Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“I took an hour long train ride up to Evanston just to drop-in to the 6:30am class. This is by far the most beautiful BJJ school/gym I’ve ever been to. It is in a new shared space called Gym 1801. The gym is very modern and has locker rooms with all the amenities (towels, hair dryers, soap/shampoo/conditioner, etc.) The instructor and students in the class were both very helpful and friendly. There were also two other women there which was awesome to see. We started with a pummeling drill to warm-up then did about 30-40 minutes of drilling. We finished with some positionals then rounds of rolling. If you are visiting the northern Chicago/Evanston area you should definitely check out Serafin BJJ. The only downside is knowing what I’m missing out on when I go back to my home gym that’s in a warehouse :’(”

“The absolute best instructor and coach I have worked with in my nearly 15 year career in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!!! Jeff Serafin has an IMPRESSIVE wealth of knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and all things combat sports related. I have learned more directly from him in the first few months of meeting him than I had for YEARS under "world champions" in the sport. His quality has attracted a group of fantastic people as his student base, making his gym a truly enriching and positive environment. The new facility here at 1801 Central St in Downtown Evanston, even while still not totally finished, is one of the most beautiful BJJ gyms in the world. I look forward to updating this review in the near future to "THE most beautiful BJJ gym in the world".”

“Serafin Jiu-Jitsu is a gem of a gym! Jeff is an OG of midwest Jiu-Jitsu. The jiujitsu is world class. The facility is spotless. The culture is very welcoming. I really am amazed at the talent and the atmosphere at this gym”

“I’m a professional MMA fighter. I have been training with coach Jack for the past year. My jiu jitsu improved big time. Most of the guys in this gym are competitors which makes the level of jiu jitsu in this place is very high. I’ve been to so many places around the country and I have trained with some of the best guys in the game. This place is the hidden gem of chicago. Head Coach Jeff is very smart with high IQ, he very knowledgeable in Jiu Jitsu. He had a very good reputation in the jiu Jitsu community and he is a former pro MMA fighter as well. His resume speaks for itself. I highly recommend this place. Don’t look anywhere else.”

“I started my BJJ journey with Jeff Serafin a million years ago when he was teaching at Evanston Boxing Club. He is an amazing coach and competitor himself. His instruction is very detailed and he is spot on in terms of technique. Eventually I moved to California and trained at a high level competition gym (Cobrinha), but would have never been able to make the transition without Jeff's initial instruction. When I had to move back to Chicago I joined Jeff's gym again. He has produced many world champions that compete at Pan Ams, Worlds, and other world class tournaments. The gym is open to weekend warriors and world champs and there is no ego. Also it's a great place for female BJJ practitioners and competitors. Highly recommended for anyone looking for the best BJJ gym in the Chicago area.”