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Top Level MMA

4.9 ★★★★★ 74 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Niles, Illinois

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

Plan your first class

  • 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 — 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule toplevelmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 708-529-9204

Hours

Monday 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Tuesday 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Wednesday 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Thursday 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Friday 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Saturday 9:30 am–1 pm
Sunday 10 am–1 pm

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 Top Level MMA, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 8 mentions

“So thankful for being able to bring my son to top level and have him build confidence in himself, have fun and all in a caring, positive, professional and clean environment.”

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🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“Whether you are looking to train for competition, members compete regularly, or simply looking to lose some weight, I'm down about 20 pounds, this is a great place to check out.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“The private lessons have been an extra special treat.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“If you want to just learn for self defense or compete they have the coaches and members to help you.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Great atmosphere to learn and they offer classes that suit all skill levels.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Top level mma is great place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing and mma.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🏟️ MMA 16 mentions

“Top level MMA is an exceptional place to train with excellent, knowledgeable, and genuine professors/coaches!”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥊 Boxing 2 mentions

“Top level mma is great place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing and mma.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🤸 Wrestling

“Wether you like Muay Thai, Boxing, Jiu Jitsu or wrestling, they have it all!”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

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 74 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Great coaches, friendly and skilled fellow students, and music that will get you working out even harder.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Paul, Bernadette and family have created an welcoming atmosphere for martial arts training.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 20 mentions

“Top level has a very friendly environment, perfect for newbies and experienced people in the martial arts !”

great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“This is not just workouts and conditioning but a place to better your craft in MMA.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“So thankful for being able to bring my son to top level and have him build confidence in himself, have fun and all in a caring, positive, professional and clean environment.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“Whether you are looking to train for competition, members compete regularly, or simply looking to lose some weight, I'm down about 20 pounds, this is a great place to check out.”

From the reviews

Top level MMA, is more than just a self defense facility. It was a location that quickly became a second home. The owners Bernie and Leon welcome you with open hands and help you navigate the different styles of MMA they have to offer.

★★★★★ — Estephany, Jun 2024

Top Level MMA has been a home away from home for me the past 4 years. The atmosphere welcomes any and everybody. The coaches are excellent and training partners that I wouldn't trade for anything. Highly recommended for anyone regardless of age or conditioning.

★★★★★ — Rafael, Dec 2017

This is one of the most supportive places I've ever been. They're extremely friendly with the children of clients; teaching the kids discipline and patience. The adult classes allow you to work at your own pace and offer martial arts as well as a fitness class and a yoga class.

★★★★★ — Pawel, Dec 2017

Love love this place. This became my second home away from home. Learning the art of mixed martial arts have never been so exciting with my training buddies and coaches. It is such a friendly environment and the coaches are very knowledgeable in what they do.

★★★★★ — Tina, Nov 2015

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 74 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Top Level MMA

Top Level MMA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Top Level MMA

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 Top Level MMA

9110 Golf Rd, Niles, IL60714

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.