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The Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 238 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Glenview, 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
- Membership memberships run around $250/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule academybjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (224) 250-9035
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–1 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Thanks to his coaching, I earned silver at the Pan Am Kids Jiu Jitsu Championship, and I’m still using the guard system he built for me to this day (good luck trying to pass it).”
“Visiting IL for the week and looked up places to train that were close to where we were staying and offered no-gi classes in the evening to fit our schedule.”
“Visiting IL for the week and looked up places to train that were close to where we were staying and offered no-gi classes in the evening to fit our schedule.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, or just looking to challenge yourself, you won’t find a better place to train than with Ashur Darmo.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, or just looking to challenge yourself, you won’t find a better place to train than with Ashur Darmo.”
Other martial arts here
“He’s not just another coach—he’s plugged into the highest levels of MMA and BJJ.”
“I came in for my first day of kickboxing training.”
“Would reccomend to everyone especially those who have a background in martial arts/wrestling.”
What members say
“Jake was an excellent coach throughout, he pays close attention to your form and takes the time to help each student with their individual needs.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, or just looking to challenge yourself, you won’t find a better place to train than with Ashur Darmo.”
“Great experience, the instructor Asher made it a friendly environment and was very knowledgeable for beginners.”
“Ashur and his team are very knowledgeable and do a great job explaining and teaching the techniques.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, or just looking to challenge yourself, you won’t find a better place to train than with Ashur Darmo.”
“The instructors are knowledgeable and supportive, the classes are fun and challenging, and the facilities are always clean.”
From the reviews
My two boys have been training with Professor Ashur for 2 years now. He is the best in the industry. My kids have learned so much from his classes and enjoy coming in to learn. Most of all, I love how they can defend themselves need be. It’s a nice little community with everyone here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ashur Darmo is hands down the best BJJ coach in Chicago and the surrounding area. I’ve been training with Ashur for over 10 years, starting when I was about 14, and I can honestly say he’s shaped not only my jiu jitsu but also my life.
Visiting IL for the week and looked up places to train that were close to where we were staying and offered no-gi classes in the evening to fit our schedule. Contacted Academy (they had stellar reviews as well) to inquire about drop in rates, schedule, and attire.
The Academy is a fantastic BJJ gym. Came in for the first time and was warmly welcomed by coach Ashur. Coach Ashur is not only passionate about teaching, but he is also extremely knowledgeable. 10/10 amazing experience
New to BJJ? Start at The Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The Academy 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 The Academy 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site