BJJ Academies in Illinois.
Illinois' BJJ scene is anchored by Chicago, the city where Carlson Gracie himself opened the first BJJ academy in the state. Carlson Gracie Chicago — now run by his son Carlson Gracie Jr., a 6th-degree IBJJF-ranked black belt — continues to operate as the team's U.S. flagship.
Gracie Barra Chicago is led by Carlos Lemos Jr. (known as "Escorrega"), a former mixed martial artist and 5th-degree BJJ black belt who anchors the Gracie Barra presence in the city. Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has run for 20+ years across Chicago locations in Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square. Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Tutaj BJJ runs in Chicago under the Tutaj family. Other Chicago academies span team-affiliate rooms across the metro.
Chicago
Park Ridge
Elmhurst
Bridgeview
Countryside
Des Plaines
Forest Park
Hickory Hills
Indian Head Park
Justice
Mount Prospect
Niles
Palos Heights
Willowbrook
Wilmette
Tournaments and seminars in Illinois.
Wintrust Sports Complex · Bedford Park, Illinois
This IBJJF International Open tournament runs in Bedford Park, Illinois, contested under IBJJF gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.
Wintrust Sports Complex · Bedford Park, Illinois
This IBJJF International Open No-Gi tournament runs in Bedford Park, Illinois, contested under IBJJF no-gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.
Wintrust Sports Complex · Bedford Park, Illinois
This IBJJF International Open Kids tournament brings youth competitors to Bedford Park, Illinois under IBJJF gi rules across all belts and age brackets.
Oak Lawn Pavilion · Oak Lawn, Illinois
Grappling Games Gi and No-Gi grappling tournament at Oak Lawn Pavilion in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Oak Lawn Pavilion · Burbank, Illinois
Grappling Industries Gi and No-Gi grappling tournament with round-robin brackets for all belt levels and ages, at Oak Lawn Pavilion in Burbank, Illinois.
Oak Lawn Pavilion · Chicago, Illinois
North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Gi and No-Gi grappling tournament with divisions for all ages, belt ranks, and skill levels, at Oak Lawn Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.
Oak Lawn Pavilion · Burbank, Illinois
Grappling Industries Gi and No-Gi grappling tournament with round-robin brackets for all belt levels and ages, at Oak Lawn Pavilion in Burbank, Illinois.
Oak Lawn Pavilion · Burbank, Illinois
Grappling Industries Gi and No-Gi grappling tournament with round-robin brackets for all belt levels and ages, at Oak Lawn Pavilion in Burbank, Illinois.
Open mats in Illinois.
Wednesday
Chicago, Illinois
Weekly Wednesday Randori open mat at Southside Jiu Jitsu Club in Chicago. Drop-ins welcome, but the gym requires at least six months of grappling experience (about 30 classes). Cost not stated.
Wednesday open mat details →Friday
Chicago, Illinois
Weekly Friday morning open mat at Valko Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (River North) in Chicago. Cost not stated.
Friday open mat details →Countryside, Illinois
Weekly Friday evening all-levels open mat at APEX House of Grappling in Countryside. Cost not stated on the gym's schedule.
Friday open mat details →Chicago, Illinois
Weekly Friday evening Gi and No-Gi adults open mat (all levels) at North Side Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Chicago. Cost not stated.
Friday open mat details →Chicago, Illinois
Weekly Friday evening open mat at Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. End time not published on the schedule; cost not stated.
Friday open mat details →Chicago, Illinois
Weekly Friday evening adult open mat at Pure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Chicago. Cost not stated.
Friday open mat details →Saturday
Chicago, Illinois
Weekly Saturday open mat at Team Fumaca Academy in Chicago. Cost not stated.
Saturday open mat details →Chicago, Illinois
Weekly Saturday open mat at Valko Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (River North) in Chicago. Cost not stated.
Saturday open mat details →