Carlos Lemos

Carlos Lemos Jr. commonly known as Escorrega (born 9 April 1978 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a former mixed martial artist and 5th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt practitioner and coach.

A multiple-time world champion in the sport, Lemos Jr. is also regarded as one of the first black belts to come over to Europe to coach and establish jiu jitsu academies. Lemos Jr is the regional director of Gracie Barra in the Chicago area.

Biography

Early life Carlos Lemos Jr. was born on 9 April 1978 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His competitive spirit remains a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport, even as he balances his roles as a coach and academy leader.

Growth of Gracie Barra in Chicago Lemos has significantly expanded the presence of Gracie Barra in the Chicago area since establishing himself there in 2008. As the regional director of Gracie Barra in the Midwest, he oversees multiple academies, with Gracie Barra Downers Grove serving as his flagship location.

Coaching and mentorship Beyond his competitive career, Carlos Lemos Jr. has become a respected coach and mentor in the global BJJ community. He has trained and promoted black belts who lead Gracie Barra academies worldwide, including Niclas Gustafsson and Salvatore Pace in Europe, and Hector Vargas and Pedro Tello in the United States. Lemos has also conducted seminars across the U.S. and internationally through initiatives like the GB Ambassadors Program, sharing his expertise as a four-time world champion.

Media and educational contributions In recent years, Lemos has expanded his efforts to educate the BJJ community through digital platforms. He has contributed to instructional content, including online classes and technique breakdowns, often in collaboration with Gracie Barra’s global network. These efforts have made his knowledge accessible to a broader audience, reinforcing his role as an ambassador of the sport. Additionally, Lemos has been featured in interviews and podcasts, where he discusses his journey, the evolution of BJJ, and the importance of resilience—themes that resonate with his experiences during the global pandemic and beyond.

Personal life and legacy Now in his mid-40s, Carlos Lemos Jr. remains connected to his roots in Rio de Janeiro while embracing his life in the United States. His multilingual abilities (fluent in Portuguese, English, and other languages) have aided his mission to spread BJJ globally.

Lemos Jr. won another world championship, this time in Masters in 2015 and again in 2018, earning him his fourth world title. He is currently the head instructor of Gracie Barra Downers Grove in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitive summary Main achievements (black belt level): ) IBJJF Chicago Summer Open No-Gi Champion (2014) IBJJF Chicago Summer Open Champion (2014) IBJJF Chicago Winter Open No-Gi Champion (2013 absolute) 2nd place IBJJF World Championship (2003) 2nd place IBJJF Chicago Open Championship (2012) 2nd place IBJJF Chicago Winter Open No-Gi Championship (2013) 2nd place IBJJF American No-Gi Championship (2009 Open weight) 3rd place IBJJF World Championship (2005)

Main achievements (colored belts): Win 2–0 Mike Phillips Decision (Unanimous) TFC 3 5:00