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Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Mascoutah, 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 (ages 5–13) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule illinoisbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (618) 365-5242
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been going since November 2023 and their dedication to their students growth shows and helps them get where they need to be.”
“This gym is perfect for casual students all the way to those who want to compete.”
“Coach Owen and team will prepare you for competition and/or just for self defense.”
“For beginners this is the gym to join, their technical knowledge is unparalleled and they have a knack for breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The coaches are amazing coaches.”
“For beginners this is the gym to join, their technical knowledge is unparalleled and they have a knack for breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps.”
“If you’re looking for a Jiu Jitsu gym that prioritizes personalized instruction, attention to detail and a welcoming atmosphere this is the gym!”
“For beginners this is the gym to join, their technical knowledge is unparalleled and they have a knack for breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps.”
“My husband was deployed for six months and I was so thankful to have Coach Owen and his team providing my son with that boost of confidence their training was able to foster.”
“This Academy is chill with a hint of improvement and competition neither forced or pushed only encouraged.”
From the reviews
I am so thankful that God allowed our paths to cross with this gym! It’s been amazing for my kids! It’s made their confidence grow especially in my son who was super shy. It’s hard work but fun for kids! I also love the adult class it’s super challenging but so worth it!
I recently had the opportunity to stop by Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and I was genuinely impressed with the experience. As a black belt and gym owner from Houston, I hold a high standard when visiting other academies—and this one absolutely delivered.
Wonderful coach. The gym will quickly become a family. Very accommodating. Coach Owen loves children. Most patient coach of any sport I have ever seen. Great for all fitness level. Whether you are in amazing shape or have a lot to loose- this is the place for you.
Coach Owen and Sherah are remarkable! The whole experience is awesome! This is FAMILY in the truest sense. My son has went from quiet shy to friendly outgoing! They learn in a positive environment everyday there! Highly recommend to anyone!
New to BJJ? Start at Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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 Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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