Open Guard Jiu-Jitsu is a certified Team Curran affiliate — part of a national network of academies built on 35+ years of proven curriculum, world-class instruction, and the Pedro Sauer lineage.
Jeff "Big Frog" Curran is a 5th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Pedro Sauer and one of the original pioneers of mixed martial arts in the Midwest. Over a career spanning more than 30 years and nearly 90 professional fights, he compiled a professional MMA record of 36–18–1 competing in the UFC, WEC, PRIDE, Bellator, and Strikeforce — including a world title challenge against Urijah Faber.
In 1997, at just 19 years old, Jeff founded Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy — Team Curran — in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Nearly three decades later, Team Curran has shaped hundreds of students, competitors, and coaches, growing into a national network of certified affiliate academies.
His teaching philosophy is straightforward: fundamentals first. Structured progression, real competition experience, and a safe training environment are the foundation of everything he teaches — and everything we deliver at Open Guard.
Being a certified Team Curran affiliate is not just a title. It means our students train with the same system, standards, and support as every school in the network.
You learn from Professor Curran's structured system — refined over 35+ years of producing champions, coaches, and black belts. Every class at Open Guard follows the same progression as Team Curran headquarters.
Belts earned under the Team Curran and Pedro Sauer lineage are recognized worldwide. Your rank carries the credibility of one of the most respected networks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
As an affiliate, we bring Team Curran instructors and events directly to our academy — including seminars with Professor Curran himself — giving our students regular access to elite-level instruction.
You become part of a tight-knit network of affiliate schools that compete, train, and grow together. Open Guard students are welcome across Team Curran locations nationwide.
Open Guard Jiu-Jitsu is a listed, certified affiliate on the official Team Curran network — the only Team Curran school in the Lake Country area.
View the Team Curran Affiliate NetworkYour first class is free. Experience the Team Curran curriculum firsthand — no contracts, no pressure.
