About Us

ALTON ELITE JIU-JITSU

We’re more than a jiu-jitsu academy. We’re a hub for growth, leadership, and resilience on and off the mats. Every class, every roll, and every lesson is rooted in our commitment to building a better future for our students and our community.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

ADAM MARBURGER

Owner/Jiu-Jitsu Coach

• Black Belt under Kyle Watson
• 7X No Gi World Medalist
• 30X IBJJF Medalist

In 2017, Adam Marburger—a lifelong martial artist and local entrepreneur—turned his dream into reality by opening a Jiu-Jitsu academy built on respect, community, and empowerment. Wanting to move away from the intensity of traditional fight gyms, he created a welcoming space where anyone—regardless of background or experience—could feel confident stepping onto the mats. With the help of Coach Cort Wahle, a professional MMA fighter and passionate instructor, the academy quickly became a positive, family-oriented training environment rooted in growth and connection. When our original location was given away, we didn’t fold—we found a new forever home, made it our own, and rebranded as Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu. Today, we stand stronger than ever, proud of where we came from and excited for what’s ahead.

JACQUELINE KOEHNE

Manager / Coach

• 3 Stripe Blue Belt
• Gold Medalist in Fuji and AGF
• ACSM CPT
• Autism Exercise Specialist

I began my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2017, with intermittent breaks, but have consistently returned to refine my skills. Martial arts have been a significant part of my life, and my passion for the physical and mental challenges they offer continues to drive me. Alongside my martial arts experience, I hold a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and am a certified personal trainer, autism exercise specialist, and expert in various fitness modalities. With over two decades of dedicated training in multiple sports, I bring a comprehensive understanding of human movement, strength, and conditioning, allowing me to seamlessly blend my knowledge of martial arts and advanced fitness principles. My coaching philosophy is rooted in my academic background and extensive experience in both fitness and martial arts. For the kids I work with, I focus on ensuring they meet appropriate developmental milestones while making physical fitness fun and instilling a sense of joy in movement. For the women I coach, my goal is to foster confidence in their abilities and provide them with a deep understanding of their physical potential. I take pride in offering detailed, technical breakdowns, ensuring that learning is accessible and achievable for all skill levels, whether they’re just starting or looking to refine their technique.

STEPHEN KOEHNE

Coach

• Purple Belt
• Gold Medalist in Fuji
• RYT 200

I am a lifelong martial artist with my primary interest being traditional martial arts prior to starting Jiujitsu in 2017. I am also a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance with additional training in sequencing and’s level one training through Warriors at Ease, a program specifically focused on adapting yoga to fit the needs of military populations. To me, JiuJitsu is, among many other things, an avenue for personal development. As a coach I see it as my responsibility to figure out the best way possible to help students progress in their understanding of the principles and techniques of Jiujitsu every time they step on the mat. Doing so requires that I get to know each student, their goals, and how they learn and adjusting how I engage with them to ensure that they’re experience is the one best suited to nurture their growth.

TOM DAWSON

Coach

• Purple Belt
• Gold Medalist in Fuji and AGF
• 5+ Years Jiu-Jitsu Experience

I aim to simplify Jiujitsu to make it applicable to the average person. I hope to help every individual reach their personal goals from competing in Jiujitsu or just simply getting in better shape.