About Us
There is not a Palos Heights gym quite like Arctic Training Center. Our competition team is amongst the best, led by instructors who currently train. We are Palestinian-owned and have a separate building for women’s only classes. The team makes sure everyone is comfortable and relaxed as they take a break from the stressors of life to train. Everyone comes in to help students with the same mindset to make them better on and off the mat. Everything we do makes us a truly special Jiu Jitsu gym!
Discover What Arctic Training Center Has to Offer
From world-class Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai to kids’ programs, women’s only training, and a welcoming community, Arctic Training Center has something for everyone. Explore our programs, meet our instructors, and see why we’re Palos Heights’ most unique martial arts gym!
READ ABOUT OUR
MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS
Our team of coaches are amongst the best around. With a vast amount of competitive experience led by our owners who make us a rare Palestinian-owned Jiu Jitsu gym. Take a look and see what makes our leaders the best people to guide you on your journey!
FIND THE MEMBERSHIP
THAT FITS YOU
At Arctic Training Center, we offer flexible membership options for every lifestyle — from kids and teens to adults, competitors, and families. Whether you’re here for fitness, self-defense, or high-level competition, you’ll find a plan that works for you. Plus, don’t miss our special offers, including a free week of training to get started!
TAKE A LOOK AT
OUR SCHEDULE
Open 7 days a week, our martial arts schedule is built to help you! No matter how busy your week may be, we have time for you to find a break in your calendar to get in some training. Check it out and discover a new lifestyle with us!
CHECK OUT OUR
MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAMS
We have more than Jiu Jitsu classes at our martial arts gym. You can also sign up for Muay Thai, youth martial arts, and our women’s only Jiu Jitsu programs. Take a look at our programs and find your place at the Arctic Training Center!
Check out our schedule!
Make sure to check out our martial arts schedule! Take a look and find the right time for you to train and become your best self!
Meet the Coaches
Behind the Mats
Our staff of instructors provide a family-like atmosphere for students. The group consists of high-level martial artists, including co-owner Dania Seaver, the first female Palestinian Jiu Jitsu black belt. Take a look at our instructor bios and see who can lead you to great things on and off the mat!
Alexander Seaver
Head of ATC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program and Owner
Alex started training Jiu Jitsu after a shoulder injury ended his swimming career. This led him to pursue MMA and boxing, eventually stepping into the cage for one amateur fight in 2011, where he secured a win by first-round Rear Naked Choke. After the fight, Alex shifted focus to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, beginning his training in late 2011 under the Carlson Gracie Team, where he’s been ever since.
Over the years, Alex’s dedication to Jiu Jitsu paid off. He earned his brown belt on February 3rd, 2019, and, after years of hard work, he received his black belt on 12/17/2021. Additionally, Alex became an IBJJF No-Gi Pan Ams champion, cementing his place as a top-level competitor in the Jiu Jitsu world.
Dania Seaver
Owner and Head fitness instructor at ATC
Dania Seaver is the Owner and Head Fitness Instructor at ATC, bringing over a decade of experience in martial arts and fitness. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), TRX Certified, and holds an NASM Nutrition Certification.
A Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Dania has an impressive competitive record, including:
- 2x IBJJF World Medalist
- IBJJF Pan-Am Medalist
- IBJJF Sul Americano Champion
- Multiple-time IBJJF Chicago Open Champion
- 5-0 professional BJJ match record
Notably, she is the first Palestinian female to earn a BJJ black belt, marking a historic achievement in the sport.
Dania is deeply passionate about empowering her clients, believing that success comes from teamwork, dedication, and a commitment to achieving goals together.
Khalid Salah
Instructor
Khalid Salah has been dedicated to martial arts for over 35 years. He earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2017. Khalid has been active in many athletic spaces since the age of 7, including Karate, Taekwondo and Judo. He is co-owner of Arctic Training Center and is proud to be part of a devoted team that celebrates community and fosters a legacy of excellence in Jiu Jitsu for all of our students. Khalid brings passion, persistence, patience, and integrity to teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Start Your
Martial Arts Journey
Arctic Training Center is a place for anyone to train. You can come in and get started on your fitness journey, or can dive into competition Jiu Jitsu and martial arts. Our highly experienced instructors and tight-knit culture make this a gym for everyone. Interested? If so, then reach out with any questions or sign up to join us on the mat. We can’t wait to see you and to add you to our martial arts family!
Sign up for a free week of martial arts lessons!
Are you interested in cost-free martial arts training? Then sign up for our one-week FREE trial and see how much you can accomplish!
Why Our Students Love Training Here
Arctic Training Center is the spot for Palos Heights martial arts training. Our high-level competition success and family culture makes us a special Jiu Jitsu gym to join. And don’t just take our word for it. Check out what our community has to say and why they believe we are the best place for you!
“Such a wonderful gym! Everyone is kind and knowledgeable. Had a bunch of work with multiple partners from white to black belt, learned something from anyone.”
“From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt incredibly warm and friendly — like a family-oriented gym where everyone looks out for each other.”
“Great gym for Gi and no gi jiu jitsu! A lot of active competitors, including the instructors, and great for beginners looking to learn. I love training here!”
“My 5-year-old daughter takes classes here, and she’s excited to go every single day! The coaches are all excellent – patient, skilled, and great with kids.”
“Whether you’re looking to compete, improve your self-defense skills, or just get in shape, this is the perfect place to train. Couldn’t recommend it more!”
Ready to Train? Let’s Talk!
We proudly provide martial arts and Jiu Jitsu in Palos Heights, and to those nearby, including Orland Park, Tinley Park, Hickory Hills, Bridgeview, and Palos Hills. You can find us at the corner of College Rd and Harlem Ave, next to Highland shopping center! You can find our women’s only location at 12332 South Harlem, Palos Heights, IL!