self-defense.