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Grassroots Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule grassrootsbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (708) 941-1485
Hours
| Monday | 9:15–11 AM, 4:15–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:15–11 AM, 7–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:15–11 AM, 4:15–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:15–11 AM |
| Friday | 4:15–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:15–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Was looking for something to get my 4yo old son into, i found jordan and grassroots jujitsu and fitness, and now its all my son talks about!”
“Gym offers both No Gi and Gi classes (morning and afternoon) Along with kids.”
“Gym offers both No Gi and Gi classes (morning and afternoon) Along with kids.”
“I particularly appreciated the small class sizes, allowing for plenty of one-on-one interaction and personalized attention.”
“The culture in the gym is extremely welcoming and everyone is quick to learn your name and help even the most green of beginners (like me).”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The instructor (Jordan) is amazing - he's so patient with the kids and really knows how to connect with each child on their level.”
“The culture in the gym is extremely welcoming and everyone is quick to learn your name and help even the most green of beginners (like me).”
“The culture in the gym is extremely welcoming and everyone is quick to learn your name and help even the most green of beginners (like me).”
“We go through techniques everyday, and we later roll for 3 rounds to get more hands on to apply the skills we’ve learned collectively.”
“My husband comments that he is more flexible (the man can’t touch his toes, so this is significant) and has increased strength, and my kids love learning their new skills.”
“Professor Jordan has made a very impressive and clean facility, which matches his teaching style.”
From the reviews
This studio is a hidden gem! We absolutely love Grassroots. My husband attends the adult classes and 3/4 of my kids attend the youth classes. It is worth every cent.
New member here. I’ve kept my eye on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the last few years and finally decided to give it a go. After being indoctrinated into the art by a friend at another dojo, I was referred to Grassroots and Professor Jordan.
Started my Jiu-Jitsu journey at this gym almost a year ago. Although Jiu-Jitsu itself can be intimidating, the atmosphere is very inviting for beginners! The instruction from Jordan is very thorough and he ensures you retain the material by structuring the weekly classes building onto previous lessons.
Awesome environment. Professor Jordan is passionate about his craft. Welcomes all skill levels and meets students where they’re at.
New to BJJ? Start at Grassroots Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness
Grassroots Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness 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 Grassroots Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness
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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