Kevin Shaughnessy
Professor Kevin Shaughnessy, a black belt under Master Fabiano Scherner, is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and MMA fighter. Born and raised in Waltham, Massachusetts, Kevin’s interest in MMA sparked during high school, though his training journey began in August 2014 at Kimura BJJ, two years after graduating. From the start, Kevin’s passion for BJJ was undeniable. He dedicated his 20s to rigorous training sessions, both before and after work, with the ultimate goal of turning his love for martial arts into a professional career.
Kevin earned his purple belt in December 2019 and relocated to Portland, Oregon, in early 2020 to train under Master Fabiano Scherner at American Top Team Portland. Seeking to expand his martial arts expertise, Kevin also began training MMA and has since achieved a 4-1 amateur MMA record, including an FCFF title win. He is preparing to transition to professional MMA in the near future.
A highly accomplished competitor in both Gi and No-Gi divisions, Kevin boasts over 100 matches with a win rate exceeding 70%. His notable achievements include being a 3x IBJJF Boston Open Champion, 2024 IBJJF PanAms Silver Medalist, IBJJF NY Pro Silver Medalist, IBJJF Portland Open Champion, and 2023 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship Silver Medalist. At this prestigious event, he submitted all his opponents en route to the finals. Kevin has also secured gold at multiple local tournaments in New England and the Pacific Northwest, consistently excelling at every belt level.
Beyond his own competitive successes, Professor Kevin is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of jiu jitsu athletes in the Pacific Northwest. He remains an active competitor while balancing his roles as a coach and MMA fighter, inspiring others to pursue their martial arts goals with the same passion and dedication.
Fabiano Scherner
Chess Lab Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is proud to be an affiliate of American Top Team, with its curriculum designed and directed by the renowned Fabiano Scherner. As a 13-time World BJJ Champion and seasoned professional MMA fighter, Fabiano brings unparalleled expertise and a legacy of excellence to every aspect of our training program.
Our academy is dedicated to providing world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. Whether you are looking to enhance your self-defense skills, compete in tournaments, or simply improve your fitness and confidence, Chess Lab BJJ offers a supportive and challenging environment to help you achieve your goals.
Under the American Top Team affiliation, we blend proven techniques with modern innovations in martial arts, fostering discipline, camaraderie, and personal growth. At Chess Lab BJJ, we don’t just train athletes-we build champions on and off the mats.