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CU Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Champaign, Illinois
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
- 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 $20/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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule cu-bjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 630-557-6323
Hours
| Monday | 5–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 6–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son was understandably a little intimidated when he first started but now he loves it.”
“I was a complete beginner and the women's classes especially helped me feel welcome and comfortable in the space.”
“Plenty of classes at convenient times, and competition training for those that want that kind of thing.”
“I started going to six months ago because I heard BJJ is a good type of self defence for female bodies and good way to work out.”
“I stayed because it is a friendly and inclusive environment which challenges me to do better and doesn’t make me feel dumb for being a beginner.”
Other martial arts here
“I came in as a total martial arts noob but have been building up my confidence and skill in kickboxing with the help of the coaches and other students.”
What members say
“I stayed because it is a friendly and inclusive environment which challenges me to do better and doesn’t make me feel dumb for being a beginner.”
“If you're looking to try BJJ, continue training BJJ, or are just looking to push yourself physically and mentally in a supportive community, this is the place to be.”
“Plenty of classes at convenient times, and competition training for those that want that kind of thing.”
“The community events are also super fun :) Nice people, clean gym, supportive, good mix of intensity levels, and an overall great place to train.”
“I started going to six months ago because I heard BJJ is a good type of self defence for female bodies and good way to work out.”
From the reviews
I was in town for a conference and was looking to train while I was here and found CU Jiu Jitsu. Everyone was so welcoming and the daypass was perfect for me. The gym is extremely clean and Coach Mike was a great instructor. They even have sweet Lexi the pup there!
I'm 81 years old and decided I would try Jiu Jitsu at this Martial Arts School. I had never done Jiu Jitsu though had a few martial arts classes many years ago. I am fit for my age and healthy. I wanted a gym that was fast-paced and wouldn't judge me by my age. I felt accepted. My grandson went with me.
First place, and it's not even close. After graduating from UIUC I started coming to CU Jiu Jitsu 3-4 times a week for the past 6 months and I literally could not be happier. Mats are squeaky clean, the amenities are better than any gym I've ever been to, and most importantly the people are fantastic.
Really wonderful and inclusive environment. I was a complete beginner and the women's classes especially helped me feel welcome and comfortable in the space. It really feels like everyone here wants to help you get better!
New to BJJ? Start at CU Jiu Jitsu
CU 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 CU 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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