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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.


New Gear Drop
Now accepting pre-orders for official G13 BJJ ranked rash guards. Available in long sleeve and short sleeve, our IBJJF legal rash guards are a great way to help you stay cool and clean.
New Program Added
Introducing an exciting new program that’s 100% free to all adult members!

Back-to-Back Team Titles
Congratulations to our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu adult competition team.

Beacon Physical Therapy & Performance is Now Open
We are now Chapel Hill’s newest source for Physical Therapy and Performance training!



Luke Lessei Secures First-Round TKO at ONE Fight Night 27
On January 10, 2025, at ONE Fight Night 27 in Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, American Muay Thai fighter Luke "The Chef" Lessei delivered a commanding performance, defeating Canada's Cody Jerome via first-round TKO in a 160.5-pound catchweight bout. Lessei's strategic use of body strikes led to multiple knockdowns, culminating in a stoppage at the 2:00 mark of the opening round.

Our First Female BJJ Black Belt
Beacon MMA, Chapel Hill’s first black belt is also Beacon MMA’s first female black belt! Introducing Professor Chela Tu!