Academy profile

United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization)

Chalmette, Louisiana

Google: 5.0 (8 reviews)Yelp: 3.5 (2 reviews)

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Summary

Quick take on United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization)

United We Are Strong, part of the Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization, serves the Chalmette, LA community from 1720 E Judge Perez Dr, Ste A with a broad training lineup that reaches far beyond a single style.

Overview

About United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization)

United We Are Strong, part of the Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization, serves the Chalmette, LA community from 1720 E Judge Perez Dr, Ste A with a broad training lineup that reaches far beyond a single style. Students can step into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), no-gi, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), self-defense, Youth/Kids classes, Teen classes, women’s program training, Cardio Kickboxing, and Gi classes, all within a martial arts school built to support different goals and experience levels. For beginners, that variety makes it easier to find an entry point that fits their comfort level; for seasoned grapplers, it creates room to sharpen technique, cross-train, and stay engaged over time.

The academy’s coaching team includes Professor Rafael Ellwanger alongside UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator veterans, giving students access to world class instructors with real competition and cage-fighting experience. That background shapes a training culture centered on practical skill development, disciplined repetition, and confidence under pressure. The gym also stands out for its belt ranks offered, giving students a clear path for long-term growth as they progress through the art. Whether someone is focused on learning the fundamentals, improving their guard passing, or building a more complete self-defense game, the instruction is designed to meet them where they are and move them forward steadily.

United We Are Strong also distinguishes itself through a family oriented atmosphere and a strong commitment to accessibility. The academy promotes the largest women program in the south, making it a notable option for female students looking for a dedicated and welcoming place to train. New visitors can make use of gear provided for trial week and a free uniform, which helps remove friction for people trying the sport for the first time. Practical benefits continue with modern, professional, and clean facilities, plus a straightforward approach that avoids gimmicks, hidden contracts, registration fees, and belt test fees. For families and busy adults alike, that kind of clarity can make the decision to start training feel more approachable.

With over 34 locations connected to the organization and a website at http://www.championfactory.com, the academy combines local convenience with a larger support network. In a region where students often want both serious coaching and a welcoming training room, United We Are Strong offers a balanced environment for martial artists, fitness-minded newcomers, and dedicated BJJ practitioners. The result is a gym that feels built for consistent progress: structured, professional, and focused on helping each student grow on the mats.

Philosophy

Training Philosophy

Practical benefits continue with modern, professional, and clean facilities, plus a straightforward approach that avoids gimmicks, hidden contracts, registration fees, and belt test fees. For families and busy adults alike, that kind of clarity can make the decision to start training feel more approachable.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)Self-defenseWomen’s programNo-giBrazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)Youth/Kids classes

Opening hours

Contact this academy for current class hours.

Reference

Third-Party Ratings

Third-party ratings shown for reference only. Visit the original platform for full reviews.

5.0

8 Google reviews

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3.5

2 Yelp reviews

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Programs & Highlights

Programs & Classes

  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
  • Self-defense
  • Women’s program
  • No-gi
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
  • Youth/Kids classes
  • Teen classes
  • Martial arts school
  • Cardio Kickboxing
  • Gi

Amenities

  • Modern, professional, and clean facilities
  • Family oriented
  • Largest women program in the south
  • Free uniform
  • Gear provided for trial week
  • No gimmicks/hidden contracts/registration fees
  • No belt test fees
  • World class instructors
  • Over 34 locations

Instructors & Team

  • Professor Rafael Ellwanger
  • UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator veterans (not named)
Instructors

Instructor Spotlight

Professor Rafael Ellwanger anchors the coaching environment at United We Are Strong, supported by UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator veterans who bring high-level fight experience into class. You can expect instruction that balances technical BJJ development with practical self-defense, no-gi grappling, and broader martial arts training. The coaching style is built for accessibility and progression, so you’ll get guidance that works whether you are stepping onto the mats for the first time or sharpening details for ongoing training.

Academy photos

United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) academy photo
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the class hours and weekly schedule at United We Are Strong?
The academy offers a wide range of training options, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, no-gi, self-defense, Mixed Martial Arts, women’s classes, youth/kids classes, teen classes, cardio kickboxing, and Gi training. For the current class hours and weekly timetable, the best next step is to check the academy’s website at http://www.championfactory.com or contact the Chalmette location directly. That approach is the most reliable way to confirm which sessions are running on specific days, whether there are separate beginner or advanced time slots, and how the schedule may change for youth, adults, and women’s program classes. It’s especially useful if you want to plan around work, school, or family commitments and make sure the class you want has space before you arrive.
How much does membership cost, and is there a trial option?
The academy emphasizes straightforward enrollment with no gimmicks, hidden contracts, registration fees, or belt test fees, which makes it easier to understand what you are signing up for. A free uniform and gear provided for trial week also make it simple to get started without a complicated setup. For exact membership pricing, the most practical next step is to contact the academy directly or visit the website at http://www.championfactory.com, since rates can vary by program, age group, or membership type. If you are comparing options, ask about the trial week, any family-friendly enrollment details, and which programs include access to BJJ, women’s classes, youth training, or no-gi sessions.
What programs are available for different ages and experience levels?
United We Are Strong offers a broad lineup that serves beginners, hobbyists, and more experienced students. Programs include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), no-gi, self-defense, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), women’s program, youth/kids classes, teen classes, cardio kickboxing, Gi, and a martial arts school format. That range gives students room to start with foundational classes and branch into specialty training as their comfort level grows. Families can also appreciate that the academy is family oriented and that youth and teen options are built into the schedule. If you are trying to choose the best entry point, ask which class is recommended for your age, goals, and experience level so you can begin in the most appropriate setting.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to start training?
No prior martial arts background is needed to begin at United We Are Strong. The academy’s mix of self-defense, BJJ, women’s training, and youth and teen classes suggests a structure that can welcome first-time students while still challenging experienced grapplers. The coaching team includes Professor Rafael Ellwanger and veterans with high-level fight experience, so you can expect instruction that is grounded in real-world application but still accessible to newcomers. A first-time student should plan to ask about the trial week, use the gear provided for that visit, and let the staff guide them toward the most suitable class. That makes the first step into training practical and low-pressure.
How do I book a trial class or schedule a visit?
A simple way to start is to visit http://www.championfactory.com or contact the Chalmette academy at 1720 E Judge Perez Dr, Ste A. Since the gym provides gear for trial week and offers a free uniform, it is set up to make a first visit straightforward. When you reach out, ask which class is best for a beginner, what to bring, and whether there is a preferred time to arrive before the session begins. If you are exploring options for yourself or for a child or teen, it is also smart to confirm which program fits best, whether you want BJJ, no-gi, women’s classes, MMA, or cardio kickboxing. That way, your visit is organized and you can focus on training from day one.

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Inside the academy

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United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image
United We Are Strong (Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization) facility image

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