Best Gyms to Train Jiu Jitsu in Chicago.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a form of martial arts that primarily focuses on ground fighting and grappling with joint locks and choke submissions. BJJ is great for self defense and it’s also a good martial art to break into MMA with.
Jiu Jitsu originates from Japan, but a variant of it was adopted by the Gracie family in Brazil, and the evolution of that is what we have come to know as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu today.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become one of the most popular martial arts today. It has grown across many countries and borders and BJJ gyms can be found all over the world. In this article, we will look at the best Jiu Jitsu schools and gyms that are available in Chicago.
If you’re in Chicago, and you’re interested in learning Jiu Jitsu or you’re visiting and want to drop in, this is the right article for you.
We did some research, and will be providing you with the list of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools within Chicago that we could find.
Top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Schools in Chicago
In no particular order, these are the top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Schools in Chicago.
Carlson Gracie Headquarters
Carlson Gracie Headquarters is one of the best Jiu Jitsu schools in Chicago. This academy has very flexible training that will help people of all experience levels learn the art of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
This school provides a great learning environment which is further enhanced by a number of top level instructors that are led by Master Carlson Gracie Jr, who’s the son of one of the most iconic names in BJJ.
This school trains all forms of students, ranging from beginners to advanced level practitioners.
Classes offered at Carlson Gracie HQ
- Gi and No Gi
- Kids
- Beginners
- All Levels
- Advanced
- Competition
- Wrestling
- Muay Thai
- Yoga
Instructors at Carlson Gracie HQ
- Master Carlson Gracie Jr
- Andre Madiz
- Jeff Rozovics
- Anthony Monahan
- Mihad Zulic
Carlson Gracie HQ offers one free class for new students.
Address: 2788 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, Logan Square
Phone: 312.409.0566
Redzovic Jiu Jitsu
Redzovic Jiu Jitsu is an awesome place to learn Jiu Jitsu and other forms of self defense in Chicago. They have a few locations throughout Chicago Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, and Downtown Loop.
One of the best things about this academy is the warmth and family-like atmosphere that is always present. If you are a beginner, we can’t recommend a better place to start your journey into the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, they also have a great kids program.
“We believe that Jiu-Jitsu is not only a complete self defense system, but also a healthy lifestyle. If taught properly in a safe environment, it can have a profound impact on the quality of your life. We invite you to come try a free class in any of our Chicago locations. We hope to see you on the mats soon!”
–Professor Adem Redzovic
Classes offered at Redzovic Jiu Jitsu
Classes offered vary a bit by locations
- Gi and No-Gi
- Kids (5-8)(9-13)
- Kids Advanced
- Core (Beginner)
- All Levels
- Sport Jiu Jitsu
- Striking
Instructors at Redzovic Jiu Jitsu
- Eddie Redzovic
- Adem Redzovic
- Idriz Redzovic
They offer a free class for new students.
Address: 2442 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 Lincoln Park
Phone: 773.472.7663
Brazil 021 Chicago School of Jiu Jitsu
Brazil 021 Chicago is a school where beginners and experienced practitioners can learn Jiu Jitsu.
They offer classes for both adults and children. They also have a women’s self-defense program and one of the head coaches is a highly accomplished female BJJ competitor.
With top level instructors and former champions in an enabling environment, you’ll have a great time learing Jiu Jitsu at Brazil 021 BJJ.
Classes offered at Brazil 021
- Gi and No Gi
- Kids (4-6) (7-13)
- Fundamentals
- All Levels
- Advanced
- Women’s Self Defense
Instructors at Brazil 021
- Andre Terencio
- Hannette Staack (Multiple time female world champion)
Address: 1911 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 866.977.7021
Valko Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
Valko BJJ Academy in Chicago was opened by Jay Valko in 2007. Jay has over 20 years of experience in BJJ, judo and wrestling and blends all three into his grappling and teachings.
They have plenty of options for practitioners of all levels, they also offer boxing classes.
Classes offered at Valko BJJ
- Gi and No Gi
- Fundamentals
- All Levels
- Judo
- Boxing
Instructors at Valko BJJ
- Jay Valko
- TK Oates
- Allen Causevic
- Lawrence Dunning
- Mark Allen
They offer a free trial class at Valko.
