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Ascend Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 137 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois

BJJ gym Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule ascendjj.net — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (312) 584-6479

Hours

Monday 6 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–8 PM
Thursday 6 AM–8 PM
Friday 6 AM–8 PM
Saturday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Ascend Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 15 mentions

“Professor Pires is an incredibly accomplished competitor and yet is able to provide a thoughtful, thorough and makes the techniques accessible even to a junior blue belt like me!”

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🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“Professor Pires is an incredibly accomplished competitor and yet is able to provide a thoughtful, thorough and makes the techniques accessible even to a junior blue belt like me!”

All gyms that run competition team →

👤 Private Lessons

“I am traveling from Pennsylvania and found professor Pierre at Ascend Jiu Jitsu and had a private class with him.”

All gyms that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“The class doesn't just help in self defense but also taking your vibes to next level high!”

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 137 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“Pierre is an excellent coach and does a really good job breaking techniques down into easy-to-understand steps.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“I am completely new to Jiu-Jitsu and both the instructors and other students have been welcoming and encouraging!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 10 mentions

“I really appreciate the dedication and effectiveness of Professor Pierre he creates a supportive environment where children build confidence, respect, and strong values.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Professor Pires is an incredibly accomplished competitor and yet is able to provide a thoughtful, thorough and makes the techniques accessible even to a junior blue belt like me!”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My kids stay engaged, feel confident, and actually listen… which alone deserves a medal.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“Professor Pires is an incredibly accomplished competitor and yet is able to provide a thoughtful, thorough and makes the techniques accessible even to a junior blue belt like me!”

From the reviews

My son genuinely enjoys coming here. The professor does an amazing job teaching discipline in such a positive and respectful way. He takes the time to explain mistakes clearly and guides the kids patiently so they understand how to improve.

★★★★★ — Kat, Feb 2026

Professor Pierre and Ascend BJJ embody the spirit of BJJ! They welcomed a group of random BJJ practitioners attending a local conference from different parts of the county and made them feel welcome in the best way possible through excellent technique instruction and practical rolls!

★★★★★ — Timur, Oct 2023

I am traveling from Pennsylvania and found professor Pierre at Ascend Jiu Jitsu and had a private class with him. Wow what a great professor and human being. He would explain and show everything in such a way that you just understand. I would highly recommend this professor and school to anyone in Chicago.

★★★★★ — Chris, Jun 2024

Stopped in while on vacation and got some amazing rolls in with Professor Pierre and Coach Ananya. They were so welcoming and great training partners, added some game to De La Riva and worked hard. Quality over quantity here at this place they are amazing.

★★★★★ — Emilio, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 137 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Ascend Jiu-Jitsu

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Ascend Jiu-Jitsu

220 E Illinois St Unit 7-12, Chicago, IL60611

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.