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Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Highwood

5 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Highwood, Illinois

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens 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
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule highwood.compridobjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (224) 707-0825

Hours

Monday 4:45–8:30 PM
Tuesday 4–8:30 PM
Wednesday 4:45–8:30 PM
Thursday 4–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 AM–12 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 Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Highwood, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

📘 Fundamentals 2 mentions

“I am learning excellent, high level fundamental and advanced technique combatives for self defense and sport Jiu-Jitsu.”

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🧒 Kids BJJ 10 mentions

“I had taken classes at many schools over the years and when it came time to get my sons started, I knew what I was looking for.”

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🏆 Competition Team 3 mentions

“Professor Escobar is one of the most accomplish BJJ competitor/Instructors in the World.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“If you are looking for a place to learn self defense, get into great shape, be a part of a truly great group of people and learn BJJ - this is the place for you!”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“Several technique flows are covered in each class, and taught in a way that can be grasped by beginners like me.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 52 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 8 mentions

“This academy is headed by Professor Marcelo Cazuza who is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable instructions in the Chicagoland area.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 11 mentions

“If you’re looking for top-tier instruction, a welcoming community, and a challenge that will improve both your body and mind, Brasa is the place to be!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 9 mentions

“If you’re looking for top-tier instruction, a welcoming community, and a challenge that will improve both your body and mind, Brasa is the place to be!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 14 mentions

“Instruction was top notch being very detailed while using practical explanations then transitioning to positional game-play and finally some open rolls.”

great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“If you are looking for a place to learn self defense, get into great shape, be a part of a truly great group of people and learn BJJ - this is the place for you!”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Aditya is extremely technical, knowledgeable and great with kids.”

From the reviews

I have been practicing at Brasa Highwood for 1.5 years. I love it here! Coach Aditya and Coach Marcelo are so welcoming. They have created a welcome team environment where everyone works together. I have made new friends here as have my 3 kids.

★★★★★ — Chelsea, Dec 2019

I’ve been coming here for a few weeks and let me tell you it has been a life-changing experience. Like most, during the pandemic I was inactive and quickly got out of shape. This is an incredible workout. Aditya is hands down the best Jiu Jitsu coach I have ever had.

★★★★★ — Matt, Apr 2021

I train at Comprido Highland Park under the direction of Professor Marcelo, Professor Comprido, and Professor Jim. I highly recommend joining the team. 1. I am learning excellent, high level fundamental and advanced technique combatives for self defense and sport Jiu-Jitsu. 2.

★★★★★ — Nikolas, Feb 2018

I've done jiu jitsu on and off since the late 90s. I had taken classes at many schools over the years and when it came time to get my sons started, I knew what I was looking for. I visited many schools on the north side of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, and I am so happy we found Brasa Highwood.

★★★★★ — Alphonse, Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 52 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Highwood

Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Highwood 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Highwood

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 Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Highwood

432 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, IL60040

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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.