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Progression Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Indian Head Park, 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 4–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 progressionjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (630) 390-0110
Hours
| Monday | 10:30 AM–12 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–12 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–12 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | 9–11 AM |
The classes they run
“My daughter has gained so much more than just basic self-defense skills—she’s developed confidence and a strong sense of self-discipline.”
“Dan is an accomplished BJJ competitor but even more-so an excellent teacher.”
“My daughter has gained so much more than just basic self-defense skills—she’s developed confidence and a strong sense of self-discipline.”
“As it says in the name, this is a great place for all skill levels to come better themselves.”
What members say
“Professor Dan is a high level, highly accomplished black belt and has a unique, refreshing, and progressive way of running class.”
“It's easy to feel that a martial arts class might be intimidating but Progression is a very welcoming and educational environment.”
“It's easy to feel that a martial arts class might be intimidating but Progression is a very welcoming and educational environment.”
“They have created an environment that is not only focused on technique and discipline but also on building confidence and respect.”
“Dan is an accomplished BJJ competitor but even more-so an excellent teacher.”
“The space is super clean and overall they have a tight knit community that is welcoming and I'm proud to be a part of.”
From the reviews
Progression jiu jitsu is one of the best gyms i’ve personally had the pleasure of training at. I’ve been training very consistently for quite a few years now and recently had to change gyms. i was eager to find a gym that made me feel comfortable and welcome but also pushed me to be better.
My 5-year-old daughter has been attending this Jiu-Jitsu class, and I couldn’t be more pleased with our experience. It’s truly the best place a parent could want for their child. My daughter has gained so much more than just basic self-defense skills—she’s developed confidence and a strong sense of self-discipline.
We have been attending this academy for 2 years now and couldn’t be happier with the results. My two boys absolutely love it! The environment is both educational and professional, teaching not only jiu-jitsu but also discipline and respect. The community here is incredibly friendly and welcoming.
My daughter became interested in jijitsu after we tried a women’s self defense class at Progression, which we also highly recommend. Dan and Dre are amazing instructors and we are really happy with the class availability times each week.
New to BJJ? Start at Progression Jiu Jitsu
Progression 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 Progression 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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