Address: 820 New Orleans Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 773.556.8155
Movimento BJJ and Fitness
The Movimento Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Center is a top class academy that primarily teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing.
If you are in Chicago and you are looking to train with a top level competitor this is the place you’re looking for.
Israel Reyes, Movimentos head instructor recently took Gold in the 2019-2020 No-Gi World Championship, beating all of his opponents by submission making him a 3 time No-Gi World Champion.
Classes offered at Movimento BJJ
- Gi and No Gi
- Kids
- Kickboxing
Instructors at Movimento BJJ
- Israel “Izao” Reyes – 3 time No-Gi World Champion
Address: 2139 N Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 Bucktown
Phone: 773.474.2058
Uflacker Academy – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Chicago
“Our mission at Uflacker Academy is to maintain the traditional roots of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, while emphasizing self-defense, health and the growth of personal confidence in our students.”
Christan Uflacker is a 4th degree black belt under Renzo Gracie. He wants to help his students improve their level of fitness, skill and self-confidence. Professor Uflacker is also a judo black belt and a MMA veteran, having fought in Strikeforce and Bellator.
This academy has something for everyone and accommodates all ages and levels of experience.
Classes offered at Uflacker Academy
- Gi and No Gi
- Kids
- Fundamentals
- All Levels
- Advanced
Instructors at Uflacker Academy
- Christian “Xaropinho” Uflacker
They offer a free trial class for new students.
Address: 6390 South Archer, Chicago Illinois 60638
Phone: 312.890.3675
Soul Fighters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Andre “Maneco” Leite runs Soul Fighters Chicago. He’s a multiple-time World, European, Pan-American, and National Champion with over 20 years of experience in BJJ.
A black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie Sr, he developed his skills alongside a generation of outstanding fighters on Carlson Gracie’s Elite Team.
His approach to Jiu Jitsu combines traditional techniques with the latest innovations in the sport and a focus on self defense.
Soul Fighters offers a free trial class.
Address: 1531 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: 312.285.2203
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu
If you’re in Chicago and you want to train some no-gi Jiu Jitsu then this academy should be your goto option. At 10th Planet, you’ll have a great instructor, a great environment and a world class gym to aid you in learning.
10th Planet schools only train no-gi BJJ. They even have a whole set of moves of their own that were created by the founder of 10th planet Eddie Bravo. Josh Passini the head instructor at 10th Planet Chicago is a black belt under Eddie Bravo himself.
Classes offered at 10th Planet Chicago
- No Gi Only
- All Levels
- Advanced
- Wrestling
Instructors at 10th Planet Chicago
- Josh Passini
10th Planet offers free classes for beginners.
Address: 5711 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
Phone: 312.857.4493
North Side Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
North Side Brazilian Jiu Jitsu wants their students to feel like they belong to a friendly and supportive community, and have lots of fun.
With a great family environment it is a top choice for folks that want to learn BJJ in Chicago. This school is only focused on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Branko Milosevic is the head Instructor and a competitor currently holding black belt under legendary 8x World Champion Robson Moura.
He possesses a wide range of knowledge and experience that will aid you in your learning of the art of Jiu Jitsu.
Classes offered at North Side BJJ
- Gi and No Gi
- Kids
- Fundamentals
- All Levels
- Women’s Self Defense
Instructors at North Side BJJ
- Branko Milosevic
- Eddi
- Akai
- Perla (Women’s Self Defense)
Address: 3933 N Elston Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 Irving Park
Phone: 773.654.3161
Ralph Gracie BJJ Downtown Chicago
Ralph Gracie BJJ is another great school that offers top quality instruction and you should definitely check them out if you’re in Chicago.
This school offers courses for both beginners and advanced students. They have top level instructors and are a sister school of Chicago MMA which is regarded as one of the best gyms in Chicago for MMA.
Ralph Gracie’s is also in a great location downtown and should be on your list if you’re visiting Chi-town soon.
Address: 226 S Wabash Ave 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 773.451.5487
Visit Website
That wraps up our list of Chicago BJJ gyms
So, there you have it, the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in Chicago.
If you are interested in learning the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for self defense, you should check out some of the schools above to get the great training from the best instructors in Chicago.
For more Jiu Jitsu destinations check out our Travel Section.