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Checkmat Lake Zurich Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lake Zurich, Illinois
Part of Checkmat
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
- 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lakezurichbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 847-989-2070
Hours
| Monday | 5:15–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:15–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:15–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5:15–9 pm |
| Friday | 5:15–9 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Gesiel and Jorge know how to create the right atmosphere to tailor to all levels of jiu jitsu practitioners, from beginner to advanced, from kids to adults.”
“Dey got a great kids program (probably future world champ in dere right now) and plenty of adult class, gi and no-gi, so you can train like a real warrior.”
“Dey got a great kids program (probably future world champ in dere right now) and plenty of adult class, gi and no-gi, so you can train like a real warrior.”
“Their Saturday open mats are so much fun so if you're not convinced come in and try it out.”
“Gesiel and Jorge know how to create the right atmosphere to tailor to all levels of jiu jitsu practitioners, from beginner to advanced, from kids to adults.”
What members say
“Great jiu jitsu school, friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable coaches.”
“Gesiel and Jorge know how to create the right atmosphere to tailor to all levels of jiu jitsu practitioners, from beginner to advanced, from kids to adults.”
“Gesiel and Renato have created a safe, clean and welcoming environment to enter into this amazing sport and it has become an integral part of our lives.”
“Dey got a great kids program (probably future world champ in dere right now) and plenty of adult class, gi and no-gi, so you can train like a real warrior.”
“Gesiel and Renato have created a safe, clean and welcoming environment to enter into this amazing sport and it has become an integral part of our lives.”
From the reviews
I came from Florida and stopped in to train here — such a great experience! The jiu-jitsu training is top-notch, and the facility is clean, bright, and welcoming. The professors are not only skilled but also genuinely invested in helping you improve. They watch closely and give helpful feedback.
I've trained at several BJJ gyms over the years, and this one stands out as one of the nicest and cleanest I've experienced. I really enjoyed the open mat session on the weekend, where I had the chance to chat with both owners—they're incredibly friendly, passionate, and always eager to help students with any…
Look no further. Very knowledgeable coaches. Family friendly as we have kids and parents training here. In kids classes, kids have lots of fun while still learning the art of Jiu Jitsu Adult classes have everything you might be looking for. Structure, skillful partners that are not looking to kill you.
Best gym out here, coaches are super helpful and amazing with adults but most importantly kids and beginners. Overall great experience and would recommend to all athletes and not athletes!
New to BJJ? Start at Checkmat Lake Zurich Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Checkmat Lake Zurich Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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 Checkmat Lake Zurich Brazilian 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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