About Us
Every student at Voyage Jiu Jitsu is treated with the same attention and respect. Instructors and competitors aren’t placed on pedestals or given higher priority over others. We work with every student with an open mind to find the best path for their technical and personal progression. You can get started with a helping hand each step of the way. Our vast experience, supportive environment, and technical expertise make our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym a special place. You can come join us on the great voyage of Jiu Jitsu today!
One Week
FREE Trial!
You can start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in St. Clair Shores for FREE!
Sign up at Voyage Jiu Jitsu today with our one-week trial!
Meet Our Team
Voyage Jiu Jitsu
There are plenty of unique experiences and perspectives at Voyage Jiu Jitsu. Our team brings decades of experience on the mat to help students find what works best for them in Jiu Jitsu. To learn more about our instructors, check out their bios below.
Bill Konkel
Owner & Senior Instructor
Bill Konkel is the Head BJJ Instructor at Voyage Jiu Jitsu. With over 20 years of martial arts experience, he holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Master Carlos Machado and is a certified 2nd-degree Black Belt through the IBJJF. In 2019, Bill brought the Voyage team under the GFT (Grappling Fight Team) banner, founding and leading the official IBJJF-recognized GFT Detroit affiliation.
Bill is an active competitor, representing his team in tournaments throughout the Midwest and internationally. He regularly steps onto the mats in IBJJF and other elite-level competitions, leading by example and inspiring his students to push their limits. His dedication to technical excellence, mentorship, and growth continues to shape the culture of Voyage Jiu Jitsu.
Jason Wilhelmsen
Senior Instructor
Coach Jason has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over two decades. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, he earned his Black Belt in January 2015 under Master Carlos Machado and Professor Jamel McCurry. Known for his technical skill and calm, focused teaching style, Jason is passionate about helping students of all ages grow both on and off the mats.
One of his proudest moments in his journey was awarding a Black Belt to his own son—a powerful reflection of his deep dedication to family and the art of Jiu Jitsu. Coach Jason brings a wealth of experience, humility, and mentorship to every class, inspiring students through knowledge, discipline, and a love for learning.
Steve Smallridge
Gi & No Gi Instructor
Steve began training Jiu Jitsu in 2008. After spending time at several gyms and taking a brief break from training, he found his home at Voyage Jiu Jitsu in 2016. Since then, Steve has remained an active competitor on the IBJJF circuit, earning multiple open titles and placing at prestigious tournaments such as the Masters No-Gi Worlds and Pans.
Lear Kirkland
Gi & No Gi Instructor
Lear began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2015 and quickly became a passionate practitioner, competitor, and instructor, earning his black belt in 2024. To Lear, Jiu Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it’s a way of life that empowers personal growth, discipline, and resilience across all areas of life. A dedicated member of Voyage Jiu Jitsu, Lear is also known for creatively blending his love of Hip Hop and Jiu Jitsu through a series of rap albums titled The Gift Rap, released under his stage name, “Learycal.”
Join Our
Jiu Jitsu Family
We invite you to become a member of our family at Voyage Jiu Jitsu. You can sign up with us to improve your competitive skills and discover other strengths on and off the mat. Join us today to get started on a lifelong voyage through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
The Gym Schedule!
Take a look at the Voyage Jiu Jitsu calendar.
With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Monday-Saturday (and an Open Mat and Wrestling session on Sunday) there is plenty of time to train!
Contact Us!
Come join us for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in St. Clair Shores! We welcome everyone in the community, as well as those nearby in Detroit, Grosse Pointe, Harrison Township, and Clinton Township. You can find the gym on Harper Ave, close to I-696 and I-94!