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Jiu-Jitsu Institute Inc

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois

BJJ gym Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule jjichicago.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (312) 986-1541

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 4–9 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 4–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 12–3:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Jiu-Jitsu Institute Inc, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

Teens BJJ

“I started in high school after getting jumped on Halloween.”

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🏆 Competition Team 4 mentions

“Sensai Hollis is a true competitor and a phenomenal judoka “nothing like good old judo” he says to motivate his students.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“With a combination of effective competition techniques, self defense principles, and proper time dedicated to Newaza (Ground techniques) “J.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Jiu-Jitsu Institute Inc — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🤼 Judo 14 mentions

“in 1938) is a great school dedicated to the development of all it’s students and teaching good Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu.”

Other gyms that also teach judo →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 3 mentions

“Sensei Hollis, the head instructor, often reminds myself and my fellow students and instructors that “this is a family” and it’s true.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“With a combination of effective competition techniques, self defense principles, and proper time dedicated to Newaza (Ground techniques) “J.”

active competition team 5 mentions

“With a combination of effective competition techniques, self defense principles, and proper time dedicated to Newaza (Ground techniques) “J.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

“While being able to produce great results they do not focus on winning.”

From the reviews

The long standing Jiu Jitsu Institute (Est. in 1938) is a great school dedicated to the development of all it’s students and teaching good Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu.

★★★★★ — Chrislimitless, Jun 2016

I don’t know how to better speak of this place. If you want to practice Judo in Chicago this at the very least needs to be a place on your list to visit. I personally have been to tohkon and will acknowledge the talent on those mats but nothing compares to the instruction found here.

★★★★★ — Daniel, Oct 2017

I started in high school after getting jumped on Halloween. Sensei Barnet and assistant Sensei Sammy were amazing instructors in all aspects of thev gentle way. Best of all, unlike other dojos, you truly earn your rank. This school definitely changed my life. Doomo arigato

★★★★★ — William, Jun 2022

I absolutely love this gym and the people I’ve had the privilege to train with and get to know over the years. I’ve been with Jiu Jitsu Institute since 2013 and have nothing but good things to say.

★★★★★ — Max, Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Jiu-Jitsu Institute Inc

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Jiu-Jitsu Institute Inc

226 S Wabash Ave #7, Chicago, IL60604

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.