Ilya holds a first degree black belt in BJJ under Jeff Serafin. Ilya is always on top of the cutting edge of technique in the BJJ world, and brings the newest techniques to the mats. As a competitor Ilya has been incredibly successful. Some of his titles include IBJJF Master Seniors World Championship Brown Belt Heavyweight Silver medalist, IBJJF Pans Brown Belt masters Heavyweight bronze medalist and absolute Silver medalist, IBJJF Chicago Open Brown Belt heavyweight gold medalist, IBJJF Chicago Open Blue Belt super heavyweight gold medalist, IBJJF Chicago Open Purple Belt heavyweight silver medalist, C3 Blue Belt absolute division gold medalist.