Renzo Gracie Chicago

"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.”"

"My boys absolutely love the program and their professor at RGC. We were driving to the South Side for years due to the lack of kid friendly schools in the city but were so excited when they opened this location on the North Side near our home! The instructors (professors) are extremely knowledgeable and keep an open and fun learning environment. They even keep the gym and locker rooms spotless (even for me as a neat freak) and have showers which help when we are in a rush (pre-pandemic). Post Pandemic they have been so amazing at keeping an open communication on policies and sharing how they are keeping the boys safe. This has been a mental and physical lifesaver for the boys! (photos pre-pandemic)"

"Went over for a session a couple of days ago and expressed my desire to go in for one of their no Gi classes. Couldn’t make it because I was ill-equipped to deal with the weather, but I definitely wish I could’ve made it all the way. Loved the facilities, loved the team, loved the energy as well. Even took my twin in for his first jiu jitsu experience, and he wound up loving the sport! I’ll definitely come back whenever I go back to vacationing up here!"