Jiu-Jitsu Unlimited

Taylor Pace is the Head Instructor and founder of Jiu-Jitsu Unlimited, holding the rank of Purple Belt and proudly training under Professor Tom DeBlass. With over a decade of martial arts experience, Taylor’s primary mission is two-fold: creating the highest level of Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the Midwest AND fostering a welcoming, family-friendly community.

Competitive Background

Taylor’s commitment to high-level competition is demonstrated by his personal achievements, including appearances at the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds and IBJJF Pans in 2024, and earning a spot in the Sub Spectrum No-Gi Midlands 2025 invitational via the qualifier. He has been highly successful in the regional circuit, accumulating 50 wins across over a dozen Midwest competitions such as Submission Challenge, Sub-Spectrum, and NAGA. He holds a professional Jiu-Jitsu record of 4-4, highlighted by a prominent victory over a Brown Belt at Orbit Submission Series 11. This consistent experience ensures that students receive instruction rooted in current, high-pressure competitive scenarios.

Teaching Philosophy

As an instructor, Taylor utilizes the cutting-edge Constraint-Led Approach (CLA) to maximize student learning and intelligent movement. He is passionate about sharing his love for Jiu-Jitsu and watching people have fun with the process. It is important to him that every student leaves class feeling confident in the skills they are being taught, and he strives to foster an environment of creativity and technical excellence.

Beyond the Mat

While dedicated to the academy, Taylor is also a committed husband and father to his wife, Faith, daughter, Riley, and son, Liam. He enjoys playing board games and baking, and his commitment to Jiu-Jitsu extends beyond the mat, as the principles he’s learned help him stay calm and composed in high-stress situations in everyday life.

Joe Graves is a Littles Coach and Adult Assistant Instructor at Jiu-Jitsu Unlimited, holding the rank of Blue Belt, 1 Stripe under Head Instructor Taylor Pace. With over two years of Jiu-Jitsu training, Joe brings energy, approachability, and a student-first mindset to both kids’ and adult classes.

Competitive Background

Joe actively competes in both Gi and No-Gi divisions, primarily within the Submission Challenge tournament circuit. One of his standout achievements includes winning Gold in the Blue Belt Absolute division at Submission Challenge Sioux City. He has accumulated a total of 17 competition wins, consistently testing his skills in live, competitive environments that translate directly into practical instruction for his students.

Teaching Philosophy

Joe specializes in Ecological Jiu-Jitsu training for both kids and adults, emphasizing learning through movement, games, and live problem-solving rather than rigid, step-by-step instruction. His core belief is that enjoyment is the foundation of long-term success when students are having fun, passion naturally follows, and improvement comes faster. He strives to create classes where students feel excited to train, confident to experiment, and supported in their growth.

Beyond the Mat

Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, Joe also enjoys MMA training, further expanding his understanding of combat sports and athletic movement. Training has had a significant impact on his everyday life, building confidence and teaching him not to judge others based on appearances alone. Jiu-Jitsu has reinforced the idea that true capability often lies beneath the surface, an important lesson he carries both on and off the mat.

Jake Noel is an Assistant Instructor at Jiu-Jitsu Unlimited and holds the rank of Blue Belt under Head Instructor Taylor Pace. With three years of dedicated Jiu-Jitsu training and a background as a collegiate football athlete, Jake brings a strong blend of athleticism, discipline, and practical experience to the mat. His transition from competitive football to Jiu-Jitsu has shaped his ability to understand movement, pressure, and positional control.

Competitive Background

Jake primarily competes in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, where his game emphasizes gaining and maintaining top control, with the armbar as his preferred finishing submission. He has built an impressive competitive résumé, earning a Silver Medal at the Sub-Spectrum Summer Trials in 2024 and compiling a 39–12 competition record as of October 4, 2025. His consistent performance in competition allows him to bring real-world, competition-tested techniques into his instruction.

Teaching Philosophy

As an instructor, Jake focuses on helping students understand Jiu-Jitsu as a system rather than a collection of isolated techniques. He emphasizes awareness in every position, learning to feel what a training partner gives and capitalizing on opportunities as they arise, rather than forcing movements at the wrong time. His primary teaching specialty is No-Gi Fundamentals, where he helps students build a strong, adaptable foundation.

Beyond the Mat

Outside of training and coaching, Jake enjoys strength training and continuing to improve his physical performance. Jiu-Jitsu has had a profound impact on his life, helping him reduce stress, build lasting friendships, and develop a strong sense of discipline that carries over into everyday life. He finds the greatest joy in teaching by watching athletes grow in both skill and confidence over time.

Alex van Donkelaar is an Assistant Instructor and Coach at Jiu-Jitsu Unlimited, holding the rank of Blue Belt, 1 Stripe under Head Instructor Taylor Pace. With two years of Jiu-Jitsu training and five years of wrestling experience at the middle and high school levels, Alex brings a strong grappling foundation and a well-rounded approach to both Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.

