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Parallel jiu jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Champaign, Illinois

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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 7) — 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
  • Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule paralleljiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 217-493-6092

Hours

Monday 5:30–8 pm
Tuesday 5:30–8 pm
Wednesday 5:30–8 pm
Thursday 6:30–8 pm
Friday 5:30–8 pm
Saturday 10 am–12 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 Parallel jiu jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 3 mentions

“Whether your looking to come in as a new grappler (kids or adults) or been at it for 10 years, you will leave knowing you got a great workout and instruction.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“My boys 10 and 7 love coming here for one on one training.”

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🔓 Open Mat

“Great for a sat morning open mat if you’re from out of town/ visiting.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“I had been thinking about learning a self defense but I wasn’t sure what to get into.”

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🌱 Beginners

“Doesnt matter if you're young, old, fit, fat, beginner, or pro.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 24 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 5 mentions

“I met Jose about a year ago when I started training and his patience with new people in training, knowledge of the sport, and ability to explain things as a coach is amazing!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 6 mentions

“Jose opened his doors for me without qualm and his students were welcoming while being dead serious about their BJJ.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 7 mentions

“The gym is always clean and good looking.”

From the reviews

Amazing gym and instructor. Whether your looking to come in as a new grappler (kids or adults) or been at it for 10 years, you will leave knowing you got a great workout and instruction. Jose has been instrumental in both my kids and my jiu jitsu. When you go there your not just a student your family.

★★★★★ — Caleb, Jul 2025

Jose is an incredible human and BJJ instructor. He runs a top notch academy for everyone. His ability to simplify techniques and concepts is art in motion. You will not regret stopping in and training with Jose. If I could give more stars, I would because he deserves them.

★★★★★ — Nate, Jul 2025

I met Jose about a year ago when I started training and his patience with new people in training, knowledge of the sport, and ability to explain things as a coach is amazing! Please check out his school. Awesome training and the friendliest environment!

★★★★★ — Dj, Jul 2025

Nothing but great vibes from everyone training there and Coach Jose is an incredible teacher. Doesnt matter if you're young, old, fit, fat, beginner, or pro... you'll find what you're looking for here

★★★★★ — Reed, Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Parallel jiu jitsu

Parallel 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Parallel 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.

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 Parallel jiu jitsu

313 S Staley Rd, Champaign, IL61822

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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.