Mixed Martial Arts Instructor at After School Matters – Chicago, Illinois

Summary of Position: We are seeking a passionate and skilled Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Instructor to lead engaging and educational classes for teens, focusing on the fundamentals of MMA and practical self-defense techniques. The ideal candidate will have experience working with youth, a strong background in martial arts, and a commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and empowering learning environment.

This part-time position is scheduled for approximately 20-30 hours per week per program session.

Program times for Summer 2026 will follow the schedule below:
June 22 – August 7
Monday - Thursday
8:30am to 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm – 5:30pm

Key Responsibilities:

• Instructional: Co-plan and co-facilitate a 75-hour curriculum, including field trips and guest speakers

• Create clear structure and support for teens, including agenda setting, creating group norms, and abide by ASMs supportive behavior management plan and incident reporting procedures 

• Lead the teens through the planning and implementation of an end-of-session demonstration of learning (showcase) 

• Administrative: Conduct teen interviews and select teens by the roster deadline, complete data entry including interview outcomes, daily attendance, teen checklist support, program reports, teen survey administration 

• Prepare program budgets in accordance with ASM guidelines 

• Supervise teens at an average of 17:1, teens: instructor ratio (1 being an assistant and 1 being an intern of your choosing) 

• Teach foundational techniques from disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Boxing.

• Emphasize discipline, respect, physical fitness, and personal safety.

• Create a positive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation and growth.

• Collaborate with program staff to support youth development goals.

• Maintain equipment and training space cleanliness and readiness.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required  

• Experience working in a field relevant to the content area is highly preferred 

• Experience teaching, specifically teens, is highly preferred  

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required  

• Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching MMA or related martial arts.

• Proven experience working with teens or in youth development programs.

• Certification in martial arts instruction or equivalent training preferred.

• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to motivate and inspire young learners.

• Background check required.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in conflict resolution or trauma-informed instruction.

• Knowledge of youth psychology or adolescent development.

• Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Compensation: $20-27 salary/per hour, depending on applicable experience and education 

About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.

Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.

We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including three ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.

EEO:  After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.