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Gracie Barra Naperville
4.9 ★★★★★ 140 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Naperville, 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
- 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
- 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 gbeastnaperville.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (331) 444-2154
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–8:30 AM, 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7–8:30 AM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:30 AM, 9–10:30 AM, 1–2 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“As a positive discipline parent, I wanted to make sure my son would have a coach that was fun and encouraging, but most importantly respectful and kind when disciplining/coaching.”
“As a woman I was looking for a self defense martial art to take part in, I joined about a year ago and I have to say I highly recommend this place for anyone (women/man/kids).”
“Along with a variety of gi and no gi classes, they are also adding MMA, judo and wrestling classes as well, so there is something for everybody.”
“Along with a variety of gi and no gi classes, they are also adding MMA, judo and wrestling classes as well, so there is something for everybody.”
“As a woman I was looking for a self defense martial art to take part in, I joined about a year ago and I have to say I highly recommend this place for anyone (women/man/kids).”
“The curriculum is well-organized and really allows people of all levels to learn how to do BJJ safely and effectively.”
Other martial arts here
“Along with a variety of gi and no gi classes, they are also adding MMA, judo and wrestling classes as well, so there is something for everybody.”
“Both myself and my 11-year old son take classes there, and the instructors are great teachers of jujitsu and kickboxing.”
“Along with a variety of gi and no gi classes, they are also adding MMA, judo and wrestling classes as well, so there is something for everybody.”
“Along with a variety of gi and no gi classes, they are also adding MMA, judo and wrestling classes as well, so there is something for everybody.”
What members say
“At this GB school I learned from world class Professors that care about the students and teach classes that anyone can enjoy, and I got to train with the nicest people.”
“He has also created a welcoming environment for new students and a kinda brotherhood between everyone that makes it fun, safe and rewarding for everyone who trains there.”
“He has also created a welcoming environment for new students and a kinda brotherhood between everyone that makes it fun, safe and rewarding for everyone who trains there.”
“They do a fantastic job breaking down all of the techniques to make it possible for even the novice like myself to understand and perform them correctly.”
“Coach Andrew is very professional with the parents, and great with kids.”
“I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to have a great experience whether it is simply getting in shape or training to participate in competitions!”
From the reviews
My son and I have been going for BJJ classes the past month, and the instruction is excellent! They offer classes for 3-6 y/o, 7-16, and adults. There are girls and boys in the classes, and Coach Andrew is amazing at maintaining discipline while still making class fun for the kids.
Gracie Barra east Naperville is an awesome school that provides a safe, clean, family friendly environment. It offers world class instruction in jiu jitsu, tae kwon do and kickboxing which is rare to have all in one setting. I would definitely recommend for anyone of any level and age!
I have been attending Gracie Barra for 4 months now and my experience has been absolutely fascinating. The instructors (both professors and coaches) are very patient, approachable, and are there to help you; facilities (both in East Naperville and Downers Grove) are very clean and well maintained; there is a great…
My experience at Gracie Barra East Naperville has been wonderful. Coach Andrew and his team are amazing coaches/instructors. They do a fantastic job breaking down all of the techniques to make it possible for even the novice like myself to understand and perform them correctly.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Naperville
Gracie Barra Naperville 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 Naperville
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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