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Carlson Gracie MMA - Channahon
4.6 ★★★★★ 66 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Morris, Illinois
Part of Carlson Gracie
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
- 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 ·
- Phone +1 312-714-9329
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Children also benefit from the gym’s exceptional programs designed to introduce them to MMA in a fun and engaging way.”
“Whether looking to compete, learn self-defense, workout, or have fun, the gym always offers a safe, clean, and healthy environment for families.”
“Whether looking to compete, learn self-defense, workout, or have fun, the gym always offers a safe, clean, and healthy environment for families.”
“The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, perfect for practitioners of all levels, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned competitor.”
Other martial arts here
“She does both the Muay Thai (coach Nicole) and jujitsu W/ Brian and Ryan.”
“Carlson Gracie MMA Gym stands out as a premier training facility that excels in both cleanliness and comprehensive instruction for all ages.”
What members say
“Super well equipped gym, with massive space, and friendly knowledgeable instructors, who care - you really can't ask for more.”
“This gym is not only a haven for serious fighters but also a welcoming space for families looking to get involved in martial arts.”
“The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, perfect for practitioners of all levels, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned competitor.”
“I’ve been training there for over three years, my wife trains there, and all five of our kids train there. I love it there and I spend as much free time as I can training.”
“Whether looking to compete, learn self-defense, workout, or have fun, the gym always offers a safe, clean, and healthy environment for families.”
“She has chosen to stop gymnastics and soccer to stay focused on Ju Jitsu and she made this choice after the 1st month of being at Carlson Gracie Channahon.”
From the reviews
I have been training martial arts my entire life. Since the age of 4 I have trained and experienced a variety of gyms throughout the states and I can easily say that Carlson Gracie Team MMA is the best gym I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. The quality of training and teaching there is simply unmatched.
My opinion is this is one of the best places around to learn a true art. The level of instruction is great even for a new person coming in. I initially was only looking to get my 7 year old son into Jui-Jitsu , but ended up joining myself.
My daughter Abigail started at the age of 6 and has been going for about 7 months now and absolutely loves it. Coach Brian and all the coaches are extremely kind and caring as well as the other children in class. Even the older more experienced children take their time to help the newer ones.
Super well equipped gym, with massive space, and friendly knowledgeable instructors, who care - you really can't ask for more. I've been doing various martial arts since I was a kid, and I've been in a lot of "schools"- so far I've found the instructors, and students very open, patient, and well versed in how to…
New to BJJ? Start at Carlson Gracie MMA - Channahon
Carlson Gracie MMA - Channahon 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.
Your first BJJ class at Carlson Gracie MMA - Channahon
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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