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Valko Jiu Jitsu Studio
5 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, 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
- 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 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule valkostudiobjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (224) 392-2521
Hours
| Monday | 10–11 AM, 5:15–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:15–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10–11 AM, 5:15–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:15–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5:15–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:45–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The kids—no matter their age or experience—create such a kind, encouraging environment that makes every class something we look forward to.”
“If you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner this will be an environment and gym for you.”
What members say
“Jay, Jose, Rex and Q are all great instructors that have the ability to teach students across all experience levels.”
“I’ve been going to classes here for about a week and absolutely love it - I’m a smallish woman, and everyone has been super welcoming and friendly to me.”
“I’ve been going to classes here for about a week and absolutely love it - I’m a smallish woman, and everyone has been super welcoming and friendly to me.”
“The classes cover a certain technique, situational sparring, and then most of the time there is time after the official class to roll/spar, work on other techniques, and socialize.”
“They’ve built a space where kids can learn focus, confidence, and respect while getting great exercise and building real skills.”
“If you’re looking for a place that teaches more than just BJJ—somewhere your child can build character, confidence, and community—Valko Studio is it!”
From the reviews
Best people to train with! Jay, Jose and Rex are the best instructors/coaches I have ever had. Very safe, professional and welcoming environment for everyone (including women and children). Super excited for the addition of the new studio!
Valko Studio is an amazing place to train bjj as a beginner or advanced student. The classes cover a certain technique, situational sparring, and then most of the time there is time after the official class to roll/spar, work on other techniques, and socialize.
I’ve been training with Jay, Jose, and Rex for a nunber of years now. They have always been exceptional at what they do and how they teach, which is rare. The environment they have created is welcoming and professional. So I am beyond excited for the new location!
Signed up my very first day at Valko. Jay, Rex and Jose are great professor who care for their students. I have trained for almost 2 years and the professors here are great with breaking down techniques. Community here is family like, great hospitality.
New to BJJ? Start at Valko Jiu Jitsu Studio
Valko Jiu Jitsu Studio 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 Valko Jiu Jitsu Studio
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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