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Strive Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 112 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Darien, Illinois

BJJ gym Free trial Kids & teens

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Website & schedule strivema.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (630) 850-3500

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Strive Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 32 mentions

“My son transferred to Strive from another martial arts school, and had a great experience from day 1.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

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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 Strive Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

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 112 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 14 mentions

“I wholeheartedly recommend Strive Martial Arts to anyone looking to learn martial arts in a fun, supportive, and effective environment.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“He always tries to breaks down his techniques in much simple way to younger kids so they understand and perform better .”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Our daughter loves every class and always comes home excited and motivated.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 23 mentions

“I appreciate that my child is not only learning a new martial art, but also developing discipline, focus, and the ability to follow instructions.”

From the reviews

My son transferred to Strive from another martial arts school, and had a great experience from day 1. Master Bill helped him a lot during that period, because my son had to learn a lot of new stuff, as each school has their own rules. Lessons at Strive are very dynamic, and the time just flies, according to my son.

★★★★★ — Elle, Jul 2025

Excellent confidence building, home discipline and focus building program for kids. My daughter was super shy at first and now looks forward to going to class with the amazing Bill the master who work so hard and diligently to help our kids grow and become confident little ones.

★★★★★ — Leyla, Jun 2023

Strive Martial Arts is absolutely fantastic! From the moment you walk in, you can feel the positive and encouraging atmosphere that Master Bill has cultivated. What truly sets Strive apart is the incredible attentiveness of all the trainers.

★★★★★ — Graham, Nov 2025

Strive Martial Arts has been such an incredible experience for our family. Master Bill has truly made a lasting impact on my son—helping him build confidence, develop a love for sports, and really understand that challenges aren’t something to avoid, but something we can overcome with effort and persistence.

★★★★★ — Mary, Jun 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 112 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Strive Martial Arts

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 Strive Martial Arts

6950 Kingery Hwy, Darien, IL60561

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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.