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Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 78 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
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lakesidebjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (312) 607-4475
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8 AM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8 AM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8 AM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8 AM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–8 AM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–2 PM |
The classes they run
“Started my kids in early December last year and loved the vibe of pride and accomplishment they brought home after every class so much so I decided to join myself later that month.”
“Practitioners of all levels would thrive under the coaching available, they even offer separate Judo classes along with GI and No-Gi.”
“Practitioners of all levels would thrive under the coaching available, they even offer separate Judo classes along with GI and No-Gi.”
“Instructors are super knowledgeable and great at teaching, especially when they work with you 1 on 1 in class.”
“They responded and welcomed me in for the holiday open mat, didn’t treat me like fresh meat or trick shot practice, and I had some quality rolls.”
“Mom and sons bonding on another level, building self confidence for all three of us, full body work out, mental sharpness, self defense, and many more benefits.”
“The instructors at this dojo have given me the guidance, confidence, and continued support that a beginner like me would need to feel confident in BJJ.”
Other martial arts here
“Practitioners of all levels would thrive under the coaching available, they even offer separate Judo classes along with GI and No-Gi.”
What members say
“Great instructors, great location, everyone is super welcoming and friendly.”
“The instructors at this dojo have given me the guidance, confidence, and continued support that a beginner like me would need to feel confident in BJJ.”
“Everyone is welcoming and supportive, fostering a genuine camaraderie that pushes us to be better both on and off the mats.”
“Beginners class was great for pure technique and getting used to the sport, all levels was a good mix of technique and a great cardio workout of sparing.”
“Beginners class was great for pure technique and getting used to the sport, all levels was a good mix of technique and a great cardio workout of sparing.”
“Started my kids in early December last year and loved the vibe of pride and accomplishment they brought home after every class so much so I decided to join myself later that month.”
From the reviews
Five stars aren’t enough. Disclaimer: I am a highly introverted person, I can be social but consciously avoid it. So, I always tried sports that didn’t involve too many people before (running, tennis, etc) but never martial arts, so take this review at your own discretion.
Lakeside Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been nothing short of amazing for my family. Both of my boys attend the kids’ class, and I joined the beginners’ class myself—our experience has been excellent so far.
I can’t say enough good things about Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! My two boys just started their Jiu-Jitsu classes, and we have already had such a positive experience. From the moment we walked in, everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly.
What started as an extracurricular for my teenage son quickly turned into a full family experience. My husband and daughter now train at Lakeside Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well, and we couldn’t be happier. The coaches are exceptional, supportive, highly experienced, and genuinely invested in each student’s growth.
New to BJJ? Start at Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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 Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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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