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Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · BJJ gym in North Riverside, 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 $16/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 14–16) — 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 tutajbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (708) 689-9680
Hours
| Monday | 5:45–8:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:15 AM–1 PM, 5:45–8:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:45–8:45 PM |
| Thursday | 11:15 AM–1 PM, 5:45–8:45 PM |
| Friday | 5:45–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10:45 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Highly recommend here for any parent looking to give their child more than just a sport — it’s a foundation for confidence, respect, and resilience.”
“Tutaj offers kids classes, gi/no bjj, takedowns and even fundamentals if you're just getting started.”
“I've been attending for a year and two months now and I've become more confident in not only my self-defense but in my self-confidence as well.”
“This personal approach separates Tutaj from other schools and creates an environment in which beginners are not overwhelmed, and can make rapid progress.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“John Tutaj is a wonderful, down to earth instructor. Going to class is always a great experience.”
“This personal approach separates Tutaj from other schools and creates an environment in which beginners are not overwhelmed, and can make rapid progress.”
“I learned from Jon at Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for several months where there were women and supportive men to start my try at BJJ, no matter my shape or level.”
“Having John teach and breaking down the moves even to the most precise detail have been a very great help for me and as well as for other people .”
“I just stopped in to see the place (which is clean and the equipment is well-cared for) and got to meet Jon, who is so kind and personable.”
From the reviews
My son Aidan has been coming here for close to 6 months and the experience has been great! Jon is an amazing instructor. He teaches the kids great discipline and ensures that his students are learning how to perform moves accurately and safely.
My husband started jiu jitsu here about a month ago and he’s had nothing but wonderful things to say about it. I just stopped in to see the place (which is clean and the equipment is well-cared for) and got to meet Jon, who is so kind and personable.
Jon is a great instructor. He is very thorough in his explanations and spends extra time to ensure that you get the technique right, and understand the principles. This personal approach separates Tutaj from other schools and creates an environment in which beginners are not overwhelmed, and can make rapid progress.
It's never too late to start. I just started 3 weeks ago at 48 years old. Everyone at Tutaj is very welcoming. I feel great after each class. If you want to learn bjj, get in shape, relieve stress, and be in a better mood all day long Tutaj BJJ is the place for you. Jon Tutaj is an excellent instructor!
New to BJJ? Start at Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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.
Your first BJJ class at Tutaj 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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