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Gracie Barra New Lenox
4.9 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · BJJ gym in New Lenox, 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 gbnewlenox.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (815) 463-9327
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Because yes the fundamentals are the same but everyone jujitsus different.”
“We trust them not only for our own growth, but also with our kids—to help build discipline, perseverance, respect, and physical strength.”
“If you are looking learn self defense, if you want a different type of work out, or if you want to compete, GBNL will provide you with opportunity to succeed.”
“If you are looking learn self defense, if you want a different type of work out, or if you want to compete, GBNL will provide you with opportunity to succeed.”
“I am down 45 lbs, blood tests are all back in normal range, my A1C is down in normal range and even my testosterone started climbing for the first time in 5 years.”
Other martial arts here
“My son Zach is a member of Pride Martial Arts Taekwondo and Judo training.”
What members say
“Coach Garfield is an amazing teacher as well also using his outside the box strategies.”
“everyone's been extremely helpful and welcoming, the instructors are very knowledgeable and great at getting around to give individual help, i highly recommend giving it a try!”
“everyone's been extremely helpful and welcoming, the instructors are very knowledgeable and great at getting around to give individual help, i highly recommend giving it a try!”
“🙌 Gracie Barra has a highly systematic and well-developed program that clearly outlines which techniques are taught at each level.”
“You couldn’t ask for a better environment to learn, grow, and get a great workout.”
“🙌 Gracie Barra has a highly systematic and well-developed program that clearly outlines which techniques are taught at each level.”
From the reviews
I started my martial arts journey December 9th, 2024. I wrote down my goals. Two of the goals: I wanted to be alive long enough to see my son grow up, and I wanted to be a better husband for my wife.
Gracie Barra is a fantastic martial arts school for beginners and seasoned participants. As a young man with a physical disability, I second guessed my abilities to participate in martial arts. The participants and instructors have been very supportive and provide a positive learning experience for everybody.
I took our 5 yr old son for a free trial class yesterday. He is a bit shy and timid (especially with being in a new atmosphere) I was a little nervous that he wouldn't enjoy the class, but he absolutely loved it here! We were in coach Chris' class.
Gracie Barra New Lenox has become the most uplifting part of my week. I came in for one class on a free trial with no intention of signing up. That was 6 months ago! I loved it so much I signed up immediately and since then I do my best to make it in for 2-3 classes a week.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra New Lenox
Gracie Barra New Lenox 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 New Lenox
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.
