i've been a student at LCCT for longer than I haven't almost 8 years now and I have loved every day…read moreof it. I currently go four times a week and couldn't be happier. This place has been a staple in my life for so long and I couldn't imagine my life without LCCT or Thiago Vega (who I will be referring to as coach Thiago) Is the best teacher I have ever had or ever will have he has taught me more than almost anyone else in my life, and I still have so many things to learn from him. I can't explain enough how special this places has become to me and how amazing of an instructor. coach Thiago is.

Coach Thiago and his team are simple top notch. We've been going for 2 plus years and kids have…read moregrown so much in skill!

I'm just going to put it simply, this place changed my life. I decided to try something new, way…read moreout of my comfort zone. Little by little I grew stronger, more confident and I learned the techniques. The people here believe in me, coach me and encourage me to push further, be braver. They are talented, kind and strong. At the age of 43 I just registered for my first tournament and it feels amazing. Just try it, you never know what will come out of it.

If you are looking for a legit BJJ gym with top notch instruction, facilities, and value, then look…read moreno further. Coach Carlos and Patty have a great culture of respect, honor, team, family, and friends. LCBJJ is an affiliate of Professor Leo Viera's Checkmat Team. I've been around BJJ since 1998 and started martial arts in 1990, and LCBJJ really is a quality location I am proud to be a member of their school. Brand new location with a large new mat and training area, beautiful!! Beginners 101's 6 week program is excellent and a great, easy paced, we'll instructed, and cost effective way to see if you enjoy the art. A high quality Gi is included with an entry level white belt. Evening, Noon, and Saturday classes for us with the busy or flexible schedules. Check your ego at the door and come learn the best martial art, get a great workout, have fun, and meet great people at LCBJJ!!

If you train here and don't understand how special it is or you are thinking of which school to…read moretrust your kids with or who to trust for your own entry into the Jiu-jitsu journey, this is it! Do your own research out there with the rest and then come running back to Currans! The best.

I started training here in the spring. Most of the gym was welcoming, and I genuinely enjoyed…read moretraining, rolling with members and attending almost every class. The first issue arose when a longtime teammate came to me visibly upset and said she and another student were kicked off the mat by blue belt Alexa, who she said lacked authority to do so. Staff initially seemed understanding, but when they later asked her, she retracted what she'd told me. She had personally told me she cared about her reputation at the gym and didn't want to seem like a complainer. I was questioned about why I stood up for her when it "had nothing to do with me." Chuck labeled me a problem and said I was stirring up drama. I also raised concerns about another woman's passive-aggressive jokes. Chuck dismissed it because she jokes with him, but what he considers a joke isn't necessarily what I do. There was also an incident I never reported because I feared being labeled a complainer. I've never had an issue rolling with men there; this was one specific interaction. After rolling with an older man, the clock stopped and we sat while I listened to his advice. He rested his hand on my upper thigh. I stayed quiet because of how my previous concerns were handled. I discussed concerns with morning instructor AJ and coach Justin. Owner Jeff Curran later called this "cornering" instructors and spreading gossip. I was trying to communicate how disrespected I felt by Chuck labeling me the problem. Chuck talked down to me, cut me off and became upset when I asked questions, so I left. During the next eight days, my membership was apparently canceled without informing me, even though I kept attending morning classes with AJ. I avoided evenings because of Chuck. When I saw him again, there was no apology; I was told he "deals with things a certain way." I still listened to Chuck and the other coaches. When Chuck later tried having a joking/personal relationship with me again, I didn't want that. I wanted to train, take instruction and leave, but apparently that was interpreted as disrespect. After I borrowed a gi, Chuck told me to put it in the bin and he'd wash it. I heard him, we made eye contact and I understood. I guess because I didn't respond how he wanted, he immediately followed me. When I looked back, he kept pace and maintained eye contact. He followed me to the rack, watched me put the gi away, then watched me leave. Later they said there was only one exit, but he followed me to the rack first, not simply toward the exit. The situation reached its climax when Jeff confronted me after morning class while I was talking with AJ. He said, "Let's talk about it." As AJ was leaving, Jeff said he didn't want to talk to me alone because I "put words in [his] mouth." He motioned for me to get out, then told AJ not to talk to me. Jeff yelled at me and accused me of calling Chuck "a bigot." I immediately made clear I DID NOT call Chuck a bigot. Jeff said he'd known Chuck for 39 years while judging me despite barely knowing me. He called me a "liability" and defended Chuck by saying he'd simply had a bad day. When I responded, "I can't have bad days too?" Jeff said I had a "victim mentality" and continued calling me a liability. He also said something like, "This is a combat sport. What are you going to do, cry if you jam your finger?" My concerns were NEVER about handling BJJ physically. I've trained through injuries. They were about how I was treated and spoken to. Jeff scheduled a meeting for the next day at 1:00. I agreed, but going in I already had a feeling how it would go, so I said I was going to stop training there. They recorded the meeting, so assuming it remains complete and unedited, there's a record of what happened. Chuck constantly interrupted me, and whenever I addressed one person, someone else jumped in. It felt like everyone was tagging each other in. I tried to understand their perspectives, but when I explained mine, it felt like, "Here's why you're wrong." I felt dismissed and gaslighted. Jeff eventually told me to get out and commented on my future personal relationships despite barely knowing me. When I mentioned mixed reviews about him, he felt insulted after making personal comments about me. I trained hard and cared about the gym. I believe this could've gone differently if they'd been willing to listen instead of becoming defensive. Others may genuinely have five-star experiences, but that doesn't negate mine. More five-star reviews don't erase what happened to me. As a woman there alone, I question whether I would've been treated the same way if I'd had someone supporting me, such as a partner or man present. I have no reason to lie. This reflects my experience and what happened when I raised concerns.

