Theory Jiu Jitsu is set to officially open its doors in Rockville with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 9 at 12pm, bringing a new training space and community-focused academy to Wyaconda Road.
The new gym, located at 4956 Wyaconda Road near the Randolph Hills shopping center, is co-founded by Montgomery County native Tico Labrada and his partner Lucas Montalvão, a world champion black belt competitor. The academy blends high-level Brazilian jiu jitsu instruction with an environment designed to feel welcoming to everyone from beginners to elite athletes.
For Labrada, opening in Montgomery County is personal. Having grown up locally and attended Albert Einstein High School before going on to the University of Maryland, College Park, he said building something in the same community that shaped him has always been a goal. That connection played a major role in choosing to open the academy in Rockville.
The name “Theory Jiu Jitsu” reflects the founders’ approach to the sport. Rather than focusing only on physical movement, the academy emphasizes strategy, problem solving, and understanding the reasoning behind each technique. Labrada compares it to chess, where every move is calculated and every roll is about thinking ahead.
That mindset is paired with high-level instruction. Lucas, Labrada’s partner, is currently the only adult black belt world champion in Maryland, giving students direct access to elite experience. At the same time, the gym is built to be approachable, whether someone is looking to train casually, learn self-defense, or compete at a high level.
The academy is also placing a strong emphasis on its youth program, which already includes some of the top young competitors in the country. Labrada noted that his daughter is currently ranked the number one thirteen-year-old female in the world for 2025, highlighting the level of talent and structure being built within the program.
The Wyaconda Road location was chosen intentionally, offering a large open mat space, ample parking, and features like a garage door that can be opened on nice days to create a more inviting atmosphere. The goal was to create a space that feels just as comfortable for families as it does for serious training.
New students can expect a beginner-friendly experience from day one, with an emphasis on making people feel welcome and comfortable as they learn the fundamentals. Labrada said building a strong sense of community is just as important as the training itself.
The grand opening on May 9 is designed to reflect that. The event will include food from La Casita Pupuseria, coffee from Tzikin Cafe, a DJ, cotton candy, balloons, and a Boomerang video station, along with belt promotions throughout the day. Beginners are encouraged to attend, watch, and get a feel for the environment while learning how to get started.
Looking ahead, Labrada said the focus for the first year is simple… grow the academy, expand its programs, and build a space where people feel at home while developing both on and off the mats.
