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Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club Chicago
4.9 ★★★★★ 208 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, 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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 downtownjiujitsuclub.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (312) 583-0244
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
The classes they run
“Clean atmosphere, women’s only class was great, and they did a great job walking me though the process!”
“I made it to the 7am Randori No-Gi; which ended up being a smaller more intentional fundamentals-esque time for drilling some bad positions.”
“The leadership of this gym speaks for itself, whether it is competing in a tournament or just looking for life advice everyone at Downtown BJJ wants to see you succeed.”
“I personally didn’t get any one on one time with Adam the lead instructor but I did notice him spending time with a student that had questions after open mat.”
“I personally didn’t get any one on one time with Adam the lead instructor but I did notice him spending time with a student that had questions after open mat.”
“The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve, whether you’re a complete beginner or have years of experience.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“On top of that (and probably more important) all coaches are amazing instructors and even better people.”
“The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve, whether you’re a complete beginner or have years of experience.”
“The facilities are all super clean and well-kept, instructors are very knowledgeable and friendly, and nearly all of the people I've rolled with have been good partners.”
“I made it to the 7am Randori No-Gi; which ended up being a smaller more intentional fundamentals-esque time for drilling some bad positions.”
“The leadership of this gym speaks for itself, whether it is competing in a tournament or just looking for life advice everyone at Downtown BJJ wants to see you succeed.”
“This is Professor Adem Redzovic's school, a third degree Black Belt under Carley Gracie.”
From the reviews
Absolutely top notch! This is the place you want to be, whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced competitor. The facility is clean and offers lots of amenities - including showers, towel service, weight training and cardio equipment.
I joined Downtown BJJ in August after moving to Chicago and not knowing many people. This place has given me a home with all the great people that care and want to see you truly get better.
This is Professor Adem Redzovic's school, a third degree Black Belt under Carley Gracie. He is an accomplished competitor, a gifted instructor, and a warm and gracious human being.
Had a great time visiting Adem and Downtown Jiujitsu on my trip through Chicago. World class facilities, great vibe, and Adem is clearly a fantastic instructor and mentor for both jiujitsu and life. Definitely check out his school if you’re in the area!
New to BJJ? Start at Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club Chicago
Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club Chicago 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 Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club Chicago
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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