I have been training with Shihan Gangi since 1984. I started in my 30's, and was not into sports. I…read moresigned up for a Women's Self Defense class. The class was 7 weeks long and I loved it. I signed up for another 7 week course. I tried to sign up for a third & Shihan Gangi suggested I might want to try the regular Kung-Fu classes. Well I did, and I absolutely loved the workout & learning new things. I progressed and earned my 3rd degree black belt. I never thought I could do it, but Shihan made me believe in myself. Eventually I became an instructor & participated in teaching Women's Self Defense classes, children's classes and competing in point tournaments. Sensei Bonnie Ross

I started training with Shihan Gangi in 1984 at the age of 18, eventually earning a second degree…read moreblack belt. He is an excellent instructor for practical self-defense, and working with children and families. I still use many of the same principles and techniques he taught me years ago.

My brothers go here they say it's a lot fun I would recommend this place for gym and jujitsu!read more

Amazing place to train huge mat space, weight lifting and a big bathrooms with showers, the…read moreinstructors are amazing and some of the best in Chicagoland. If you want to learn BJJ this is the place to go

My son Chris practices BJJ here. I cannot recommend this place enough. The teaching is excellent…read morecovering details and nuances in such a way that small children are engaged and get the movements. Outstanding. If I could give more stars here, I would!

From the owner: Constrictor MMA is a martial arts studio that primarily focuses on Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. We…read moreprovide a fun, competitive, and safe learning environment for everyone.

BTT Schaumburg is nothing short of amazing…read more Coach Junior is the perfect instructor. He cares about individual success -- whatever it may be. If you want to train for lifestyle. If you want to train for self defense. If you want to train for sport, he works with you to get you to your destination. I gain more confidence not just in Jiu Jitsu everyday that I train under him, but outside of the gym as well. He pushes you to be the best that you can be, and the best that you want yourself to be. His kids classes have been truly great. My two boys (and eventually my little girl) have loved his classes from the start. He provides clear direction, and keeps them engaged and makes the classes enjoyable but with skill-based technique games as well. The approach that Coach Junior and the rest of the coaches (Coach Dylan, Coach Michael, Coach Mac) take with the kids makes them feel like family. The kids used to be timid about 'sparring,' but now all of the kids can't wait to jump in and test out their technique in a safe and fun environment. All I see are smiles.

I can't say enough good things about Brazilian Top Team in Schaumburg and Professor Junior!…read more Junior is an amazing instructor- He gives clear demonstrations and is hands on throughout the entire class offering advice and support by coaching students through the positions. He's extremely patient and thorough with his direction. His classes are very well thought out and intentional- they offer time to learn techniques, time to drill with partners, and time to practice and apply new skills! The facility is top notch- it's a very clean and spacious gym with high quality mats. All of the students are very welcoming and willing to teach & learn alongside you! I highly recommend checking out BTT in Schaumburg at any level!

I was only in the Grayslake area for a couple of days...but I had to get a roll in…read more Ohana was wonderful. They were very welcoming, despite the fact I was not able to call ahead prior. The coach was excellent - he provided great instruction and...just to really drive the point home the instructor even rolled with me and demonstrated the techniques he taught in class by applying them to (on?) me! That was a great way to see/experience the lesson in action. All-in-all everyone was super nice, no one tried to smash me down because from a different place, but everyone still gave me a good roll and I had a great experience!! If you're in the Grayslake, Il area I highly recommend Ohana Martial Arts!!

