Jim Glasgow

Jim Glasgow founded Chicago Muay Thai in 2011, bringing more than 30 years of Muay Thai training, coaching, and combat sports experience to the gym. He began his Muay Thai journey under Wayne Gregory, the first Westerner to defeat a Thai opponent at the world-famous Lumpinee Stadium. Since 1999, Jim has made more than a dozen training trips throughout Thailand to further his understanding of authentic Muay Thai.

Prior to founding Chicago Muay Thai, Jim trained in Shidokan Bare Knuckle Karate for 18 years and competed for eight years, earning the rank of Black Belt. During his competitive career, he captured the 2001 Shidokan USA Middleweight Bare Knuckle Team Championship. In addition to Muay Thai, Jim holds a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestled competitively for five years.

As a coach, Jim has worked with everyone from first-time students to professional athletes, including Glory Kickboxer Ryot Waller and UFC fighter Abdul Razak Alhassan. His passion for discipline extends beyond martial arts, having completed two marathons and more than 20 triathlons, including a Half Ironman—an achievement that helped inspire Chicago Muay Thai's motto: "Hard Work Starts Here."