Home › Illinois › Deerfield › Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense in Deerfield
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense in Deerfield
4.9 ★★★★★ 66 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Deerfield, Illinois
Part of Gracie Barra
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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbdeerfield.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (847) 504-7213
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 3:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 4–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 9–10 AM |
The classes they run
“Our family’s journey with Gracie Barra Deerfield started after my kids had originally begun training at the Gracie Barra Evanston location in October 2024.”
“My sons, 10 and 12, also trained in both regular and private classes with Coach Luis.”
“He very patiently explains the move as many time as needed to myself :) After class, people often enjoy rolling on the open mat, having a great time and practicing the moves.”
“I was a bit nervous to try this at first being a woman and having no experience with Jiu Jitsu but I have felt welcome every step of the way.”
What members say
“Great school, amazing professors and coaches, and very friendly students of all ages!”
“I was a bit nervous to try this at first being a woman and having no experience with Jiu Jitsu but I have felt welcome every step of the way.”
“This gym has refocused and shaped my kids and their grades are better, they don't fight as much with each other and they seem to be very patient and humble!”
“And, the curriculum builds systematically, which means after a few months things start clicking, and you really feel the improvement.”
“Well, one year later, the change in my daughter is undeniable. She loves training, and she loves the community that supports and guides her.”
From the reviews
Gracie Barra Deerfield is amazing. Me and my wife and our 2 children are students here. Professor Marcelo is genuinely kind, patient and respectful. I feel like from day one we were welcome with open arms to the Gracie Barra family. My 6 year old daughter loves Gracie Barra.
This is a great place. My kids and I all train here. None of us had any experience with BJJ and kind of found this place. The professor is great and his instructors are great. They teach according to the program. It’s great for my kids as well. I would highly recommend for any person looking to explore BJJ.
Our family’s journey with Gracie Barra Deerfield started after my kids had originally begun training at the Gracie Barra Evanston location in October 2024. When we moved to the Deerfield location, we weren’t sure what to expect, but the welcome we received was incredible.
Our journey began when I started taking a little girl to and from her Jiu-Jitsu class. I would bring my daughter along, and before I knew it, I saw that it sparked her interest. She started asking questions and then begging to join.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense in Deerfield
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense in Deerfield 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 Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense in Deerfield
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.
More BJJ gyms near Deerfield
Chicago Martial Arts / Brazilian Top Team Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
True Style Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Northbrook Jiu Jitsu/R-Team jiu jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 25 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site