Meet the Team
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Owner & Programming Director
Coach Tom is the owner and Programming Director of Northern IL Combat Club, where he leads a team of fighters and athletes toward excellence. With an impressive 13-2 MMA record, Tom has proven himself in high-level competition, most notably with Bellator MMA, where his skill, discipline, and strategic acumen were consistently on display. As a highly experienced Personal Trainer and MMA Specialist, Coach Tom brings extensive knowledge in a wide range of disciplines, including MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Functional Training, and Weight Management.
His passion for coaching extends beyond physical training; Coach Tom is deeply dedicated to empowering others to improve their lives both in and out of the gym. His approach is rooted in developing well-rounded athletes, instilling mental toughness, and ensuring that each individual under his guidance maximizes their potential. His wealth of experience combined with his relentless commitment to his athletes makes him a driving force at Northern IL Combat Club.
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Muay Thai Program Director
Coach Gus is one of the most seasoned and respected fighters in the Rockford area, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to every session. With a professional fighting career that began at just 18 years old, Gus has dedicated his life to the art of combat sports, competing at high levels in both mixed martial arts (MMA) and Muay Thai. Specializing in Muay Thai, Coach Gus has sharpened his skills through years of rigorous training and competition, making him a powerhouse both in the ring and as a mentor. His technical precision, strategic fight IQ, and relentless work ethic have earned him a reputation as the go-to coach for fighters looking to elevate their game. Whether you’re an aspiring fighter or just looking to refine your technique, Coach Gus provides top-tier training, drawing from his real-world fight experience to help athletes build confidence, power, and resilience.
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Youth Coach - Private MMA Coach
Coach Shad is a dynamic and passionate trainer dedicated to inspiring athletes and celebrating their victories—both in and out of the ring. He competes as a signed Bantamweight fighter with LFA, showcasing his elite skills on a high-level stage.
A WAKO Pan American Gold Medalist in Kickboxing, Coach Shad brings world-class striking expertise to every training session. Specializing in kickboxing, functional training, and core conditioning, he is committed to building well-rounded fighters with explosive power, endurance, and technical precision.
As the Youth Program Director, Coach Shad takes pride in mentoring the next generation of fighters, instilling discipline, confidence, and a winning mindset. Whether working with up-and-coming athletes or seasoned professionals, his goal is to push each student beyond their limits and develop true warriors inside and outside the gym.
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Striking Program Director
Seth “The Sweetheart” Swinehart is a specialized Boxing Coach with a passion for empowering individuals to achieve greater confidence, strength, and mental resilience. As a professional boxer with an undefeated record of 5-0, Seth has proven his mettle in the ring and earned a reputation for his precision, power, and strategy. With a wealth of experience in both boxing and MMA, Seth brings a diverse skill set to his coaching, making him an invaluable asset to athletes at all levels.
Seth's boxing career is marked by his impressive title wins, including the coveted Universal Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Champion and the Wisconsin State Cruiserweight Champion titles. His expertise lies in boxing technique, conditioning, and group training, where he fosters an environment that helps athletes push beyond their limits and achieve their goals.
With his dedication to not only building champions in the ring but also transforming lives outside of it, Coach Seth is committed to helping individuals gain the confidence and strength they need to succeed in both sports and everyday life.
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Private Boxing Coach
Coach Pat “Cat” believes that boxing teaches discipline, self-respect, and the importance of honoring and respecting others. According to him, these values are fundamental to the sport. In 2017, Pat was inducted into the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame as part of its third class. He boasts an impressive record of 29 professional wins, including 20 knockouts, and has won multiple state and world title competitions. Pat is originally from Rockford and works daily with people from various backgrounds and skill levels.
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Strength & Conditioning Program Director / Team Building Specialist
Ian holds an Associate's Degree in Exercise Science from RVC and is a certified personal trainer through the NSCA. With over five years of coaching experience, he excels in both personal and group fitness, specializing in functional training that maximizes movement efficiency to enhance sports performance. A passionate enthusiast of MMA and combat sports, Ian brings nearly a decade of training experience to the table, showcasing his unwavering commitment to fitness and excellence through his own fitness journey.
