2025 at ROL Academy through ROL RECAP

2025 was an unforgettable year at ROL Academy, filled with growth, community, achievement, and powerful moments both on and off the mats. From the very beginning of the year, our academy continued to expand its impact through competition, seminars, workshops, and events that brought our students and families closer together.

We opened the year with strong momentum as our competition team stepped onto the mats with confidence, including standout performances at events like Newbreed, where our youth academy earned an incredible 2nd place finish. Throughout the year, our students consistently showed dedication, resilience, and the heart that defines the ROL spirit.

Alongside competition success, ROLRADIO continued to amplify inspiring voices from across the Jiu Jitsu world, welcoming guests who shared stories of perseverance, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Our academy hosted an extraordinary lineup of seminars and workshops in 2025, welcoming renowned instructors such as Adam Maslach, Arman Fathi, Henry Akins, Felipe Simplicio, Tom and Celeste Cronin, Jesse Walker, Mike Mahaffey, and many more—each leaving behind knowledge that elevated our community. Several of these black belts added their signatures to the ROL Wall of Fame, symbolizing the lasting legacy of their visits.

The year was also filled with meaningful program growth, especially within our youth system. We introduced major enhancements to the ROL Kids Program, including new Teen Fundamentals and Teen Striking classes, a dedicated Kids Competition Class, and improved curriculum tracks for intermediate and advanced students. On the adult side, we launched the White Belt Must Know program, giving beginners a structured path to progress confidently toward blue belt.

Beyond training, 2025 was rich with community celebration. From the ROL Family Picnic—our biggest annual gathering—to kids movie nights, Halloween parties, and special workshops for parents, teens, and women of the academy, this year reminded us that ROL is more than a gym—it is a family. Tap Cancer Out was one of the most powerful moments of the year, uniting our team in competition and purpose while making a meaningful impact beyond the mats.

We closed the year with milestone ceremonies and unforgettable achievements, including kids and adult graduation events, community holiday traditions like the Orland Park Tree Lighting Parade, and the celebration of Global Grappling Day. December also marked a historic moment as Professor Thomas was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt by Professor Alberto Crane—an honor representing decades of dedication, leadership, and legacy.

As we reflect on 2025, we are filled with gratitude for every student, parent, coach, and supporter who stepped onto the mats, embraced the journey, and helped make this year so special. Thank you for continuing to grow with us, to celebrate with us, and to carry the spirit of Jiu Jitsu into your lives. We are proud of everything we accomplished together—and we can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for the ROL family.

If you missed any editions of our 2025 ROL RECAP - Below are all of the 2025 Issues!