Meet OurCoaches
Black belts, champions, and lifelong martial artists — dedicated to teaching real jiu jitsu for all ages and all levels.
DanHart
Dan built Hart Jiu Jitsu on a simple belief: real jiu jitsu works for everyone. His teaching centers on pressure-based fundamentals rooted in self-defense — no athleticism required, just technique, timing, and leverage.
A fierce competitor and decorated coach, Dan has fought as an amateur MMA fighter with a 3-0 record in the XFO and continues to compete regularly in jiu jitsu. He teaches seminars across the United States and runs international training camps each year.
MarkMillare
Mark left a career in public health to run Hart Jiu Jitsu full time — because he believes that deeply in what this gym does. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, he brings structure, professionalism, and genuine care to every class he teaches.
As head kids instructor, Mark has built one of the most respected youth programs in the region. He competes regularly in jiu jitsu and is a former amateur MMA fighter.
KasiaPeterson
Kasia began her martial arts journey at 14 in Poland with full-contact karate, competing at the national level. After moving to the US in 2002, she continued training across multiple disciplines — Judo, Kali, Kickboxing, Budo TaiJutsu, and eventually BJJ in 2012.
She holds a Black Belt instructor rank in Goshin JuJitsu through the American Federation of Jujitsu and continues her striking training under Bryce Franck. Over 27 years of training under some of the most respected martial arts instructors in the industry.
DerikMorefield
Derik's professional background is in public service, but his passion is helping people gain self-confidence through jiu jitsu. He's one of the most decorated competitors in the gym — and he brings that same intensity to teaching.
Derik leads the 6AM class and assists with the kids program. He believes anyone can find their strength on the mat, regardless of background or experience.
KatieHart
Katie has trained jiu jitsu for over 9 years and earned her brown belt along the way. While she loves competing — earning a silver medal at Masters Worlds at purple belt — her true calling is teaching women to feel strong, capable, and confident through martial arts.
She leads Hart Jiu Jitsu's women's self-defense program, guiding students from their very first day on the mat through a lifelong practice. For Katie, nothing is more fulfilling than watching women become stronger, more resilient versions of themselves.
BryceFranck
Bryce began his martial arts journey in the 1980s before finding Muay Thai in the 90s under legendary coach Duke Roufus. He went on to become the United States professional heavyweight Muay Thai champion and was ranked in the top 3 in the world.
He has been coaching since the early 2000s, working with athletes from recreational beginners to top professional contenders. Bryce is also an active BJJ competitor holding a brown belt under Dan Hart.
TomBeagly
Tom started his jiu jitsu journey in 2004 and joined Hart Jiu Jitsu in 2018, drawn specifically to Dan's pressure-based system. A husband, father of two, and tattoo artist, Tom brings a grounded, real-world perspective to his teaching.
Although he's developed a style that works with his own body type, Tom keeps the focus on fundamentals and self-defense jiu jitsu. He teaches both adult and kids classes and is passionate about creating a positive learning environment for every student.
Train With
The Best
Our coaches don't just teach jiu jitsu — they live it. Come see the difference that real technique, real lineage, and real community makes.