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Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Crystal Lake, 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
- 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 ·
- Website & schedule teamcurran.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 815-356-0454
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–1 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They strike the perfect balance of structure, encouragement, and skill-building, and they’ve helped my son develop confidence that carries well beyond the mat.”
“This is a gym for everyone--from your mma fighters, jiu jitsu competitors, or an old hobbyist like myself.”
“This is a place where you can go at any level or experience, from trained fighters to kids to first time experience at any age.”
Other martial arts here
“I now train there several days each week in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Boxing.”
“Love it great gym, great instructors, family oriented very kid friendly and a very well rounded MMA Academy.”
“The facility is amazing: plenty of mat space, lots of parking, an octagon, boxing ring, bags, sauna, locker rooms with showers!”
“I now train there several days each week in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Boxing.”
What members say
“Love it great gym, great instructors, family oriented very kid friendly and a very well rounded MMA Academy.”
“This is a place where you can go at any level or experience, from trained fighters to kids to first time experience at any age.”
“The sense of community at Curran Jiu Jitsu Academy is remarkable, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students can connect and learn from one another.”
“They strike the perfect balance of structure, encouragement, and skill-building, and they’ve helped my son develop confidence that carries well beyond the mat.”
“It was a pleasure to train in such a nice facility with a wide mix of skill levels and very kind staff/students.”
“They strike the perfect balance of structure, encouragement, and skill-building, and they’ve helped my son develop confidence that carries well beyond the mat.”
From the reviews
It probably comes as no surprise that entering the world of MMA training can seem a bit intimidating for those who are brand new to the martial arts, as I was when I first decided to give it a go. However, from the moment I walked through the doors of Team Curran MMA, I knew I was in the right place.
Jeff Curan and his team are the best at what they do. This is a place where you can go at any level or experience, from trained fighters to kids to first time experience at any age. You will ge no better training, instruction, and care at any other location. His kids programs are incredible!
Outstanding facility! Clean mats, clean restroom, clean lockers. Great instructors. I've been in contact with Professor Curran for years. Finally visited and was amazed. Very professional. Pedro Sauer lineage!
Top notch place. Great instruction. Fun, safe, well-structured and challenging classes. Team Curran helped me say goodbye to 30 lbs in three months. Because of my schedule I don't typically attend Jeff's classes; he still knows me by name and will always take time to ask how classes are going.
New to BJJ? Start at Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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 Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site