Instructors
Last Chance Instructors
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors at Last Chance Grappling Club bring unparalleled expertise and a passion for teaching. With decades of combined experience and led by accomplished BJJ black belt competitors Jim Collins and Jacie Vonada, Last Chance is dedicated to providing top-tier training and personalized guidance to help every student excel.
Jim Collins
Jim Collins is a 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under world champion Fredson Paixao. As Montana's first BJJ black belt, Jim brings decades of elite-level experience to Last Chance Grappling Club. With a distinguished history of competing on the world stage, Jim offers unmatched expertise and leadership in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in Helena, MT.
Jacie Vonada
Jacie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under Fredson Paixao and Jim Collins. After retiring from the USA women's rugby team, she shifted focus and dedicated her life to BJJ. Jacie is now a highly decorated regional competitor and a Pan no gi IBJJF bronze medalist. She's passionate about helping students reach their full potential and finding personal success. Jacie's passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ensures a top-tier training experience for students in Helena, MT
Bob Cochran
Bob is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under Jim Collins, combining his passion for teaching with extensive experience in the sport of BJJ. In addition to his BJJ expertise, Bob is a certified BJJ yoga instructor, bringing a unique blend of flexibility and strength training to his classes at Last Chance Grappling Club in Helena, MT.
Alex Cummings
Alex Cummings is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under the legendary Fredson Paixão, known for his strong, submission-focused style. Alex has earned a reputation for winning matches in just a few seconds, showcasing his exceptional skill on the mats. His accolades include being an IBJJF NYC Absolute Medalist, a No Gi Pan Am Medalist, and a 20+ time US Grappling Champion, among many other accomplishments. Alex brings his elite-level competition experience to his classes at Last Chance Grappling Club in Helena, MT, offering students a powerful and dynamic approach to BJJ.
Charlie
Charlie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under Jim Collins, with over twenty years of experience in both Combatives instruction and real-world force application. His distinguished background in Special Operations Forces and military service provides a unique depth to his teaching. At Last Chance Grappling Club, Charlie employs concept-based instruction and innovative approaches to enhance learning, blending his expertise in self-defense, discipline, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a welcoming teaching style to offer invaluable knowledge to his students.
Instructors
Aaron Fetz
Aaron is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a strong foundation in wrestling and mixed martial arts. He began wrestling at a young age through high school before joining the United States Air Force, where he started training and competing in MMA, compiling five amateur wins and a 1–1 professional record. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has earned gold at Grappling X and Fight 2 Win, went 3–1 at IBJJF Master Worlds, and is a former 155 lb Xtreme Workshop Champion and Operation Slugfest Champion. Aaron brings a well-rounded, competition-tested approach to coaching, focused on both strong fundamentals and high-level performance.
Joey Silva
Joey is a brown belt with 10 years of Jiu Jitsu experience. Prior to training under Jim Collins at Last Chance Grappling Club, Joey trained under Kron Gracie and Shea O’Neill in Bozeman, and John “Magoo” Villarruel and Carlos “Wookie” Melo in Gilroy California. At LCGC, Joey combines a diverse instructional background with a love for teaching Jiu Jitsu fundamentals.