Marisa Cordeiro is the Director of Gingarte Capoeira and a shining symbol of the Brazilian community in Chicago. Born in Cur Velo, Brazil, Marisa trained at the prestigious Cordao de Ouro Capoeira Academy in São Paulo with top instructors such as Mestre Suassuna, Mestre Canguru, and Mestre Urubu Malandro. She is one of the highest-ranking women capoeiristas in the world.

Marisa first came to the United States in 1989 as a performer with the renowned international group Oba Oba. They performed throughout the United States and Latin America. Two years later, she returned to Chicago and established Gingarte Capoeira in 1991.

To Marisa, from her students... Obrigado. Thank you for all that you have given to us. Gingarte Capoeira.