05/13/2026
NexGen Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Academy Springfield, Illinois’ Only True World-Class Training Facility - For Hundreds of Miles
At NexGen, we’re not a watered-down franchise allowing anyone who has done an online course to teach - we have a strict instructors program with hands on guidance. We’re 100% locally owned, original, authentic content and posts. Our reputation is built on real results, not marketing gimmicks.
With over 20 years of full-time dedication to Self Defense training, teaching, and competing, everything we offer is backed by true experience on and off the mats.
Professor Gerrad Zec has tested himself against some of the worlds most elite adult division competitors in the world, including multiple ADCC medalists, and has trained extensively under multiple-time world champions.
For nearly a decade, he traveled regularly to California-2 to 4 times a year, spending weeks at a time training 6+ hours a day, learning directly from the best in the sport.
He also spent seven years apprenticing under his original professor, logging over 13,104 hours of training. Sometimes up to 9 hrs a day, refining every detail of his craft. This deep, hands-on mentorship shaped the foundation of NexGen’s training philosophy.
Now, that same world-class experience and instruction is available right here in Springfield, IL for the first time ever in this fashion.
At NexGen, we deliver authentic Jiu-Jitsu and real self-defense
-with no shortcuts and no false promises. Our methods are battle-tested, effective, and taught with passion and purpose.
No gimmicks. No fluff. Just real Jiu-Jitsu and proven self-defense that works.
Come in and experience what true high quality training is really like.
Located in the at 301 South Grand Avenue West
We are in the east doors on the 2nd floor.
Text 1-447-448-7703 to schedule a time to get all signed up or schedule your free trial class!
bjj springfield selfdefense jiujitsu
