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Chicago Martial Arts / Brazilian Top Team Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 89 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Deerfield, Illinois
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 (ages 4–7) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule cmatkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 847-564-0200
Hours
| Monday | 2–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 2–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 2–8 pm |
| Thursday | 2–8 pm |
| Friday | 2–6 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It feels like just yesterday that my child and I first visited Chicago Martial Arts, but as we welcome the new year of 2026, nearly four and a half years have already passed.”
“I am so grateful that a friend recommended CMA to us when our son was first interested in trying martial arts as a young teen.”
“It's definately much more than just the fighting and self defense for my child.”
What members say
“The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, encouraging growth both physically and mentally.”
“Master Lee and his assistants strike the perfect balance between creating a positive, playful environment and maintaining a no-nonsense approach that helps kids of all ages thrive.”
“Not only do they learn martial arts techniques, but they also develop a deep understanding of the philosophy behind it—focusing on respect, confidence, discipline, and focus.”
“My son always looks forward to classes and loves his time there.”
“Not only do they learn martial arts techniques, but they also develop a deep understanding of the philosophy behind it—focusing on respect, confidence, discipline, and focus.”
From the reviews
My son tested yesterday and achieved his 3rd-degree black belt status in Tae Kwon Do at Chicago Martial Arts / Brazilian Top Team Jiu-Jitsu. The half-day event was a true testament to his dedication and skills.
My son who is now 12 started out at Little Ninjas at the Glenview Park District. His first day started off crying and scared. That was about 8 years ago! He's now been going to Chicago Martial Arts for 7 years now and has become a 2nd degree black belt, working towards a 3rd degree.
Chicago Martial Arts is the best! My kids, 7 and 10, have been students here for 2 years and they love coming to their TKD classes twice a week. Master Lee and his instructors are great with children. The kids learn discipline and respect without intimidation or fear. The staff is very friendly.
We have so adored Chicago Martial Arts. From the very first class when we saw the confidence our son was filled with as he learned his first punches, to the pride on his face at his latest belt ceremony, the maturity this has brought out in our kiddo has truly blown our mind.
New to BJJ? Start at Chicago Martial Arts / Brazilian Top Team Jiu-Jitsu
Chicago Martial Arts / Brazilian Top Team 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 Chicago Martial Arts / Brazilian Top Team 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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