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Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling
5 ★★★★★ 122 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Aurora, 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
- 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 picapaujj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (630) 340-5752
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–8 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–12 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 9–11 AM |
The classes they run
“I’ve noticed significant growth in my jiu jitsu skills and have really enjoyed re-learning a lot of fundamentals the correct way under Aaron Brooks.”
“When things started reopening post-Covid and I mentioned getting our kids started in BJJ, there wasn't a moment's hesitation in his endorsement of Aaron and Pica Pau.”
“Not only that, that have quite the competitors if your into it and incredibly detailed, technical and current moves that are current in the community.”
“Whether you’re looking to compete and sharpen your skills, or simply build confidence and learn self-defense, Pica Pau is the place to be.”
“Every guy I worked with was INCREDIBLY respectful, which made a huge impression on me being a small girl doing a close contact sport for the first time.”
What members say
“I've visited and trained at Pica Pau every year I visit to see my mom in the Midwest, and I have to say, it's one of the most welcoming and friendly schools I've been to!”
“I've visited and trained at Pica Pau every year I visit to see my mom in the Midwest, and I have to say, it's one of the most welcoming and friendly schools I've been to!”
“Not only that, that have quite the competitors if your into it and incredibly detailed, technical and current moves that are current in the community.”
“The facility is always clean & organized as well & they host awesome competitions through their affiliated promotion “double gold” in house which is also super cool.”
“The facility is always clean & organized as well & they host awesome competitions through their affiliated promotion “double gold” in house which is also super cool.”
“The facility is always clean & organized as well & they host awesome competitions through their affiliated promotion “double gold” in house which is also super cool.”
From the reviews
Our daughter Koko has been training at Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling under Aaron Brooks for a little over a year now, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. From day one, we were struck by the amazing culture of togetherness and kindness that runs through the gym.
Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu & Grappling is truly amazing. I drop in to train and attend their open mats. Owned and operated by the incredible duo, Aaron and Tam, this gym radiates warmth, integrity, and excellence from the moment you walk through the door.
I love this place. I go every Friday for open mat, Aaron Brooks along with the rest of his coaching staff and students are incredibly knowledgeable and him and Tam have both created a kind and welcoming atmosphere for all levels as well as visitors.
Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling is an unbelievable school for every type of student. Men, Women, Kids, Adults, Competitors, Hobbyists, and everywhere in between- this gym provides world-class, accessible Jiu Jitsu instruction.
New to BJJ? Start at Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling
Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling 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 Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site