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Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in Chicago
4.9 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarrachicago.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (773) 985-4294
Hours
| Monday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:45 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“5 year old is making new friends and even though he trains together with kids of much older age like 10, he is having a blast and I always feel it is a safe space for him.”
“As good of a competitor as he is, he is also an incredible instructor.”
“It is perfect for anyone looking to start their jui jitsu journey, from having any level of grappling experience or just want to learn self defense.”
“The gym is very welcoming and professional , it’s a place for everyone regardless of skill level, I joined with little to no experience.”
What members say
“I love Coach Alex's teaching style and how he lets us roll after drilling and Professor Carlones is great too.”
“The professors and coaches there make everyone feel like they are a part of the Gracie Barra Family; They are truly welcoming and professional.”
“What began as a simple curiosity to engage with my son's new sport has blossomed into a profound, life-altering transformation for our entire family.”
“The level of experience and technique of the professors is unmatched, and we are constantly improving each class not only in jui jitsu, but in all areas of life.”
“Whether you’re training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, you’ll find everything you need here.”
“The professors and coaches there make everyone feel like they are a part of the Gracie Barra Family; They are truly welcoming and professional.”
From the reviews
Loved the 1.5 years spent at Gracie Barra. I came in knowing nothing about martial arts and immediately got hooked. The classes are great for either beginners or advanced participants. The coaches have a strong depth of expertise and bring in guest professors for a variety of teachings.
Highly recommend going to GB West Loop. It is perfect for anyone looking to start their jui jitsu journey, from having any level of grappling experience or just want to learn self defense.
Amazing Jiu Jitsu school. We have joined as a family and it has changed our lives. The instructors are very respectful and experienced in welcoming new beginners like ourselves. My 3.
I've trained BJJ since 2017 and I've been training at West Loop since 2022. In fact, one of the first things I did when I moved to Chicago was Google "Gracie Barra Chicago" and I found West Loop. The professors and coaches here are amazing and the community at West Loop is strong.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in Chicago
Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in 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 Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in 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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