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Fit 2 Defend Academy
5 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lake Bluff, Illinois
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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 5–16) — 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 fit-to-defend.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 847-445-7247
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
The classes they run
“My kids first started working with Scott (owner and head coach of F2D) when my oldest was just six years old — he’s now 18!”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
“Beyond teaching self-defense, the program emphasizes good discipline, helping children build focus and confidence.”
“Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
Other martial arts here
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
What members say
“Biggest reason why I stayed was because of Coach Scott. He always has great energy to him and hes always promoting collaboration between teammates.”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“There’s a 3-week rotation of technique, conditioning, and sparring so you get the chance to develop your skills.”
“Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
“Friendly people, great coaches, small class sizes with individual attention, clean facilities.”
From the reviews
I have studied jiu jitsu with Scott Gave at Fit2Defend for over 11 years and many of my training partners have been training there at least that long or longer. It is a community of wonderful people where you learn to fight in a safe and friendly environment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Fit 2 Defend has been the perfect home and community for my jiu jitsu practice. I moved to the area in late 2021 with over a decade of experience, and though changing gyms can be difficult, it wasn’t at all with the team at F2D.
We’ve had such a positive experience at Fit 2 Defend. Coach Scott, Coach Logan, and the rest of the team have been phenomenal with our 8-year-old daughter. She has a ton of energy and sometimes struggles to focus, but the coaches have been incredibly patient while still pushing her to elevate both her effort and…
Fit 2 Defend is hands down the best BJJ school I've ever been to. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and the sense of community is unmatched. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, this place will take your skills to the next level. The facilities at Fit 2 Defend are also fantastic.
New to BJJ? Start at Fit 2 Defend Academy
Fit 2 Defend Academy 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 Fit 2 Defend 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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