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Sauk Valley Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Sterling, Illinois

BJJ gym Kids & teens Private lessons No-gi Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 facebook.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 815-631-6739

Hours

Monday 5–7 pm
Tuesday 9–10:30 am, 5–7 pm
Wednesday 5–7 pm
Thursday 9–10:30 am, 5–7 pm
Friday 5–7 pm
Saturday 9 am–12 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Sauk Valley Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🩳 No-Gi

“I was traveling through from San Diego and was able to easily drop in for a no-gi session.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“Super high level instruction and competition here, as well as the home of 2 ibjjf world champions!”

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👤 Private Lessons

“Gives jujitsu and other lessons to groups of kids and adults, also if you want they have private lessons.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Pros: Great place to learn and train, reasonable pricing, plenty of classes for all skill levels, excellent excercise, learn self defense, relaxed atmosphere, you’ll have fun.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Sauk Valley Jiu-Jitsu — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA

“If anyone from SVJJ find themselves in San Diego, CA come drop in with us at Victory MMA for the 6:30am class I’d love to repay the hospitality.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

active competition team 3 mentions

“Visiting from San Diego amd staying with family in the area for a few weeks and I found Sauk Valley Jiu-Jitsu through a local competition Instagram account featuring Stephen.”

From the reviews

Pros: Great place to learn and train, reasonable pricing, plenty of classes for all skill levels, excellent excercise, learn self defense, relaxed atmosphere, you’ll have fun. Cons: None. Go train;)

★★★★★ — Christopher, Jul 2018

Visiting from San Diego amd staying with family in the area for a few weeks and I found Sauk Valley Jiu-Jitsu through a local competition Instagram account featuring Stephen. Was welcomed with open arms and hospitality and made me feel like home and like I’ve known everyone for years.

★★★★★ — Jeremy, Dec 2018

Gives jujitsu and other lessons to groups of kids and adults, also if you want they have private lessons. The instructors are good and helpful overall the best place to train in sterling.

★★★★★ — Cael, Jan 2021

AMAZING Jiu-jitsu spot. I was traveling through from San Diego and was able to easily drop in for a no-gi session. Felt welcomed and had great rounds with everyone. If anyone from SVJJ find themselves in San Diego, CA come drop in with us at Victory MMA for the 6:30am class I’d love to repay the hospitality.

★★★★★ — Angel, Jun 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Sauk Valley 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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Sauk Valley Jiu-Jitsu

2323 E Lincolnway, Sterling, IL61081

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.