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Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb- Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Macomb, Illinois
Part of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
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 3–18) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule roycegraciemacomb.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (309) 836-2002
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter was recently adopted by my significant other and she wanted to go tell the Cassadys that the adoption went thru as soon as we left the courthouse.”
“There's a lot for the kids too, more than just self defense, we teach them mindfulness and respect; and that is something kids need especially these days.”
“Hello I am brand new to martial arts and started at Cassady Martial arts Academy!”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“It is a very safe and welcoming environment for anyone attending and I would highly recommend the classes they offer.”
“It is a very safe and welcoming environment for anyone attending and I would highly recommend the classes they offer.”
“She has helped JoAnna open up and my daughter's self confidence has increased greatly!”
“Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu from two passionate and long time students of the game.”
“Our daughters have attended classes at Cassady Martial Arts for several years and the confidence and inner strength it has helped them build is amazing.”
From the reviews
Our daughters have attended classes at Cassady Martial Arts for several years and the confidence and inner strength it has helped them build is amazing. They both love attending classes and enjoy the friendships they have made there too.
We signed up our daughter for her to learn self-control, respect and confidence. After a year and a half we have seen such a change in her attitude and self confidence even passing last year's 7 grade school classes with straight A's.
This is the best place in the area for training Martial Arts. Michelle and Andy are awesome people with the knowledge and skill to teach anyone! The instruction is consistent, each class is the same no matter the instructor. There are many opportunities to learn and grow as a martial artist here!
My youngest daughter and I have been coming here for a while now, we have had nothing but positive experiences. It is a educating and respectful environment that everyone can be a part of.
New to BJJ? Start at Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb- Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb- Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense 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 Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb- Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
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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