Competitive Background

Alex actively competes in both Gi and No-Gi divisions, striving to be effective and dangerous from every position. His competitive résumé includes podium finishes at high-level events such as the ICO Qualifier, where he earned both Silver and Bronze medals, and a Bronze medal in the Sub-Spectrum Beginner Absolute division. He also maintains a perfect 2–0 professional record with Ascendancy Fighting Championship.

Across his competitive career, Alex has accumulated 35 total wins, with an impressive 30 victories coming by submission. His accomplishments span all belt levels, including multiple gold medals in Gi and No-Gi divisions at White and Blue Belt, as well as podium finishes at the Purple Belt level. He is currently ranked #102 in the Submission Challenge rankings, reflecting his consistency and effectiveness on the competition circuit.

Teaching Philosophy

As an instructor, Alex emphasizes developing a strong conceptual understanding of Jiu-Jitsu built on sound fundamentals and mastery of core positions. His teaching philosophy centers on self-reflection and perspective, recognizing that each student brings different body types, personalities, and learning styles to the mat. By learning from one another and approaching training with curiosity, Alex believes students not only improve technically but also grow personally, ultimately elevating the entire team.

Beyond the Mat

Outside of the academy, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, camping, and immersing himself in nature. Jiu-Jitsu has taught him the importance of incremental improvement, focusing on getting just one small thing better every day. This mindset extends into all areas of his life, reinforcing discipline, health, and the value of community while embracing the challenge of doing hard things consistently.

As the Creative Director of Jiu Jitsu Unlimited, Faith Pace is the architect behind the academy’s brand and the heart of its community operations. While she doesn’t step on the mats as an instructor, her influence is felt in every corner of the gym from the visual identity of the school to the seamless experience of every member family.

Professional Expertise

Faith brings a wealth of high-level professional experience to the academy. With 8 years of graphic design expertise and a decade as a professional photographer, she is responsible for the aesthetic of Jiu Jitsu Unlimited, capturing the energy of our classes and designing the visuals that represent our community.
Her administrative precision comes from 6 years as an Executive Assistant for the non-profit organization Equipping the Persecuted, where she managed complex projects and high-stakes operations. At the academy, she applies these skills to bookkeeping and “special projects” that keep the business thriving behind the scenes.

The Heart of the Academy

Faith’s primary mission is to ensure that Jiu Jitsu Unlimited feels like a second home for every student. She is dedicated to fostering a family-friendly atmosphere where parents and practitioners feel fully supported, informed, and welcomed. She believes that a great academy isn’t just about what happens during a roll, but about the community that supports you before and after class.

Beyond the Projects

When she isn’t managing the creative side of the gym, Faith is a devoted mother and stays active playing tennis. Her passion for photography remains a lifelong pursuit, both professionally and personally, as she continues to document the stories and growth of the people around her.

With nearly two decades as a varsity coach, educator, and business owner, Steven is a passionate coach, athlete, and leader. He is also a former high-level college football player with five years of experience, bringing the same focus, discipline, and mental toughness from the field to the mats. Steven is an example that jiu jitsu can be started at any age, as he started his journey at age 41.

The heart of the academy

As a dad of three, Steven connects deeply with families, helping support kids’ growth and fostering an environment where athletes and their families feel encouraged, inspired, and valued. He believes in building strong relationships both on and off the mats, celebrating milestones, and helping each student, whether adult or child reach their full potential.

Beyond the mat

When he’s not on the mats, Steven’s life revolves around family. He cherishes time with his wife and kids, whether it’s camping, traveling, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying everyday moments together. He loves creating memories, sharing laughs, and building a home life full of connection, support, and joy.

Reyna is a lifelong athlete and multi-sport competitor, a devoted mother of three, and a business owner with nearly a decade of experience running multiple successful ventures. As a passionate jiu jitsu practitioner, competitor, and coach, she embodies the belief that jiu jitsu is for everyone.

The heart of the academy

At the gym, Reyna actively trains, competes, and coaches, helping to cultivate a strong, family-centered culture. She works closely with all kids’ classes, blending her experience as a parent and coach to keep children engaged, focused, and confident. As a woman in jiu jitsu, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where women and girls feel empowered, supported, and included.

Her passion is creating a welcoming space where families feel supported, kids grow stronger, and athletes of all levels are encouraged—on and off the mats. Her dedication and leadership inspire everyone in the gym to reach their full potential.

Beyond the mat

When she’s not on the mats, Reyna’s life revolves around family. She loves being fully present with her kids and husband, exploring the outdoors through camping, traveling to new places, and making lasting memories. She believes in celebrating the small moments, sharing laughter, and creating a home life that mirrors the warmth, support, and encouragement she fosters at the gym.