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The Bridge Jiu-Jitsu

4.8 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois

BJJ gym Free trial Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

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
  • 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 thebridgejiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 4:30–5:30 PM, 6–7 PM
Tuesday 4:30–5:30 PM, 6–7 PM
Wednesday 4:30–5:30 PM, 6–7 PM
Thursday 5–7 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 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 The Bridge Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 14 mentions

“I can’t wait to enroll my son here when he's a little older—the coaches and environment provide the exact structure and mindset he needs to be successful.”

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🩳 No-Gi 2 mentions

“Kids and adults both have an amazing place to train no gi or gi jiu jitsu right here at The Bridge!”

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🥋 Gi

“Kids and adults both have an amazing place to train no gi or gi jiu jitsu right here at The Bridge!”

All gyms that run gi →

🏆 Competition Team 4 mentions

“Our 7-year-old son joined Bridge Jiu-Jitsu four months ago, and this past weekend he earned 2nd place in his very first tournament.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“The Bridge Ji-jitsu Gym is more than just a place to learn self-defense; it's a community where kids grow!”

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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 The Bridge Jiu-Jitsu — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“The Bridge is an excellent gym for both BJJ and MMA.”

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 20 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“My child has learned invaluable life lessons here, thanks to the amazing instructors , who are fantastic with the students.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 6 mentions

“The environment is always positive, welcoming, and supportive, which made it easy for me to get back into jiu-jitsu after some time away.”

active competition team 4 mentions

“Our 7-year-old son joined Bridge Jiu-Jitsu four months ago, and this past weekend he earned 2nd place in his very first tournament.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 5 mentions

“Richie, in particular, does an incredible job working with the kids - instilling perseverance, building confidence, and creating a positive, encouraging environment.”

From the reviews

Having trained in martial arts for over the past 20+ years across the country and internationally and also, training amateur and professional fighters at the highest levels, I can say without a doubt The Bridge has the absolute BEST kids jiu jitsu program in Chicago.

★★★★★ — Mar, Sep 2025

The Bridge is an excellent gym for both BJJ and MMA. Our eldest son previously trained with another school and lost every tournament he entered. Since joining the bridge 5 months ago his takedowns, timing and intensity have all improved. He won double gold in his last gi/no gi tournament by submitting every opponent.

★★★★★ — Khanh, Feb 2025

The Bridge Ji-jitsu Gym is more than just a place to learn self-defense; it's a community where kids grow! My child has learned invaluable life lessons here, thanks to the amazing instructors , who are fantastic with the students.

★★★★★ — Michael, Feb 2025

Our 7-year-old son joined Bridge Jiu-Jitsu four months ago, and this past weekend he earned 2nd place in his very first tournament. From day one, Richie, Paulie, and Nicki have created a supportive, motivating, and positive environment for the kids.

★★★★★ — Alejandra, May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 20 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at The Bridge 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. 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 The Bridge Jiu-Jitsu

1100 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL60608

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.