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Ryan Thomas Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Danville, 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 (ages 4–8) — 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ryanthomasbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 217-304-1026
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11:30 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter has only been in class for a few weeks but she already loves Jiu Jitsu.”
“As a woman I feel safe and welcome but also challenged.”
“As a complete beginner, walking into a new martial arts gym can be intimidating, but that couldn't be further from the truth here.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Beyond the excellent instruction and camaraderie, the facility itself is impeccably clean.”
“As a complete beginner, walking into a new martial arts gym can be intimidating, but that couldn't be further from the truth here.”
“From the very first class, the coaches were incredibly welcoming and patient, breaking down techniques and concepts in a way that was easy to understand.”
“From the very first class, the coaches were incredibly welcoming and patient, breaking down techniques and concepts in a way that was easy to understand.”
“My son (6yo) joined and loved it.”
“Beyond the excellent instruction and camaraderie, the facility itself is impeccably clean.”
From the reviews
I’ve been at Ryan’s for a little over 7 months now & I can honestly say it’s been life changing. As a woman I feel safe and welcome but also challenged. Additionally, Ryan & Logan (and all other coaches) truly care about their students.
The one star reviews below are from someone creating multiple accounts because he was offended for being kicked out for being unreasonable during class. I’ve known Ryan for over a year and he’s so calm and patient.
A Fantastic Start at Ryan Thomas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! I've only been training at Ryan Thomas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for two weeks, and I'm already hooked! As a complete beginner, walking into a new martial arts gym can be intimidating, but that couldn't be further from the truth here.
My youngest at 5 just started jiu-jitsu here. She has been to class 3 times and absolutely loves it. After every class she has continually asked, "How many more sleeps until my next one?" I was a bit skeptical the first class due to the size. I looked at my husband and said, can't wait to see how this goes!
New to BJJ? Start at Ryan Thomas Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Ryan Thomas Brazilian 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 Ryan Thomas Brazilian 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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