Round Lake Business Spotlight

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It’s Not Just Martial Arts, ACES Training Center Is Round Lake’s Home for Confidence and Growth

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer a community is a place to grow. That’s what Lou and Sharla Coloma set out to build when they opened ACES Training Center in 2022.

Its not just a martial arts studio, but a welcoming space where people come together to challenge themselves, support each other, and find confidence through movement, focus, and discipline.

You’ll find this welcoming space at 389 N Wilson Road in Round Lake, where the mats are full of students learning much more than physical technique.

For some, walking into ACES for the first time is about trying something new. For others, it’s about pushing past fear, building discipline, or discovering strength they didn’t know they had. But for everyone, kids or adults, it’s a step toward becoming stronger, inside and out.

Why did you open ACES?

"We started ACES because of our kids. We wanted a place where they could train, grow, and feel empowered. And we realized other families needed that too."

ACES has quickly become a hub for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Round Lake. What began as a youth-focused program has grown into something more: adult classes, women-only self-defense sessions, fitness training, and monthly in-house tournaments, all built around the discipline and philosophy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“We’re not just teaching people how to fight. We’re helping them learn when to fight, and why and just as importantly, when not to.”

-Co-owner Lou Coloma.

Children are grouped by age, size, and skill to ensure safety and support. Adults can train in the morning or evening, with programs flexible enough for both beginners and seasoned competitors.

The studio is structured but welcoming and grounded in the belief that everyone belongs on the mat.

What makes ACES feel different?

“We’re not just building technique — we’re helping people push beyond the limits they thought they had. That mindset shift is powerful.”

As ACES approaches its third year, the Colomas continue to evolve the studio based on the needs of the community, adding new classes, inviting guest instructors (including Olympians), and constantly adjusting to help students thrive.

What's been your biggest challenge?

“Balancing growth with connection. We’re expanding, but we still want every student to feel like they’re seen and supported, like this is their place.”

ACES also serves the wider community with programs that emphasize accessibility, safety, and confidence-building, especially for kids and women.

And through every new offering, the mission remains the same: to give Round Lake residents a place to grow stronger, together.

“We listen. We show up. We live here, and we care. This isn’t just a gym, it’s part of the community we’re raising our own family in.”

-Co-owner Lou Coloma.

Want to Give ACES a Try?

ACES offers trial classes for new students, no experience is needed, just a willingness to learn.

Come see what ACES is all about.

📍 Address:

389 N. Wilson Rd, Round Lake

📞 Telephone:

(847) 859-9144

🕒 Hours:

Mon/Tue/Thu: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sat: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Visit our Website

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