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Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Twin Cities, IL
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bloomington, 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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbtcjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (309) 212-0220
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son absolutely loves it (literally crying when class is over) and my husband and I feel right at home.”
“There are many knowledgeable coaches, it’s such a great family friendly environment, and offers women’s only classes as well!”
“In addition, Coach Torree does an excellent job with the women’s class and the self defense women’s seminar!”
What members say
“This is a safe environment with passionate teammates, knowledgeable instructors who want to see you grow and succeed, and truly the best mats in town.”
“The instructors and owners are welcoming, inclusive, and accommodating to children of all ages with a focus on making class an enjoyable and educational experience.”
“The instructors and owners are welcoming, inclusive, and accommodating to children of all ages with a focus on making class an enjoyable and educational experience.”
“We also get the opportunity to learn about different moves and techniques from a variety of different instructors.”
“As a coach for Gracie Barra Twin Cities, I love the opportunities my family has gotten to learn from multiple upper belts and black belts.”
“The setup of the gym is great with ample area for spectators to watch, as well as clean facilities to change clothes upon arrival.”
From the reviews
My family and I are so glad we have GB Twin Cities to train jiu jitsu together. There are many knowledgeable coaches, it’s such a great family friendly environment, and offers women’s only classes as well!
I have tried chain gyms that were supposed to be golden or advertised as the best on the planet and after a few weeks of going by myself I always trickle off and never return. I struggle with anxiety and my doctor told me I needed to try consistent exercise.
My husband and I wanted to start training Jiu Jitsu again after a five year break (life happens) so we brought our four year old boy and signed up the whole family. My son absolutely loves it (literally crying when class is over) and my husband and I feel right at home.
GBTC is an incredible place to be. They offer top tier training, but more than that, they offer a place to go that you truly feel safe and accepted. From day one, I really felt like I was being invited into a family.
Your first BJJ class at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Twin Cities, IL
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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