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Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy

5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois

BJJ gym Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule strongholdbjjchicago.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (708) 669-7221

Hours

Monday 10 AM–5 PM, 7–8 PM
Tuesday 10–11 AM, 4:15–5 PM, 7–8 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–5 PM, 7–8 PM
Thursday 10–11 AM, 4:15–5 PM, 7–8 PM
Friday 10–11:30 AM
Saturday 11 AM–1 PM
Sunday 9–10 AM

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 Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 7 mentions

“Not to mention my daughter (who is a toddler ) loves watching and joining in on the kids class with her older brother ( who also attends) here and there.”

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🔓 Open Mat

“Had a great time dropping in for an open mat and training with everyone here”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Luis is one of the best in business of not only imparting his knowledge in self defense but also helping you get ready for real life scenarios.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🤼 Judo

“The gym also offers judo with Sensei Bryan and it is all beginner friendly.”

Other gyms that also teach judo →

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 26 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 9 mentions

“Professor Luis is an amazing man- the way he runs his classes & the overall environment he has created.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“DO NOT be tentative to join, on your first day, EVERYONE will come up to you, shake your hand, introduce themselves, and welcome you to our Stronghold Jiu_Jitsu Family.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 15 mentions

“When you come in to train, you are with family who are all eager to share knowledge and help you grow.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions
🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Not to mention my daughter (who is a toddler ) loves watching and joining in on the kids class with her older brother ( who also attends) here and there.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 7 mentions

“Great place to train, one of the nicest, cleanest gyms I've seen and great instructors.”

From the reviews

Family! Stronghold Jiu-jitsu Academy is 100% Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Family. Everyone helps everyone here in every capacity. If someone says they need help with something outside the academy, there are 20 brothers and sisters asking when and where! Professor Luis has created such an awesome learning environment.

★★★★★ — M, Mar 2021

This place has definitely changed my life ! If you haven't trained jiu-jitsu or you need a place to continue your journey, come here its a blessing to be surrounded by such good & skillful people ! 🥋🦍

★★★★★ — Neyra, Apr 2021

Home away from home ! When I first learned that I was expecting I was so hesitant to make the announcmemt because I thought I was going to have to stop going or that everyone would be hesitant to pair up with me- I WAS WRONG!

★★★★★ — Vanessa, Mar 2021

I have been training at Stronghold Academy for 7 months now and the jiu jitsu learning environment that Professor Luis creates will help any student that walks through the doors succeed.

★★★★★ — Kevin, Mar 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy

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 Stronghold Jiu-Jitsu Academy

4120 N Nashville Ave, Chicago, IL60634

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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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.