ABOUT US

Rise Training Academy is a Black, Filipina, and woman-co-owned small business rooted in the heart of Chicago’s South Side. We are more than a training center—we are a cultural sanctuary where children and adults, families and friends, come together to celebrate movement, music, wellness, and community.

We offer a diverse range of dance, fitness, martial arts, and wellness classes, including capoeira, samba, and fitness training. Our programs are designed to serve and uplift the underserved South Side community by providing healthy and empowering activities in a professional and enriching environment.

We believe community is everything. That’s why we invest back into the neighborhood by hiring local artists and health/wellness professionals, providing free resources through partnerships with fellow small businesses and organizations, and fostering a space where culture and connection thrive.

What makes us proud is our commitment to community transformation —through movement, through collaboration, and through the belief that when we rise together, we rise stronger. To quote one of our students, “It’s wonderful to be a part of a group that cares for our collective community!”

OUR CORE VALUES

• Remain a center for healthy and positive activities as a part of everyday life
• Be a valuable resource that continues to improve the welfare of our South Side community 
• Be a hub for community resources through collaboration with local businesses and organizations based on the South Side
• Host health and wellness events for the community, family-friendly and always free of charge
• Invest back into the community by providing employment opportunities to local residents

OUR STORY

Rise Training was established in 2017 by Co-Owners De Boa and Contra Mestre Tinta Forte. Being Chicago natives and South Side residents, we strive to be a part of the revitalization of the community by investing back where we live. We became small business owners through our love of martial arts, wellness, culture, and community.

We humbly began with capoeira classes, a time slot in a gym, zero new students, a challenging budget, and many stops and restarts along the way. It took us a while to figure out what works for us and our community.

Once we gained our footing, we began to grow. We held our first major martial arts event in June 2021. In November 2023 we were able to hold the first full weekend martial arts event inviting local and international teachers. In September 2023, we launched our Samba program, and offered multiple Beginner Series for samba, yoga, and jiu jitsu between 2023 and 2025. We have also hosted events with visiting master level instructors from the United States, Brazil, and Italy.
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We are now celebrating the opening of our own training facility at 8300 S Halsted. We have expanded our programs to include a diverse range of martial arts, dance, and fitness programs.

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Grand Opening of 8300 S Halsted St location (June 28, 2025)

Contra Mestre Tinta Forte

CM Tinta Forte is an African-American martial artist who was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He has successfully achieved high-rank martial arts expertise in capoeira over the past 25 years. Tinta Forte is the lead capoeira instructor and responsible for developing the capoeira curriculum. He co-manages all instructors, program schedules, facilities, and customer relations.

De Boa

De Boa is a Filipina-American born and raised in Chicago and based on the South Side. She teaches capoeira classes through Rise Training's school & non-profit organization partnership programs. She co-manages programming and staff and student administration. She is responsible for all financial, marketing, and merchandise operations. De Boa develops partnerships with local non-profit organizations and manages Rise Training’s free community resource offerings and special events.

Meet the Rise Training Team!