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News

Keep up to date with our news, events, announcements, and frequently asked questions!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and any urgent changes to our schedules.

Mean Girl Self Defense – Every Tuesday & Friday

April 21, 2026

You don’t rise to the moment.You fall to your level of training. Most women are never taught what actually works in real situations.This is your chance to change that. Women’s Self-Defense CourseChess Lab Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Yakima, WAStarts Friday, April 24thFridays 5:30pm, Tuesdays 9:30am In this course, you’ll learn:Situational awareness & violence preventionWhy trusting your fear will save your life Boundary setting that actually worksEscapes from grabs & holdsWhat to do if it goes to the groundReal techniques and time to train them in a positive, uplifting environment No experience needed.No pressure. Just real training. What you’ll need:Comfortable workout clothes –…

Professor Ben on the Mat

April 6, 2026

Thanks to Professor Ben for coming in to town tonight! Great work on the mats everyone! #chesslabbjjyakima #mondaygrind

Yakima Police Department BJJ training

January 22, 2026

We are proud to back the blue here at Chess Lab. We believe a well-trained officer is a benefit not only to their personal safety, but to the greater safety of the community in which they serve. Today we had the privilege to host our first class of students from the YPD Explorers Program. Check out our reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2468013973614872 This group of amazing young men and women are working side-by-side with @yakpd Police Officers to gain firsthand knowledge of the field. They undergo a rigorous application process and are able to provide many services to the community alongside on-duty officers.…

Our New Website Is Live | Built for the Community That Built Us!

October 4, 2025

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 in Yakima has now become Chess Lab BJJ Yakima — a new name, a new partnership, and a new energy fueling everything we do. And now, we finally have a new website that reflects all of that growth. This isn’t just a visual update. It’s the digital version of our story — a place that shows where we came from, who we are, and where we’re headed next. Why We…

Women’s Self Defense Class | October 4, 2025

September 29, 2025

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 to learn essential skills to protect yourself! Join us at Chess Lab BJJ for an empowering event focused on teaching you essential self-defense techniques. This in-person seminar is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to protect yourself and boost your confidence.All ages welcome. No experience necessary. Don’t miss out on this valuable experience to enhance your personal safety skills.

Women Self Defense Classes Begin

September 28, 2025

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, October 4th at 12pm for a FREE Women’s self defense seminar. All ages welcome, no experience needed. Come be empowered and join a great community of supportive women ready to kick victimhood in the !!

Getting into the groove in our new gym

June 30, 2025

Great lunchtime session to start the week. Thank you Jordan and Alex, always great to have you guys on the mats!

Classes will now start happening at URJ Training Center

June 6, 2025

We welcome all to join us tomorrow as we say goodbye to Professor Ururahy and wish him the best on his new adventures instructing and leading in Miami Florida. We will be hosting a joint open mat with Professor James and his Chess Lab crew for a send off and an exciting announcement.

URJ Training Center Statement on Professor Ururahy’s departure

June 1, 2025

As many of our students and families may have heard, Professor Ururahy has decided to step away from his role at URJ Training Center to pursue new opportunities. We appreciate Professor Ururahy’s contributions and the dedication he’s shown in bringing, shaping, and advancing the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu to the community of Yakima. His expertise, dedication, and passion for the art have touched numerous students, instilling discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for the tradition. His commitment to teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu has left a lasting impact, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. As we…

Training doesn’t stop, even when the roof caves in.

December 30, 2024

Communication should always be open, honest & professional. With that being the baseline, classes at Chess Lab BJJ are cancelled until further notice. Problem exist to be solved. There is a COA (course of action) currently being developed. Training does not stop. Please reach out to me or other Senior belts for available training opportunities. – Professor O’Neal