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Chicago School Of Grappling
5 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois
No-nonsense studio for martial arts instruction, including boxing, kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu & more.
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
- Membership memberships run around $130/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule chicagoschoolofgrappling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (773) 482-1255
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:30–2 PM, 6:30–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12:30–2 PM, 6:30–9:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re looking to brush up on some fundamentals to protect yourself, or you want to enter the competitive scene in martial arts, these guys are the pros.”
“I would absolutely recommend this gym to anyone, whether you are looking to compete, learn self defense, get a work out in, etc.”
“The instructors here do an amazing job at creating a really comfortable and fun environment for learning and practicing self-defense!”
“I took bjj classes here as a beginner and fell in love with the sport, largely due to the community of other students and awesome teachers.”
Other martial arts here
“Derek provides great BJJ instruction John Le has a great and interestingly structured Muay Thai class focused on critical thinking vs.”
“absolutely amazing staff/coaches; not only was their knowledge in BJJ and Kickboxing top notch, they are phenomenal people and they always make you feel welcome.”
“The coaches are excellent, each offering a focus on foundational techniques, legwork, wrestling, takedowns, or a combination of these.”
What members say
“Marco's a really great instructor as well and really helped me out during my first few months.”
“The people are warm and welcoming, and you can tell how passionate the teachers are about teaching grappling.”
“The people are warm and welcoming, and you can tell how passionate the teachers are about teaching grappling.”
“Whether you’re looking to brush up on some fundamentals to protect yourself, or you want to enter the competitive scene in martial arts, these guys are the pros.”
“Non-judgemental and female friendly.”
“Derek provides great BJJ instruction John Le has a great and interestingly structured Muay Thai class focused on critical thinking vs.”
From the reviews
This place is amazing. The gym has such a chill and positive atmosphere. Both the teachers and students have been welcoming, kind, supportive and respectful. All the teachers are attentive and make it around to everyone during drills. Gym fees are transparent, no required uniforms, and cross training is encouraged.
I’m new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and this place has been incredible from day one. The instructors are top-tier — they genuinely care about your progress and make sure everyone gets the attention they need. The vibe is super welcoming, and you feel like part of the team right away.
Phenomenal gym, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in trying out Muay Thai or BJJ. The instructors are great and all members share a mutual respect with one another. I've been attending for a few months and it has been the most accommodating experience.
I would absolutely recommend Chicago School of Grappling (CSG)! The people are warm and welcoming, and you can tell how passionate the teachers are about teaching grappling. I took bjj classes here as a beginner and fell in love with the sport, largely due to the community of other students and awesome teachers.
New to BJJ? Start at Chicago School Of Grappling
Chicago School Of Grappling 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 Chicago School Of Grappling
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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