Rise Training Academy Transforms Auburn Gresham Into Movement Hub

The sound of djembe drums echoes through the bright studio space on South Halsted as children practice West African dance steps while their parents flow through martial arts forms in the adjacent room—a scene that perfectly captures the vision behind Rise Training Academy’s approach to community wellness.

The Black and Filipina co-owned studio opened last summer in Auburn Gresham with a mission to bring diverse movement traditions under one roof. At 8300 S. Halsted St., Rise Training offers everything from Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Capoeira to Samba lessons and pilates, creating what co-founder Lotta Yanong calls “a cultural sanctuary where movement, community and art is a mindset that uplifts people for health and wellness longevity.”

The timing feels right for Auburn Gresham, a neighborhood that has seen renewed investment in Arts & Culture initiatives across the South Side. What sets Rise Training apart is its intentional blend of disciplines from the African diaspora alongside contemporary fitness practices, all designed to serve families simultaneously rather than separately.

“We want to be received as a place where people can learn different things, advance their training and be with a supportive community,” Yanong said. “There’s something for everyone at Rise.”

Co-owner Victor Murrell’s personal connection to the South Side drives much of the studio’s philosophy. Growing up in West Pullman and attending school in Hyde Park, he experienced firsthand the challenge of traveling across the city for quality programming as a student athlete.

“From a young age, I always thought to myself, ‘Why do I have to go so far to get something that’s going to make me better and add to my life?’” Murrell said.

That question shaped Rise Training’s community-centered approach. Instead of forcing families to choose between adult fitness classes and children’s activities, the studio runs concurrent programming. While parents work on kickboxing techniques, their kids might be learning the fluid, acrobatic movements of Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, music, and self-defense.

The studio’s West African dance classes draw from traditions that connect Chicago’s South Side to broader cultural movements, while Brazilian jiu-jitsu sessions offer the technical precision that appeals to serious martial artists. Samba classes bring the celebration and rhythm of Brazilian carnival culture, and pilates rounds out the offerings with mindful strength training.

Yanong and Murrell celebrated their grand opening during the summer of 2025, but they’re treating this winter session as another beginning. The owners emphasize that Rise Training welcomes all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners curious about trying something new to experienced practitioners looking to deepen their practice.

The Auburn Gresham location represents more than convenience—it’s a statement about where quality programming belongs. Rather than asking South Side residents to trek to Lincoln Park or River North for specialized classes, Rise Training brings diverse movement traditions directly to the community.

The studio’s approach reflects a broader understanding of how fitness and cultural education intersect. Capoeira, for instance, carries the history of enslaved Africans in Brazil who disguised martial arts training as dance. West African dance connects practitioners to ancestral movement patterns while providing intense cardio workouts. Brazilian jiu-jitsu builds both physical and mental resilience through its chess-like strategic elements.

“Our goal is to be a cultural sanctuary,” Yanong emphasized, and the word sanctuary carries weight in a city where safe, affirming spaces for movement and creativity remain precious resources.

The concurrent class structure also addresses practical concerns for busy families. Parents no longer need to choose between their own wellness goals and their children’s enrichment activities. The studio becomes a place where multiple generations can grow together, even while pursuing different disciplines.

Rise Training’s winter session programming continues the momentum from their successful summer launch. The owners have focused on building a supportive community atmosphere where beginners feel welcome alongside more experienced practitioners. Classes maintain small sizes to ensure individual attention while fostering the group energy that makes movement practices sustainable.

The Auburn Gresham location at 8300 S. Halsted St. provides accessible public transit options while serving as an anchor for the neighborhood’s cultural offerings. The studio joins other South Side businesses working to ensure residents have local access to enriching activities that support both physical and cultural wellness.

For South Side families seeking movement practices that honor cultural traditions while building strength and flexibility, Rise Training Academy offers something genuinely different from typical gym experiences. The combination of martial arts precision, dance celebration, and community connection creates an environment where wellness becomes a shared journey rather than an individual pursuit.

Rise Training Academy’s winter session is currently accepting new students of all ages. Classes run concurrently for adults and children, with options ranging from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced training for experienced practitioners.