From Manaus to the Podium: Francisco Lo's Journey Through Hidden Gym Richardson

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), as a gold medal at the IBJJF Pan Championships is one of the most prestigious and sought-after achievements. In March 2025, Francisco “Chico” Lo achieved this milestone, taking the gold home from the Adult Male 88kg division. While his triumph was the result of years of dedication and training, we’re proud to say we had a part in supporting him along the way, as a significant chapter of his journey unfolded at Hidden Gym in Richardson, Texas.

A Rising Star in the BJJ Arena

Lo was born in Manaus, Brazil, and discovered BJJ at the age of 10. Though he was initially drawn to football (soccer), he soon found out he lacked the skills to be competitive in that sport. One setback didn’t stop him though. Nor did the next one. In fact, the second one set him on the path to the gold. How? Around the age of 11, he became a victim of physical abuse by other kids in his neighborhood. His response to that was to learn to defend himself. He opted to join a jiu-jitsu club.

Karen Dias – who is the daughter of the legendary BJJ practitioner Cosmo Dias – was Lo’s first instructor, taking him from white to blue belt, as he moved through the juvenile ranks.

As a purple belt, he became more focused on the competition scene, going on to train with a friend and local competitor. When he hit the age of 18, he decided to move to São Paulo to become a full-time jiu-jitsu athlete. After talking to coach Cicero Costha, Chico was allowed into the well-known instructor’s fighter house on a grappling scholarship. Under the guidance of Costha, Lo earned his brown and black belts, the latter on May 16, 2022.

Lo has an impressive BJJ lineage to draw on:

Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Marcelo Behring > Waldomiro Perez > Roberto Godoi > Marco Barbosa > Cicero Costha > Francisco Lo

That is quite a list to be part of!

Lo's prowess on the mat became evident, culminating in standout performances at the São Paulo Open and the Pan American No-Gi Championships in 2022 – and more.

Part of being a champion though, is always pushing for greater heights. Lo moved to the United States and joined the esteemed Checkmat team. This move not only provided him with more elite training opportunities, but also added him to a larger network of top-tier athletes and coaches.

Hidden Gym Richardson: The Training Ground

In the heart of Richardson, Texas, Hidden Gym stands as a beacon for athletes aiming to push their limits. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized areas for strength training, cardio, and martial arts, offer an environment conducive to – and downright pushing for – high-level preparation and performance.

For Lo, Hidden Gym became a place to train, yes, but it was also a community that embraced his ambitions. That’s the Hidden Gym way. The comprehensive class schedule, with sessions in boxing, kickboxing, and BJJ, provided Lo with intense and diverse training to refine his skills.

Collaborations and Coaching

A key aspect of Lo's training in Richardson was his collaboration with Mezger Martial Arts, in the Hidden Gym facilities. Mezger Martial Arts has a proud legacy of producing champions under the guidance of Guy Mezger, who is himself a six-time world champion and a 7th-degree black belt in BJJ.

Training alongside seasoned instructors like that, and fellow athletes with similar drives and ambitions for broader excellence, Lo benefited from a holistic approach that combined technical drills with sparring sessions, and strategic planning with good-old-fashioned hard work.

This synergy between Hidden Gym and Mezger Martial Arts played a crucial role in honing his competitive edge. They helped give that champion’s heart the experienced guidance it needed to reach the top. Giants on the shoulders of giants.

The 2025 IBJJF Pan Championships: A Defining Moment

At the 2025 IBJJF Pan Championships, held in Kissimmee Florida, Lo put on an exceptional performance. Representing Checkmat, he showcased a stunning blend of technique, strength, and strategy, culminating in a decisive gold medal victory in the Adult Male 88kg division.

This achievement solidified his status in the BJJ community and underscored the effectiveness of his training regimen in Richardson.

A Community's Pride

We weren’t out there on the mat with him, and the glory is all his – but we do feel a good dose of pride in the part we played in helping him get there.

The success of an athlete often reflects the support system behind them. At Hidden Gym, the support of Lo's victory was celebrated as a collective achievement. The staff, coaches, and fellow members took immense pride in having contributed to his journey, however modestly.

Their sentiments were encapsulated in a statement: "Everyone at Hidden Gym is proud of Francisco and happy to have been a small part of his journey."

A Strong Track Record

Lo’s achievements (so far) include:

• 1st Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (2022 brown belt)
• 3rd Place IBJJF Pan Championship NOGI (2022)
• 3rd Place IBJJF American Nationals (2023)
• 3rd Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2023)
• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship NOGI (2023)
• 1st Place IBJJF American Nationals (2023 / 2024)
• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2024)
• 2nd Place IBJJF American Nationals (2024)
• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2025)

In case this doesn’t intimidate you, and you want to challenge him in the ring? Watch for that guard passer… and maybe consider some counselling – this guy is a force!

Looking Ahead

With the Pan Championship title under his belt, Lo is ready for more. His journey is inspiration to many, showcasing the results of dedication, quality training, and community support.

As he sets his sights on future competitions, the foundations laid at Hidden Gym and Mezger Martial Arts will undoubtedly continue to influence his path. We’re ready when you are, Lo.

Ready to take your own fitness game to the next level? If you live in Allen, Dallas, Plano, or Richardson, make sure to get your free day pass to join Hidden Gym! Become a part of the most motivating place in the DFW area that will help you live a healthier life!