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Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 102 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chicago, Illinois

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens No-gi

Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.

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
  • Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule viannabrothers.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (773) 908-7890

Hours

Monday 10–11:30 AM, 4:15–9 PM
Tuesday 12–1:15 PM, 6:30–9 PM
Wednesday 10–11:30 AM, 6:30–9 PM
Thursday 12–1:15 PM, 6:30–9 PM
Friday 10–11:30 AM, 4:15–9 PM
Saturday 9:45 AM–1 PM
Sunday 10–11:30 AM

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 Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

📘 Fundamentals 3 mentions

“Coach Al and Coach Mike do an amazing job teaching proper technique while fostering discipline and respect.”

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🧒 Kids BJJ 16 mentions

“My son, who hates anything in his personal space fell in love with Jiujitsu bc of the incredible coaches here.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🔓 Open Mat 3 mentions

“I reached out about a drop in at a Saturday open mat while I was visiting Chicago and they were quick to get back to me and let me know I was welcome.”

All gyms that run open mat →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Not only have my children gained confidence and discipline, but they’ve also learned teamwork, respect, and self-defense in a fun, supportive environment.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 102 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“My son, who hates anything in his personal space fell in love with Jiujitsu bc of the incredible coaches here.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Everyone here is so welcoming and supportive especially when you first start out as a white belt.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 16 mentions

“Not only have my children gained confidence and discipline, but they’ve also learned teamwork, respect, and self-defense in a fun, supportive environment.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“It included practical knowledge and hands-on techniques to escape common holds—valuable skills for everyone.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Not only have my children gained confidence and discipline, but they’ve also learned teamwork, respect, and self-defense in a fun, supportive environment.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“The coaches are awesome, and the place is super clean—perfect if you’re new or just want a safe, positive space to train.”

From the reviews

We absolutely love Vianna brothers BJJ!"We couldn’t be happier with our experience. The kids’ BJJ program has been amazing for my children! The coaches are patient, encouraging, and really know how to connect with the kids.

★★★★★ — Yahret, Sep 2025

Highly recommend this Academy! Sensei Daniel and other teachers Karla and Will hosted a free community women’s self-defense class that was incredibly informative and empowering. It included practical knowledge and hands-on techniques to escape common holds—valuable skills for everyone.

★★★★★ — Audrey, Jun 2025

My husband has been training at Vianna Brothers and absolutely loves the community. When we thought our son was ready to start jiu jitsu, we knew that he would also be training at Vianna Brothers. He loves it there. The coaches are thoughtful, patient, caring and firm.

★★★★★ — Amy, Jan 2024

My wife and I are incredibly grateful for the amazing instructors at the kids' Jiu Jitsu class. My daughter absolutely loves her sessions and always looks forward to them. It's clear that coach Albert, Mike & Karla are very attentive and genuinely care about each child's progress and well-being.

★★★★★ — Jose, Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 102 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

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 Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

2128 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL60647

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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.