The Big Frog

Jeff "Big Frog" Curran is a 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Pedro Sauer, a UFC veteran, and one of the original pioneers of mixed martial arts in the Midwest. Across a career spanning more than 30 years and nearly 90 professional fights, he's earned a reputation as one of the most respected coaches and competitors the sport has produced.

The Fighter

Jeff compiled a professional MMA record of 36-18-1, competing on the sport's biggest stages - the UFC, WEC, PRIDE, Bellator, and Strikeforce. He fought Matt Serra at UFC 46 on just seven days' notice and challenged for a world title against Urijah Faber in the WEC. Along the way he captured championships in the Ironheart Crown, Superbrawl, Apex, and Shooto's America's division, competed at the 2009 ADCC, won the ADCC America's Superfight, and co-founded the XFO. In 2018 he was inducted into the Woodstock High School Sports Hall of Fame.

The Coach

In 1997, at just 19 years old, Jeff founded Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Team Curran in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Nearly three decades later, Team Curran has shaped hundreds of students, competitors, and future coaches, and grown into a national network of academies under the Team Curran and Pedro Sauer banner.

His teaching philosophy is built on one idea: fundamentals first. "Anyone who wants to be good at Jiu-Jitsu really needs to learn the fundamental approach first." Structured progression, real competition experience, and a safe place to learn are the foundation of everything he teaches.

The Lifestyle

Today Jeff shares that methodology with the world through Team Curran TV, brings elite grappling to the spotlight with the Jeff Curran Invitational (JCI), and builds community through the Big Frog BJJ Retreats each February in Cocoa Beach, Florida. It all lives under one roof now - Big Frog Nation.

Off the mats, Jeff has been married to his wife Sarah for 28 years and is the proud father of two sons, Ty and Jacob.

Train. Travel. Belong.