Best of Chapel Hill: Three-Peat
Beacon MMA Wins Best of Chapel Hill — Three Years in a Row!
We’re proud (and still a little blown away) to share that Beacon Mixed Martial Arts has been voted Best of Chapel Hill for the third year in a row! Since opening our doors in 2021, it’s been an incredible journey — growing from a small martial arts gym into a full community hub for fitness, personal growth, and recovery.
Winning this award three times is more than just a recognition — it’s a reflection of the amazing students, families, and coaches who’ve made Beacon MMA what it is today. If you’ve trained with us, sent your kid to camp, joined our fitness program, or worked with our physical therapy team — thank you. This is your win, too.
From Day One to Today
When we opened in 2021, our focus was clear: deliver the highest quality martial arts instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA, in a place that felt welcoming to everyone — whether you were a seasoned athlete or just starting out.
This year in particular was a big step forward for us. We moved into a new, state-of-the-art facility just a few months ago — a space that’s more than double the size of our original gym resulting in expanded mat space, spacious locker rooms, showers, and a much more comfortable lobby area for guests and families.
Fast forward to today, and Beacon has grown into so much more:
Kids’ Summer Camps that help kids stay active, confident, and screen-free all summer long.
A physical therapy clinic right inside our facility, offering expert recovery, injury prevention, and performance support.
A standalone fitness program designed to help not just fighters, but anyone looking to get stronger, more mobile, and feel better in their bodies.
Summer Camps that Build More Than Skills
Our summer camps have been one of the most rewarding ways we’ve connected with families around Chapel Hill. We designed them to blend martial arts with games, crafts, reading, and teamwork — so kids stay active, engaged, and confident. Plus, there’s no experience needed. Many kids start their martial arts journey here, but even those who just want a fun, structured summer leave with new skills and friendships.
Physical Therapy — Now Onsite
In 2024, we added Beacon Physical Therapy & Performance. Whether you’re dealing with nagging injuries, prepping for competition, or just want to move and feel better, our physical therapy team has you covered. It’s open to everyone — not just our members — and you don’t need a doctor’s referral or insurance to get started.
The CAP Program: Fitness Made for Fighters — and Everyone Else
This year, we launched the Combat Athlete Performance (CAP) program: a strength and conditioning program designed by physical therapists and strength coaches specifically for combat sports. But here’s the thing — you don’t have to be a fighter to join. CAP is open to anyone who wants to train smarter, get stronger, and move better, whether you’re training to compete or just want to be more active.
Thank You, Chapel Hill
We’re honored to earn this recognition again, but more than that, we’re just grateful for the community that’s grown with us. Whether you’re a parent, an athlete, or just someone looking to start something new, we’re here to help you get stronger — on and off the mats.
If you haven’t been in yet, come check us out. And if you’ve been part of this journey — thank you for making Beacon MMA what it is today.
