BJJ Gyms in Cook County, Illinois: Chicago and Surrounding Area

Cook County, Illinois (Chicago and the surrounding suburbs) has a strong BJJ scene with academies covering all the major lineages. Renzo Gracie through Christian Uflacker, Carlson Gracie Jr. through Pete Letsos, Ralph Gracie through the local affiliate, plus independent academies and women-focused training spaces. This is the working guide to BJJ training in Cook County.

Quick summary

• Best traditional Renzo Gracie lineage: Uflacker Academy (Christian Uflacker, 4th-degree under Renzo Gracie)
• Best Carlson Gracie lineage: Rio Jiu Jitsu (Pete "The Greek" Letsos)
• Best competition-focused: Movimento BJJ & Fitness (Israel Reyes, 3-time No-Gi World Champion)
• Best for women's self-defence: Brazil 021 Chicago (featuring Hannette Staack)
• Best Lincoln Square option: Redzovic Jiu Jitsu

Why Cook County for BJJ

Chicago and the surrounding Cook County area is one of the strongest BJJ markets in the Midwest. The lineages run deep, the head instructors at most academies are genuine high-level competitors, and the cost of training is lower than the coasts.

The academies on this list cover most of Chicago's neighbourhoods and suburbs, so you should be able to find a credible option within a reasonable commute.

The 10 Cook County BJJ gyms worth knowing

1. Movimento Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness

• Address: 2139 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• Phone: 773-474-2058
• Email: izao@movimentobjj.com
• What to expect: BJJ, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, kids classes. Run by Israel Reyes, a 3-time No-Gi World Champion. Established in 2011.

One of the strongest competition-track options in Chicago. The head coach's credentials are genuine elite-level, and the academy has a steady output of competitive grapplers.

2. Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

• Address: 4555 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
• Email: info@viannabrothers.com
• What to expect: BJJ, wrestling, Muay Thai, MMA, kids classes. Seven instructors on the roster. Short-term contracts and trial periods available.

A strong multi-discipline option for anyone interested in BJJ alongside other combat sports. The seven-instructor team means consistent coaching coverage across the schedule.

3. Rio Jiu Jitsu

• Address: 3948 N Monticello Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
• Phone: 773-463-8000
• Email: info@riojj.com
• What to expect: BJJ and kids classes. Led by Pete "The Greek" Letsos, a black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr.

The Carlson Gracie lineage is one of the most respected in BJJ. Rio Jiu Jitsu is the closest you will get to that lineage in Chicago. Supportive, all-levels atmosphere.

4. Tutaj Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Address: 1770 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546
• Phone: 708-689-9680
• Email: tutajbjj@gmail.com
• What to expect: BJJ, kids classes, Pilates. Founded by Jon Tutaj.

A welcoming academy in the western Cook County area, suiting people in North Riverside, Berwyn, Cicero and surrounding suburbs.

5. Brazil 021 Chicago

• Address: 1911 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
• Phone: 866-977-7021
• What to expect: BJJ, women's self-defence, kids classes. Top-level instructors including Andre Terencio and Hannette Staack.

The standout option for women's BJJ in Chicago. Hannette Staack is a multiple-time IBJJF World Champion and one of the most respected female competitors of her era. See our women in BJJ page for more on the broader women's scene.

6. Valko Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

• Address: 820 New Orleans Street, Chicago, IL 60610
• Phone: 773-556-8155
• What to expect: BJJ, judo, boxing. Jay Valko has over 20 years of experience. Free trial class available.

Strong if you want BJJ alongside judo throws and stand-up work. The combined skills are useful for both self-defence and the takedown game.

7. Uflacker Academy

• Address: 6390 South Archer, Chicago, IL 60638
• Phone: 312-890-3675
• What to expect: BJJ and kids classes. Led by Christian Uflacker, a 4th-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie.

Traditional Renzo Gracie lineage in Chicago. The Renzo Gracie line includes John Danaher and Gordon Ryan among many others. Strong self-defence and competition focus.

8. Redzovic Jiu Jitsu Lincoln Square

• Address: 1930 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
• Email: info@chicagojiujitsu.com
• What to expect: BJJ, wrestling, MMA, kids classes. Eight experienced instructors on the team.

One of the largest BJJ academies in Chicago by instructor count. Strong programme for kids and adults across multiple disciplines.

9. Ralph Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Address: 616 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661
• Email: info@chicagomma.com
• What to expect: BJJ, Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, kids classes. Part of the Ralph Gracie network.

Ralph Gracie is one of the Gracie family members and the Ralph Gracie network is widely respected. The Fulton Market location is convenient for downtown and West Loop residents.

10. Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (IBJJA)

• Address: 3302 Gerig Dr #300, Bloomington, IL 61704
• Phone: 309-665-1099
• What to expect: BJJ and kids classes. Led by Owen Brickell, a competitive black belt.

Note: IBJJA is in Bloomington, not strictly Cook County, but is included for grapplers in central Illinois looking for a competition-track option within driving distance.

What to look for in a Cook County BJJ gym

A few practical considerations for the Chicago area specifically:

• Commute time. Chicago neighbourhoods are spread out and traffic varies. Pick a gym you can realistically train at three or four times a week.
• Winter access. Chicago winters are brutal. A gym near a reliable L line or short driving distance from home matters more here than in milder cities.
• Lineage. All academies on this list have established lineages (Renzo Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Ralph Gracie, plus modern competition-track teams).
• Parking. Some Chicago gyms have limited parking. Check before joining if you drive.
• Trial class. Most academies welcome a free or low-cost trial.

For the broader gym-evaluation checklist, see our BJJ gyms in London guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much does BJJ cost in Chicago? Most Cook County BJJ academies charge $150 to $230 per month for unlimited classes. Drop-in fees typically range from $25 to $40 per session. Cook County is cheaper than the coasts but more expensive than smaller Midwest cities.

Are there Renzo Gracie affiliates in Chicago? Uflacker Academy is the main Renzo Gracie lineage academy in Chicago, run by Christian Uflacker, a 4th-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie.

Where can women train BJJ in Chicago? All academies on this list welcome women. Brazil 021 Chicago specifically features Hannette Staack (multiple-time IBJJF World Champion) and runs women's self-defence classes. Most academies also have women already training and welcoming new starters.

Is there a 10th Planet in Chicago? The Chicago BJJ scene includes some no-gi-focused academies, but check directly for current 10th Planet affiliates. The 10th Planet network has affiliates across the US.

Can I train BJJ in the Chicago suburbs? Yes. Tutaj BJJ in North Riverside, Vianna Brothers on Elston Ave (closer to the suburbs), and several other academies serve the suburban Cook County area.

What is the best BJJ academy in Cook County? Depends on your goals. For competition: Movimento. For traditional Renzo Gracie: Uflacker. For Carlson Gracie lineage: Rio Jiu Jitsu. For women's self-defence: Brazil 021. Try two or three before committing.

Are kids' BJJ classes available in Chicago? Yes. Most academies on this list run kids' programmes alongside their adult classes.

Is Chicago a good city to start BJJ? Yes. The depth and quality of academies make Cook County one of the strongest BJJ markets in the Midwest.

The bottom line

Cook County's BJJ scene is deep and credible. The 10 academies above cover the major lineages (Renzo Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Ralph Gracie, plus modern competition teams) and the major regions of the city and suburbs. Try two or three before committing to a membership.

For more BJJ city guides, see BJJ gyms in New York, BJJ gyms in Los Angeles, BJJ gyms in London, BJJ gyms in Glasgow, BJJ gyms in Limassol and BJJ gyms in Paphos. For gear, see our best BJJ gis and BJJ gear guides.