Shady contractor, small claims court and JAMS Mediation clause

[Rose Kabu]

Has anyone had experience with the JAMS mediation and arbitration process? Unfortunately, I hired a shady contractor who decided to sabotage my duplex and maliciously cut electrical wiring, AC, ruined plumbing and walked off the job  after a disagreement. Needless to say, I had paid him 83% of the job. I know it's not a new story but this is someone I personally knew and had worked on a project in my home. Turns out his license expired and it wasn't even a GC license as he had indicated. Long story short, I have finally got everything taken care of and rented the place and decided to take him to small claims court to see if I could recoup some losses. Guy shows up in court and tells the judge that he doesn't want to do mediation provided by the court and wants to go to arbitration with JAMS per the contract. Obviously he's trying to ensure that I incur more costs or to frustrate me to abandon the lawsuit. Thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.