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Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule projectachilles.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (312) 989-4023
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 9–11:30 AM |
The classes they run
“My daughter is spending some time in Muay Thai and they have been incredibly nice with her.”
“As a woman, I really appreciate how supportive and respectful the environment is.”
“I'd highly recommend you trying a class if you've been interested in martial arts, self defense or just looking for a new sport to explore!”
Other martial arts here
“When I started, I was unsure of myself and my abilities, and I wasn’t sure I’d make it through my first month of boxing and Muay Thai.”
“I do both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, and my coach Armand has been amazing — super knowledgeable, patient, and great at breaking things down so they actually click.”
“When I started, I was unsure of myself and my abilities, and I wasn’t sure I’d make it through my first month of boxing and Muay Thai.”
What members say
“I do both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, and my coach Armand has been amazing — super knowledgeable, patient, and great at breaking things down so they actually click.”
“From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming, professional, and highly motivating.”
“Overall, it was a really positive experience and I’d highly recommend Project Achilles to anyone looking for quality training and a supportive learning environment.”
“The boxing and Muay Thai classes are such a great workout and the coaches are super supportive.”
“The facility is clean, well equipped, and has a real no-nonsense vibe that pushes you to be your best.”
“What really sets Project Achilles apart is the culture supportive, intense, and focused on growth in every way, both mentally and physically.”
From the reviews
Project Achilles is hands down one of the best martial arts gyms in Chicago. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming, professional, and highly motivating. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and take the time to work with every student, no matter your experience level.
I recently had the pleasure of participating in the life-changing fitness program, Project Achilles, under the guidance of an exceptional coach. This program has truly been a game-changer for me, and I am excited to share my experience.
Project Achilles is hands down one of the best boxing/MMA gyms in Chicago. From the moment you walk in, you feel the energy and dedication of the coaches and the community. The trainers are highly skilled, passionate, and genuinely invested in helping you improve. The weapons training class is also phenomenal!
I’ve been training at Project Achilles for about three months now, and I’m honestly hooked. I do both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, and my coach Armand has been amazing — super knowledgeable, patient, and great at breaking things down so they actually click. His french accent is super cool too!
New to BJJ? Start at Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï 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 Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
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.
Where to find Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
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