Renzo Gracie - Chicago
About Renzo Gracie - Chicago
At Renzo Gracie - Chicago, we are passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and dedicated to helping students of all experience levels discover the transformative power of this martial art. Located in Illinois, Illinois affiliated with Renzo Gracie, our academy welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced grapplers.
Our experienced instructors bring years of dedicated training and a genuine love for the art to every class. We emphasize strong fundamentals, technical precision, and a supportive training culture where every student is encouraged to grow at their own pace.
We offer Adult programs designed to serve our diverse student body. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, competition, or simply the challenge of learning a complex martial art, Renzo Gracie - Chicago has a class for you.
Come experience the Renzo Gracie - Chicago community for yourself. Your first class is on us — we look forward to welcoming you to the mat.
Reviews
I had a trial class with Oscar and loved it! The team was all very welcoming. They were patiently helping me, making sure that I was getting feedback on my technique from different angles, which I really appreciated. The partner I worked with was also friendly and helped give me some pointers. No sparring is required (and not allowed anyway until you’ve reached a certain level), so I didn’t have to worry about being inexperienced. Everyone knew that I was a beginner, and they made me feel right at home, no egos. I recommend them!
Great place to learn! I enrolled my 7 year old son a couple of weeks ago. Crystal (staff) was welcoming and very helpful in assisting me with enrolling. If you're looking to accomplish something special, this place has you covered. The Professor (Mr. Uflacker) and his team of instructors are knowledgeable and genuinely care about your progress. Everyone is welcome. This is a great community for our youth. The clean facility makes training enjoyable every time. I’m so glad that my son is part of this team. I recommend this to all parents!
Top notch instruction when I was here. Uflacker and his professors have a great system and teach it well. Good people and no intimidation here. Wish I was still in the area to continue my training. This review was long overdue but they are above 5 stars for sure. Come here for amazing bjj training!
Renzo Gracie Chicago provides world class instruction with amazing facility!!! The academy is 6000sqft with 2500sftq in mat space with showers, look room and private parking where you don’t have to park on the street. Very beginner friendly!!! Great place for kids and adults!!!
I went in to watch classes at other BJJ gyms before signing up at Renzo Gracie Chicago in Lincoln Park as a 57-year-old with no grappling experience. What swayed me was Professor Frank: his openness, enthusiasm, and knowledge. Two plus years later I show up to 4-5 classes every week and love it. What I appreciate most are the people. Some of the best friends I’ve made in Chicago are from the school. From the professors to the coaches to the students, everyone here is generous with their knowledge and eager to help each other learn. From the senior belts who set the example down to more recent additions, there is a genuine desire to help people get better. No egos. The quality of instruction is of the highest standard. From fighters to families, men, women, kids--the curriculum manages to accommodate everyone. Like me, they keep coming back. Visitors from other schools always tell me how welcoming ours is. The location is convenient, has a private parking lot, the mats and locker room are kept meticulously clean, and there are a variety of classes throughout the day. The professors and coaches are acutely safety conscious. As one of our professors often says, “Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THERE A FREE TRIAL CLASS?
Absolutely. We invite all prospective students to try their first class free at Renzo Gracie - Chicago. It's the best way to experience our training environment, meet our coaches, and see if BJJ is right for you. No experience or equipment needed — comfortable athletic clothing is fine.
DO I NEED ANY EXPERIENCE TO START?
No experience necessary! Renzo Gracie - Chicago welcomes complete beginners. Our instructors break down every technique step by step, and our community is known for being welcoming and patient with new students. Everyone starts as a white belt, and that's exactly where you should start too.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY FIRST CLASS?
For your first visit, comfortable athletic clothing works perfectly — a t-shirt and shorts or athletic pants. Once you commit to training regularly, you'll want to invest in a gi (kimono). Our coaches can recommend quality options at a range of price points.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TRAIN?
Most students at Renzo Gracie - Chicago train 2 to 3 times per week and see consistent progress. Showing up regularly matters far more than training intensely once in a while. We offer multiple class times throughout the week so you can find a schedule that fits your life.
DO YOU OFFER CLASSES FOR KIDS?
We primarily serve adult students. Please contact us directly to ask about availability for younger students — we're happy to point you in the right direction.
Programs
Weekly Schedule
| Time | Class | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00am | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 12:00pm | Noon BJJ | All Levels |
| 5:30pm | Kids BJJ | Youth |
| 6:30pm | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 7:30pm | Advanced BJJ | Blue Belt+ |
| 6:00am | No-Gi Grappling | All Levels |
| 6:30pm | No-Gi Submission | Intermediate |
| 7:30pm | Competition Training | Advanced |
| 9:00am | All Levels BJJ | All Levels |
| 11:00am | Open Mat | All Levels |
Check the gym's website for current schedule and any changes. Visit website
Instructors
No instructors listed for this gym.
Student Stories
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