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Private Striking Coach / Strength and Conditioning Specialist
With years of experience and a proven track record in competition, Strezz is the go-to striking specialist who can elevate your fight skills and overall health. As a certified personal trainer, he combines expert knowledge with a passion for the sport, delivering tailored training programs that cater to your specific needs. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, enhance your fitness level, or prepare for competition, Strezz exudes professionalism and confidence, ensuring you receive the highest quality training. Unlock your potential and take your skills to the next level with Strezz by your side.
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Women’s Striking Coach
Julianna began training in martial arts as a teenager under Coach Gustavo Rodriguez, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for combat sports. After stepping away for a time, she returned to training post-pregnancy, determined to build a healthier lifestyle. Over the past three years, she has transformed both physically and mentally—losing weight, gaining muscle, and developing a deep technical knowledge of striking. As a dedicated competitor, Julianna has tested her skills in both local fights and tournaments, forging strong connections within the combat sports community across the U.S. Now, as a coach, she is committed to helping others reach their fitness and fighting goals, with a special focus on empowering women in combat sports.
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Muay Thai Coach
Coach Seth Mangold is a local attorney and a fierce competitor both in and out of the courtroom. In his spare time, he coaches and competes in kickboxing and Muay Thai. Seth has been coaching for several years and is passionate about helping others learn and excel in martial arts.
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Muay Thai Coach
Brandon McGee is one of NICC’s powerhouse heavyweight fighters — undefeated in all of his MMA bouts and known for his explosive striking and composure under pressure. With years of Muay Thai fight experience and a deep understanding of the art’s strategy and technique, Brandon brings intensity, precision, and passion to every session. Having trained with Northern Illinois Combat Club for several years, he now shares his knowledge as a Muay Thai coach, helping others sharpen their skills, build confidence, and develop true fighter discipline.
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Marketing & Business Manager
Nicole is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in business management, marketing, and content development. With over 10+ years dedicated to youth coaching and previously serving as a youth club director, she has honed her leadership and organizational skills, fostering success in both team and individual development. Nicole’s innovative approach and strategic insight have consistently driven results, making her a valuable asset in any business environment. NICC is proud to have her as a pivotal member of the team.
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Your body deserves expert care to recover, perform, and thrive. Whether you're seeking relief from muscle tension, injury recovery, or improved mobility, Opal Skin and Bodywork specializes in pain management and sports massage therapy. With techniques like deep tissue massage, cupping, and hot stone therapy, Opal Skin and Bodywork’s services help reduce discomfort, enhance performance, and restore balance. Book your session today and take the next step toward optimal recovery and well-being.
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Youth Coach | Personal Trainer | Movement & Mobility Specialist | Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt
Coach Corey Hibbs is a Certified Personal Trainer with over 18 years of combat sports experience. He holds a Brown Belt in Jiu Jitsu and is a lifelong student of MMA. Corey is a Yoga for BJJ Level 2 Certified Coach, WeckMethod Certified Coach, Landmine University Level 2 Certified Coach, and Phil Daru Certified Performance Coach.
Specializing in rotational strength, coiled core training, and functional athletic performance, Corey helps athletes unlock the body’s natural mechanics for more power, speed, and efficiency. His training expertise extends to grappling-specific strength, spinal engine mechanics, and functional movement that transfers directly to combat sports and athletic performance.
Corey also leads our Movement & Mobility Class, designed to improve flexibility, prevent injury, and build movement patterns that support long-term training and competition success.
Whether you’re a fighter, athlete, or simply looking to move better, Coach Corey brings unmatched knowledge, passion, and experience to help you perform at your best.
At Northern IL Combat Club and Fitness, we believe that greatness begins with the courage to step onto the mat. Just like every champion, you have the power within you to conquer your doubts and fears. Join our community of dedicated athletes and learn from highly skilled trainers who will empower you to unleash your potential. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fighter, our MMA program is designed to challenge and inspire you every day.
Step into our gym, and take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself.
Call us at 815-222-3403 to learn more and start your journey today!