Rise Training Academy is a Black-, Filipina-, and women-owned small business on Chicago’s South Side that blends culture, movement, and community. Founded in 2017 by lifelong South Side residents Contra Mestre Tinta Forte and De Boa, the academy began humbly with a single capoeira class and limited resources. Through persistence and passion, it has grown into a cultural hub offering martial arts, samba, fitness, and wellness classes that empower students of all ages while celebrating tradition and diversity.
From its earliest days, Rise has been rooted in community. The academy hires local artists and health professionals, partners with small businesses, and provides free resources to neighbors. Students describe it as more than a training space—it’s a place of connection, pride, and support. This commitment reached a milestone on June 28, 2025, when Rise opened its own training facility at 8300 S Halsted, expanding its programs and solidifying its role as a neighborhood institution.
Today, Rise Training Academy continues to thrive as both a cultural sanctuary and a force for empowerment, carrying forward its belief that “when we rise together, we rise stronger.”
https://www.risetrainingacademy.com
