Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaz Cameli.
Hi Chaz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as at 17 years of age growing up in Orange County California. It immediately became a passion I knew I would do for the rest of my life. Something that tested not just physical ability but mindset, discipline, and character. Over the years, I competed, earned my black belt, and eventually started coaching. That’s when I realized how powerful this art could be, not just for me, but for anyone willing to step on the mat.
In 2021, I moved to Texas with my family to start fresh. We left behind stability and had to rebuild from the ground up. During that time, I focused on growing my real estate business full-time to provide for my family, but the desire to coach and lead others through Jiu-Jitsu never left. In 2022, I helped open Wolverine Martial Arts, and that’s when things really came full circle.
What started as a small training group has become a thriving school and community. At Wolverine Martial Arts, coaching is about far more than techniques, it’s about creating an environment where people grow. Whether it’s a kid gaining confidence, an adult pushing through doubt, or a teammate working through personal struggles, I get to be part of that process. And that’s what keeps me coming back.
For me, this has always been about more than Jiu-Jitsu. It’s about helping people become stronger, more resilient, and more capable in every part of life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road. In fact, the last few years have been some of the hardest of my life.
Back in California, I had what most would call a “made” life a stable union job, good income, a home, and a clear track. I was providing for my family and felt secure. Then COVID hit. When mandates rolled out and I was told I had to get the vaccine to keep my job, I was forced into a corner. I didn’t agree with it personally, and standing by my convictions meant walking away from everything I had built. So I quit.
We packed up our lives and moved to Texas in 2021, hoping for a fresh start. But starting over wasn’t easy. Soon after we arrived, our new home was broken into and robbed. That shook us deeply. With our finances tight and no safety net, we had no choice but to move in with my in-laws. What was supposed to be temporary turned into three long, humbling years.
During that time, I struggled, not just financially but emotionally. I felt like a shadow of who I used to be. I became more withdrawn and distanced myself from my family. I lost confidence and made decisions I’m not proud of. At one point, I barely recognized myself.
But those experiences forced me to rebuild slowly, from the inside out. I threw myself into my work, started reestablishing my real estate career, and eventually helped open Wolverine Martial Arts. That became a turning point. Coaching again reminded me of who I really was not just someone trying to survive, but someone capable of leading, building, and growing.
The road has been anything but smooth. But the pain and the pressure shaped me. It made me more grateful, more disciplined, and more focused on what really matters.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m a REALTOR® based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, brokered by Monument Realty. I help clients buy, sell, and invest with clarity, confidence, and strategy, whether it’s a primary home, short-term investment, or long-term investment. I’ve been licensed since 2018 in California and brought that experience with me when my family and I relocated to Texas in 2021.
Before stepping into real estate full-time, I spent much of my twenties in healthcare and insurance, working as a pharmacy technician while earning my accounting degree. That background gave me a strong foundation in precision, problem-solving, and client service skills I use daily in my real estate business.
I specialize in identifying undervalued opportunities, structuring short- and long-term investment deals, and helping clients confidently navigate every step of the buying or selling process. My approach combines sharp financial insight with personal attention. I treat every transaction like it matters, because it does.
What truly sets me apart, though, is my experience as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and coach. I’ve trained in the sport for over a decade and began coaching in 2022. Jiu-Jitsu has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, think several steps ahead, and earn trust through discipline and consistency. That mindset directly translates into real estate, especially when negotiations get tough, timelines are tight, or big decisions are on the line. It’s about showing up prepared, focused, and committed to getting the best outcome for the people who count on me.
I’m proud that most of my clients come through referrals and repeat business. That tells me they feel seen, supported, and confident that I have their back. Whether you’re buying your first home or adding to a rental portfolio, I’m here to help you move forward with strength, clarity, and purpose.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has played both sides of the coin in my life and I’ve learned how to work with whatever comes my way.
There’s no question that I’ve faced some hard breaks. In 2021, my family and I left California, walked away from a steady job, and moved to Texas under pressure from mandates that didn’t align with our values. We were hoping for a new beginning, but shortly after arriving, our home was broken into. That moment combined with the financial stress of starting over led us to move in with family and spend years rebuilding. It felt like setback after setback.
But I also believe luck is what you do with it. Yes, we had bad luck. But we also had people who supported us, opportunities I had to step up and seize, and a lot of moments where perseverance mattered more than circumstances. Getting licensed in two states, building a solo real estate business, launching a Jiu-Jitsu program from scratch, none of that was luck. That was showing up, every day, when it didn’t look glamorous.
If anything, the challenges have sharpened my mindset. I don’t expect luck, I expect hard work to pay off, eventually. But I’m also deeply grateful when good timing, good people, or a second chance shows up. That’s the kind of luck I’ve learned to recognize and never take for granted.
Pricing:
- Real Estate Buyers: No upfront cost—commission is typically paid by the seller at closing.
- Real Estate Sellers: Custom listing packages available—pricing depends on location, property condition, and marketing needs.
- Investors: Free initial consultation; detailed comp analysis and deal support available for active clients.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Free trial classes for both kids and adults at Wolverine Martial Arts—no experience needed to start.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wolverinetexas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazcameli/
- Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/chazcameli