I've been here for a little over a 2 years now. One of the biggest things which pointed me to…read moreOhana was the Instructor. Chris Lund is really laid back and there are no formalities here, which make it really easy to ask him for help with techniques or questions about how to do moves. Actually you can walk up to anyone for help and they'll be more than happy to do so. The quality of instruction you receive here is amazing. I am a science teacher at a local High School and even I have to admit the instruction/organization of the classes at Ohana are the best. The classes don't feel like a canned lesson and Chris likes to point out the finer details that I feel other places didn't spend time covering. Also while you're practicing, Chris will spend time with most everyone pointing out these details or answering questions. Another great thing is that you also spend time drilling what you've learned in class which reinforces what you've learned. I also really like that the adult class sizes stay small around 20-30 students from white to brown and mostly blue and purple belts who are all very friendly and humble. Check your ego at the door is the sign you'll see as soon as you walk in. Both the instructor and students pride themselves on their hospitality, and the camaraderie can be seen as you first walk in. If you are a beginner to the sport or an experienced grappler this is the place to take your game to the next level. Also, Ohana hosts a great seminar 2x a year with BJ Penn's BJJ coach Renato Verissimo. "Ohana" is not just a catchy name but more so a true representation of their philosophy and teaching. There is no need to feel pressured or intimated; your first class is free! I've been training at the school for over 2 years and still can't wait to attend class each week. BJJ itself is an outstanding martial art for self-defense, physical fitness, and overall wellness/confidence. The school also offers an excellent curriculum for kids. I urge anyone that is curious or considering BJJ to stop into the school to watch a class or jump in to try it for themselves.

Brazilian Black Belt Academy has been one of the best decisions we've made for our kids. From day…read moreone, the atmosphere has been welcoming, supportive, and truly family-oriented. Filipe is an outstanding instructor--patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and amazing with kids. He keeps classes structured, engaging, and fun while still teaching discipline, focus, and respect. My children are not only learning real self-defense skills, but I've also seen their confidence and self-esteem grow tremendously. They stay active, build resilience, and actually look forward to every class. If you're looking for a place where your child will gain confidence, discipline, and lifelong skills in a positive environment, I cannot recommend Brazilian Black Belt Academy enough.

I've had the privilege of being one of the founding members of the school, and it's been incredible…read moreto watch it grow under the leadership of Professor Felipe Costa. He's not only a world-class competitor but also a passionate and thoughtful teacher who truly cares about passing on the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What sets this school apart is its well-structured class format and inclusive environment. Felipe offers a dedicated fundamentals class for adults that focuses on self-defense and foundational jiu-jitsu techniques--perfect for beginners. The all-levels class is ideal for those with experience and offers deeper technical instruction. Classes begin with a brief stretch, followed by a movement-based warm-up tied to that day's technique. Felipe often breaks down a sequence into an entry, core technique, and counters or reactions, which we drill before moving into positional sparring and full live rounds. Safety is always emphasized, and Felipe fosters an atmosphere where exploration and learning take priority over ego or "winning." The facility is clean, the mats are top quality, and the culture is incredibly welcoming. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your game, I highly recommend this school.

I've been training at Aces for about a year and a half now, and it has truly had a positive impact…read moreon my life. I've lost a noticeable amount of weight and gained confidence in myself. Professor Luis provides a great atmosphere that supports your growth. While jiujitsu may not be for everyone, you get what you put into it. Whether you're looking for a killer workout or looking to compete to test your skills, the support is there. They emphasize technique above all else. Aces offer a free trial to new students who want to try BJJ before committing to a membership, so I encourage everyone to test themselves. You'll wish you engaged in BJJ earlier in your life.

From the owner: We provide beginner-friendly classes and push each other to be better each day, as a team and as…read moreindividuals. Our dedication to the study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotes personal development for children and adults alike. Our program is designed to meet the needs of all our students, regardless of age or skill level. We offer training in effective anti-bullying strategies, self-defense, and overall fitness, all within a safe and supportive environment. Our mission is to create a community where learning is cultivated, and leaders are built. Whether you are interested in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense, competition or fitness, we are here to help you achieve your goal. We believe that Effort is the foundation of Excellence and Elevation is the path to greatness.