Daniel Vianna

Academy owner & Head instructor

6th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Daniel Vianna, a 6th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a pioneer in the Chicago martial arts community. With over three decades of experience and over 20 years as a black belt, Daniel has dedicated his life to mastering and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and MMA in the Chicago land area.

Early Training with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Legends

Daniel began his Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of eight under the legendary Rolls Gracie, one of the most influential figures in the Gracie family. Despite training with Rolls for only a short time due to his untimely passing, Daniel’s passion for martial arts was ignited. At the age of 12, he expanded his training by studying Judo under Master Virgilio Castro de Moura for two years. At 14, he briefly explored Capoeira before realizing his true passion lay in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense.

Returning to his roots, Daniel continued training under Vina Lisboa, a student of the Gracie family from Leme, the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood where Daniel and his brother Pedro grew up. After a year of dedicated study, he was introduced to Tio Orize, a close friend of the Carlson Gracie family. Tio later introduced Daniel to Carlson Gracie Jr., who became his first Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Shortly after, Daniel met Junior’s teaching partner, Sensei Marcelo Alonso, who became another key mentor in his training. In 1994, after six years of intense training under Junior and Marcelo, Daniel moved to Chicago as a purple belt to learn English and live with his mother, who was working there at the time.

Bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Chicago

In 1995, Daniel received a call from his instructor, Carlson Gracie Jr., who was traveling to Chicago to teach a seminar. Around the same time, another friend and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Rei "King" Diogo, decided to visit and train with Daniel. Recognizing the potential for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Chicago, Carlson Gracie Jr. decided to open his first academy in the United States, which was also the first BJJ academy in Chicago. Daniel, along with Paulo Bezerra and Rei Diogo, was invited to become an instructor and partner of the new school. Over the years, Daniel played a pivotal role in training and mentoring many of Chicago’s current black belts.

MMA Career and Competition Success

Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, Daniel tested his skills in professional MMA, competing in organizations such as Chicago Challenge, Iron Heart Crown, and Extreme Challenge. He fought against some of the biggest names in the sport, including UFC veterans Matt Hughes, Shonie Carter, and Dave Strasser. With a professional MMA record of 6 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, he proved his ability to apply Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in real combat scenarios.

Building the Vianna Brothers Legacy

In 2000, Daniel and his brother Pedro earned their black belts and continued to grow their presence in the Chicago Jiu-Jitsu community. That same year, Carlson Gracie Sr. moved to Chicago, and Daniel stepped down from his instructor role to respectfully make way for the Grand Master. In 2004, Pedro Vianna opened his first BJJ academy in Chicago, which became Daniel’s home for training and teaching.

In 2013, Daniel and Pedro officially joined forces to create the Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Academy. Today, their academy offers top-tier instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA training, and self-defense for students of all skill levels. With a deep passion for teaching, competition, and personal development, Daniel welcomes students of all backgrounds to train in a world-class BJJ academy in Chicago. Whether you are looking to compete, get in shape, or learn self-defense, the Vianna Brothers Academy is dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Located in the heart of Chicago, the academy continues to build on the rich legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering expert instruction and a welcoming environment for martial artists of all levels. Schedule a free trial class today and experience the Vianna Brothers’ approach to high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.