Rodrigo Lopes is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt who has dedicated his life to the art, not only as a competitor but as a mentor shaping the next generation of champions. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo started his Jiu Jitsu journey at the age of eight, guided by his older brother, Leandro "Tatu" Escobar, a black belt and renowned competitor. Competition has been an integral part of Rodrigo's journey, and he quickly became known for his skill and determination in tournaments.
From Competitor to Instructor: Embracing the Role of Mentor
Although Rodrigo found success early on in his competitive career, it was as a purple belt that his passion for teaching truly ignited. When he became his brother Tatu's right-hand man at their academy in Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo discovered a new sense of purpose. The academy, known for producing champions, became the perfect environment for Rodrigo to not only compete but also nurture his teaching skills and share his knowledge with others.
After receiving his black belt, Rodrigo continued to compete successfully but shifted his focus to furthering his career as a mentor. His dedication to building champions—both in and out of competition—led him to make a life-changing move to Texas in December 2019.
Building a Legacy in Texas: North South BJJ
In January 2023, Rodrigo opened North South BJJ in Richardson, Texas. His academy quickly became a hub for young athletes, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in the sport. Rodrigo’s vision of a community-focused academy has allowed him to continue developing the next wave of BJJ talent while achieving significant success as a competitor himself.
Rodrigo's Competitive Achievements:
Rodrigo's dedication to both teaching and competing is evident in his impressive list of accomplishments. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Bronze at the Nogi World Championship
- Bronze at the Nogi Brazilian National Championship
- Silver at the Gi and Nogi American National Championship
- Bronze at the Gi World Championship
- Gold at the Nogi Pans Championship
- Bronze at the Nogi World Championship (two times)
In addition to these achievements, Rodrigo finished 2024 ranked #1 in the IBJJF No Gi Middleweight division Master 1, an impressive feat that solidifies his standing as one of the top competitors in his division.
Family and Personal Life: A Strong Support System
Rodrigo is married to his wife, Monique, for 9 years, and they have two children: an 8-year-old and a 7-month-old. Balancing a demanding career in Jiu Jitsu with family life, Rodrigo remains dedicated to his work both as a competitorand as a father. His family continues to be a source of support and inspiration, and they play a central role in his continued success.
Rodrigo Lopes' Impact on Jiu Jitsu
Rodrigo’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His impact on the Jiu Jitsu community, particularly in Texas, is far-reaching, not just through his personal accomplishments but through the athletes he trains and inspires. Rodrigo’s drive to create a supportive environment for his students continues to shape the future of Jiu Jitsu, and his competitive achievements provide an example of what’s possible with dedication and hard work.
Rodrigo Lopes is more than just a competitor—he’s a mentor, a father, and a leader in the Jiu Jitsu community. As he continues to build North South BJJ and train future champions, his influence on the sport will only grow, making him a key figure in both Texas and the global Jiu Jitsu scene.
We are incredibly proud to support and sponsor exceptional athletes like Rodrigo Lopes, whose dedication to Jiu Jitsu and commitment to excellence embodies the spirit of Riot Sports.
