BJJ Lifestyle Academy

BJJ Lifestyle Academy Established since 2009. If you are looking to start or to improve your Jiu-Jitsu you found the right place. We now offer family packages for 2 or more members.
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Learn from a High level 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. We offer Gi, NoGi Jiu-Jitsu and fitness instruction to all kids and adults. Our Programs
Below is a list of the programs we offer at BJJ Lifestyle academy. Feel free to stop by during a class or give us a call at 314-780-4222 for more information or to take a FREE class. Please call for more information. Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (

BJJ)
The martial art style the Gracie Family made famous with the UFC. Our instructors are BJJ/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu certified instructors with credentials and competition accolades to back them up. Our adult program is perfect for adults just looking to get in shape and learn self defense or adults looking to compete nationally or fight in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Head Coach

Professor "Brazilian" Mike Rethmeyer

3rd Degree Black Belt under Leo Pechana
14 time International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) medalist. As a black belt, Professor Mike won several titles including a 1st Place at Pan-American Championship and 3rd Place at the World Championship and 7 times International Open Champion. Children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Whether you want your child to learn the best form of self-defense around, or to compete nationally, BJJ Lifestyle Academy is the perfect school for you. No-Gi (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Wrestling)
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the art of BJJ without the use of a Gi. It is also a great base for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Our Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) program works on putting together your striking, wrestling, takedown and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills to form a solid all around game. Conditioning
Women Self-Defence
MMA Striking

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day both BJJ Lifestyle Academy locations will be closed on Monday (May 25, 2026).

I wish you all a great Memorial Day weekend.

Coach Mike Rethmeyer

Today was one of my proudest moments as a father and coach. By having the honor to promote my son, Ethan, to Blue Belt.T...
04/29/2026

Today was one of my proudest moments as a father and coach. By having the honor to promote my son, Ethan, to Blue Belt.

This belt represents far more than skill on the mats. It reflects years of discipline, hard work, sacrifice, and character. Ethan has consistently shown what it means to earn something through dedication. Not only in training, but by stepping up to help run classes, support students, and put in the unseen work of cleaning and maintaining the gyms.

He understands that true martial arts is built on service, humility, and relentless work ethic.

Watching him grow into a disciplined young man both on and off the mats has been one of my greatest blessings.

This Blue Belt is well deserved, and I know this is only the beginning of his journey.

Proud of you, son. Keep working. Keep growing. Keep leading.

Huge thank you to Professor Leonardo Pecanha for an incredible seminar and for sharing your knowledge with our team.Than...
04/29/2026

Huge thank you to Professor Leonardo Pecanha for an incredible seminar and for sharing your knowledge with our team.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported, and helped make this event a success.

And congratulations to all of our newly ranked students. All your hard work and dedication continue to pay off.

Proud of our team. We keep growing together.

04/27/2026

ATTENTION‼️

⛈️Class Cancellation Notice

Due to the incoming severe weather conditions and for the safety of our students, all classes at both locations this Monday will be cancelled.

Please stay safe and we’ll see everyone back on the mats soon.

Coach Mike Rethmeyer

FYI: ON APRIL 28, ALL TUESDAY CLASSES AT BOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE CANCELED DUE TO THE SEMINAR/RANKING. Thank you Coach Mik...
04/08/2026

FYI: ON APRIL 28, ALL TUESDAY CLASSES AT BOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE CANCELED DUE TO THE SEMINAR/RANKING.

Thank you

Coach Mike Rethmeyer

Big congratulations to Spencer, Tim, Andrew and Kelly on their performance at the Fuji tournament today. Thank you to al...
02/28/2026

Big congratulations to Spencer, Tim, Andrew and Kelly on their performance at the Fuji tournament today. Thank you to all the coaches that went there to support our competitors.

Grateful for today.Our team competed at the Submission Challenge Tournament and earned 2nd Place Overall Team. I’m proud...
02/14/2026

Grateful for today.

Our team competed at the Submission Challenge Tournament and earned 2nd Place Overall Team. I’m proud of the effort, composure, and respect everyone showed on the mats.

There’s always more to learn, and we’ll keep working to improve together. Thankful for this team and the support behind them.

🇺🇸 Military & First Responders — We Appreciate You As a thank you for your service, we’re offering 10% OFF any Jiu-Jitsu...
01/09/2026

🇺🇸 Military & First Responders — We Appreciate You

As a thank you for your service, we’re offering 10% OFF any Jiu-Jitsu membership for you and your family, plus a FREE T-shirt and your first month FREE upon sign-up.

✔️ Good at both locations: St. Louis, MO & O’Fallon, IL

✔️ Just show valid military or first responder ID

⏳While supplies last

Train with purpose. Join the family.

👉 www.bjjlifestyleacademy.com

01/02/2026

2025 was a great year.
At 46 years old, I trained like a professional athlete using structured periodization cycles. I stayed injury-free, hit multiple PRs (315 lb bench, 225 lb bench ×22 reps, 525 lb deadlift, 335 lb Zercher squat), and competed in a HYROX fitness race, the Mammoth March, IBJJF No-Gi Pans, and IBJJF No-Gi Worlds.

Not too bad!

I had a lot of fun and I can’t wait to keep pushing forward in 2026. Let’s go!!

DM me if you want to learn how to train this way.

Longevity

01/02/2026

I want to personally thank my friend and former student Nick Hartman, a multiple-time World Champion, for this testimonial and for supporting our academy.

Seeing students grow, succeed, and carry the values of Jiu-Jitsu forward is why I do this. Nick, I’m proud of you and grateful for the journey we’ve shared.

If you’re looking to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey—whether you want a fun new workout or you’re aiming to become a Jiu-Jitsu champion—you’re welcome to join us. We’d love to have you on the mats.

Come try a 7-day free trial today!

O’Fallon, IL | St. Louis, MO

Address

1556 Frontage Road
Belleville, IL
62269

Opening Hours

Monday 5pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday 6pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 5pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 5pm - 7:30pm
Friday 5pm - 8:30pm
Saturday 12pm - 1:30pm

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