Jen began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 38 alongside her three children, originally seeking practical self-defense. Soon after, she convinced her husband to join—and quickly caught the jiu jitsu “bug.” Within a short time, she became co-owner of her gym.

Four years later, she is now the sole owner of Chess Lab Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Yakima, Washington. Jen is a BJJ purple belt under Master Fabiano Scherner of American Top Team.

Since beginning her journey, Jen has been passionate about helping women advocate for their own safety—believing women should never see themselves as victims, but as victors. She works daily to lower barriers to entry for women in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and leads both the women’s BJJ and self-defense programs at her academy. She is also a Level I (White/Pink Belt) instructor for the Mean Girl Project and co-leads the children’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program.

Outside the academy, Jen holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and practiced clinical oncology pharmacy for over 15 years before stepping away to homeschool her three children. These days, she balances business ownership, coaching, weightlifting, homeschooling, and family adventures—along with camping, hiking, travel, sunshine, and raising future foodies.