Carrying the Legacy of Fabiano “Pega Leve” Scherner | Led Locally by Professor James O’Neal
At Chess Lab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Yakima, we’re proud to represent the lineage of Fabiano “Pega Leve” Scherner, a legend in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA world — and to be led day-to-day by our own local black belt, Professor James O’Neal, a second-degree black belt under Fabiano himself.
Together, this partnership creates something powerful: a fusion of world-class lineage and grassroots community — right here in Yakima, WA.
Find Our Gym
With our great new sign up, it's hard to miss!
Find us at 2204 W Nob Hill Blvd Suite H & I, Yakima, WA 98902
Latest News
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If you’ve been part of our community for a while, you know how much change the past year has brought to our academy. What started as Fabiano Scherner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu…
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ICYMI – Coming up this Saturday!! All ladies, all ages welcome, no experience required! FREE: Registration link here Come join us for a free women’s self-defense seminar in Yakima, WA…
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Amazing job ladies! Way to invest in yourselves and your personal safety and development. Are you ready to take charge of your own safety and self-defense? Join us next Saturday,…
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What Makes Us Different
- Authentic lineage and instruction: You're not learning from YouTube or watered-down curriculums. This is real BJJ, taught by real black belts in a system tested at the highest levels.
- A gym for all levels: From first-timers to seasoned competitors, kids to adults, hobbyists to future champions — there’s a spot for you here.
- A community, not just a class: We train hard, but we look out for each other. Respect, accountability, and growth are our shared values.
- Driven by legacy: We’re helping build Fabiano Scherner’s brand in Yakima, not just wearing his patch. Every class we teach here reflects his standards, his style, and his philosophy.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Nate Rauschert
"Great environment! Wonderful place to train in Yakima. Owner is very kind and the professor is very knowledgeable. Room is full of high level and no ego. Come train!"
James Egan
"I went to Chess Lab Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym in Yakima Washington. The team was superb and the format amazing. Every aspect of the drop-in for me was spectacular starting from the warm -up routine through the live roll warms-ups and also the live rolling with the team(which had excellent morale). I felt extremely welcomed and learned techniques from the team. THANK YOU ALL!"
Travis Vanderpool
"Great atmosphere and learning experience."
Josh Cook
"I like this place... This place makes me better. Great Leadership and team."
