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Brazil 021 Arlington Heights - School of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense

4.9 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Arlington Heights, 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 brazil021arlingtonheights.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (866) 977-7021

Hours

Monday 3–9 PM
Tuesday 3–9 PM
Wednesday 3–9 PM
Thursday 3–9 PM
Friday 3–9 PM
Saturday 9 AM–2 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 Brazil 021 Arlington Heights - School of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 7 mentions

“From the minute we walked in, everyone was extremely nice and treated you like family which made it really easy for my son to get acclimated with everything.”

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🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“The curriculum and quality of training at the Arlington Heights location is fantastic whether you are looking for self defense, self improvement or to compete.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“The curriculum and quality of training at the Arlington Heights location is fantastic whether you are looking for self defense, self improvement or to compete.”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“I cannot stress enough, no matter your dedication level (professional, hobbyist, or beginner) everyone is treated like family and are welcome!”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 29 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“In short, Brazil 021 has world class instruction, and professors who actually invests in their students, and a team environment that makes you want to keep showing up.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“I cannot stress enough, no matter your dedication level (professional, hobbyist, or beginner) everyone is treated like family and are welcome!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 10 mentions

“From the minute we walked in, everyone was extremely nice and treated you like family which made it really easy for my son to get acclimated with everything.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“What I love most is that strength doesn’t matter here, it’s all technique, fundamentals, and learning how to move the right way.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“The curriculum and quality of training at the Arlington Heights location is fantastic whether you are looking for self defense, self improvement or to compete.”

From the reviews

My daughters started training with Brazil-021 in 2012. I highly recommend if you have a young son or daughter that would like to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from experienced, seasoned Black Belts.

★★★★★ — Marc, Oct 2018

I started training at Brazil 021 about a year ago, and I am In my mid 40’s. I had never wrestled or participated in martial arts. My daughter introduced me to BJJ, and after watching her train, I decided to train as well. It has been a fantastic experience. The atmosphere is great.

★★★★★ — Patrick, Aug 2018

I've been practicing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for over 7 years now (4 with Brazil 021). Brazil-021 houses some of the best BJJ black belts in the world. All of whom are extremely personable, humble, and will lay down their lives for their students.

★★★★★ — Eric, Aug 2018

I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for years and have been fortunate enough to train under some of the best in world. Recently, I’ve been looking to enroll my 4-year old son in classes and was looking for reputable gyms in our area.

★★★★★ — Justin, Feb 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights - School of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense

Brazil 021 Arlington Heights - School of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Brazil 021 Arlington Heights - School of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense

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 Brazil 021 Arlington Heights - School of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense

3350 Salt Creek Ln #117, Arlington Heights, IL60005

Get directions

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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.