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Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu
4.7 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Downers Grove, Illinois
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule blackhorsebjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (630) 390-5291
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–12 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 4–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Our kids have tried various sports over the years, but learning BJJ became their absolute favorite and Blackhorse has proven to be a perfect environment for them.”
“In terms of the instruction, Devon does a terrific job of engaging students and teaching self-defense as well as furthering jiu jitsu skills to prepare for tournaments.”
“In terms of the instruction, Devon does a terrific job of engaging students and teaching self-defense as well as furthering jiu jitsu skills to prepare for tournaments.”
“The environment that Mr Devon and Ms Heather have built is focused on respect, safety, and very technical BJJ for all levels.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The environment that Mr Devon and Ms Heather have built is focused on respect, safety, and very technical BJJ for all levels.”
“I stopped by to check it out and they were so friendly and passionate about teaching kids the art of Jiu Jitsu that I signed my daughter up as soon as I got home.”
“the instructors display the perfect balance of teacher, coach, and cheerleader while teaching technique and safety for all ages and skill levels.”
“At Blackhorse BJJ I've seen my kid develop skills and confidence over time, instructors are knowledgeable and dedicated.”
“In terms of the instruction, Devon does a terrific job of engaging students and teaching self-defense as well as furthering jiu jitsu skills to prepare for tournaments.”
“tl;dr: new, clean, family-friendly, family-owned, great energy, environment, camaraderie, and instructors.”
From the reviews
tl;dr: new, clean, family-friendly, family-owned, great energy, environment, camaraderie, and instructors. mats are chef's kiss. you have to feel the difference. best prices. found the perfect hidden gem for anyone looking to get started in a martial art.
I've been watching this place come together for the last few months and I'm so excited that its open! I stopped by to check it out and they were so friendly and passionate about teaching kids the art of Jiu Jitsu that I signed my daughter up as soon as I got home.
If you have 0 experience in martial arts and wondering which gym to try out, you won't find a better place than Blackhorse. The environment that Mr Devon and Ms Heather have built is focused on respect, safety, and very technical BJJ for all levels.
Our whole family of 5 trains here and has a ton of fun while doing it! There are days that we spend upwards of 4 hours at this gym between classes for everyone. The students, families, and the instructors all form a supportive environment where everyone is able to improve themselves.
New to BJJ? Start at Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu
Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Blackhorse 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.
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