Instructor Explains Classes and Culture at Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu

Our Daily Show Interview! Alton Elite Jiu Jitsu: Kyle Watson Seminar, Women's Classes, and Specials!

ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu is known for its community feel, and the gym’s leaders are working to encourage more people to start training.

General Manager Jacqueline noted that the gym and its members have grown a lot in the past few months after their rebranding and relocation to 2716 Corner Court in Alton. She is proud of everything Alton Elite offers and the welcoming energy they exude.

“We’re not just a gym. We’re a community,” Jacqueline said. “These are my closest friends now.”

The gym is currently offering a seven-day free trial option; Jacqueline anticipates this will continue for the foreseeable future. They also have a winter student special for kids ages K–12 and through college. Full-time students can train full time for $99 a month while the deal lasts.

For more information about these special offers, click here. They are also hosting a seminar with Kyle Watson, coming up on Jan. 28, 2026; click here to read more.

Jacqueline, owner Adam Marburger, and the other trainers have always made it a point to ensure Alton Elite is a welcoming, safe environment for everybody. They want to guarantee that people can receive top-notch training in a space that feels like home.

Since the gym’s relocation, cultivating this atmosphere has been even more important — and it feels more intentional than ever to the students.

“It’s been a game changer, absolutely, for, one, the growth of our gym, but also providing more amenities to our students. Having showers has made a massive difference. The gym is so clean. It’s just been fabulous,” Jacqueline said, adding, “We always knew we were a gym that anybody could come into, but now we’re really seeing that. We’re getting every walk of life, and it’s been incredible.”

Alton Elite offers a variety of classes every week, including no-gi, adult beginner jiu-jitsu, and striking/MMA classes. They have a Little Ninjas program for kids ages 3–5 and a youth jiu-jitsu program for kids ages 6–14. The youth and adult jiu-jitsu programs have classes Monday through Friday. Yoga and open mat practices are also available.

Jacqueline especially enjoys the women’s-only class she teaches. She believes these classes are empowering for the women, including many mothers who take this hour to themselves once a week. No men are allowed in the gym during the women’s-only class, and participants can focus solely on growing their skills.

“Nobody in our gym has any ill intentions. But not every woman wants to train with men,” Jacqueline explained. “Providing them that opportunity to come in and be exclusively with women, it makes a difference. And, if I’m honest, it’s more fun than the other classes.”

But of course, all the classes are fun, Jacqueline promises. She added that the classes are also a great workout and lesson in self-discipline.

For anyone who is interested but not sure where to start, she suggests simply attending a class to watch. She believes that once you see it in action, you’ll be eager to start your own training.

Jacqueline also commended the other coaches, who are equally devoted to the gym’s culture and their students’ success. This team sets Alton Elite apart.

“We wanted to make sure that the coaches we had were teaching at a high level,” Jacqueline said. “We wanted to make sure it was accessible to anybody, whether you’re a beginner through advanced. Our coaches have been doing a phenomenal job at making sure that our students are actually getting the information and instruction that they deserve.”

As the winter special and the seven-day free trial options continue, Jacqueline encourages people to reach out sooner rather than later. She thinks everyone would benefit from Alton Elite’s classes, and she is proud of the work they’ve done to create an empowering gym in the community.

To learn more about Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu, visit their official website at AltonElite.com or their official Facebook page.

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