I've been at Curran for more than two years and can't speak highly enough of my experience. The environment is so supportive, no matter your goals. Everyone always goes out of their way to talk with new members and make them feel welcome, and over time I've developed several great friendships. Jeff, Chuck, and Justin go out of their way to make Muay Thai and BJJ as accessible as possible. It's a community-oriented, family-friendly environment. I see lots of parents come for kids' classes, then stick around to train themselves. As a woman and a beginner, I usually prefer training with other women, and no one has ever pressured me to work with someone I'm not comfortable with. There are almost always great women to train with, and as I've gotten more comfortable training with men, I've had great experiences with them, too. I live pretty far away, and the coaches are also very understanding that I can only come once or twice a week. Since some members are there almost every day to prep for competitions, even people who are more self-defense oriented (like me) have the opportunity to experience more intense sparring if they want it. If you've ever considered learning Muay Thai or BJJ, or just want to learn to defend yourself, Curran is a great place to do it, regardless of age. You can take it at your own pace and will feel encouraged, not pressured, to aim higher. The coaches care about ensuring you can protect yourself, so if you stick with the program, you'll know you're being prepared with solid techniques. If I ever leave the area, it'll be one of the places I miss most! read more

I have only been to this place once, but I wish I could go back and take weekly classes! Curran Ji-Jitsu Academy is truly amazing. I did a trial day there once with a friend and got to sit in and try some hand-to-hand techniques. Chuck was the one running our session and he was so kind and understandin. I was very nervous to try and didn't know the first thing about martial arts, but he treated me with so much grace, and it's a very no pressure, supportive environment! I seriously recommend this place for beginner, intermediate and experienced people! This place is absolutely worth a try. read more

I started training here in the spring. Most of the gym was welcoming, and I genuinely enjoyed training, 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. Take notice Abigail 5 star reveiw ans Marissa they both so happen by "coincidence" wrote their reviews tryna go agaisnt the things I said that was probably encorunge by the owner. 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. read more

If you train here and don't understand how special it is or you are thinking of which school to trust 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. read more

Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Main mat area and beautiful facility. - Martial Arts Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

My son has been training at Team Curran for over 5 years so far. He's had the same coaches the entire time, the coaches are all great and care about all the students. He has grown up with this team and I couldn't imagine him going to another gym. read more

Since I began training in Jiu Jitsu in October of 2015 overseas, I have made it a point to come back to train at Team Curran every time I'm back in the US. Why you ask? Because they don't treat me like a sales statistic or a gym fee walking in the door, they treat me like I'm a part of the community every time I come. It is important to know that this is not some make it up as they go along school. They are an established member of the community and provide an excellent outlet for children to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and the skills to improve their well-being. Team Curran's proven track record of developing quality adult students, instructors and training both amateur level and professional competitors speaks for itself. Professor Curran and his team help point the way through the various lessons, but its up to you the practitioner to put in the time and practice. Be prepared to be challenged, certainly don't be in a rush and have fun. read more

Okay, so you're probably thinking "One star? This guy is crazy!". Let me explain why I think my experience at this gym is worthy of a one star rating. I will start off by saying that if you are an adult with little to no Jiu Jistu training you will probably be very nervous when you first start. I had the unfortunate experience of having my first class with a brown belt instructor who came off as a total jerk(I think his name was Jarvis or Parvis, can't remember). Yeah, I know people here are tough but are you trying to scare away your customers? The instructor had me train with another white belt that was literally about a foot taller than me, probably about 100lbs heavier, AND he was a total douche, criticizing everything I was doing wrong. So when we had open sparring at the end of class I let him have it. I will admit I had rolled before with my brother who is a Marine and knew some grappling so I had some submission skills though I wasn't trying to harm the guy or break any of his limbs. I was definitely trying to submit him and came very close several times. Apparently, the instructor did not like how I was being so aggressive so to teach me a lesson he rolled with me next, also criticized everything I was doing (dude, people aren't pros when they start), whooped my butt, and damaged my shoulder in the process. Thanks! After a while I met some great people and learned some solid submission skills so I was planning to stick with the gym. Of course, Jiu Jitsu and Thai Boxing are both physically taxing so injuries are expected. When I injured my knee I explained to the front desk guy, Eric, how I would need some time off to recover. Before putting my account on hold he made me bring a doctors note which may have been in my contract, who knows, but I was charged for unused gym time in the process. Then, when I was trying to cancel my account due to the fact that I was moving to a different state it took me three... THREE attempts and I was charged for weeks of gym time I didn't even use. That is, I spent the time to drive there, talked to Eric, was assured my membership was cancelled, and the guy reinstated it without my authority. Mind you, this was all ACCORDING TO CONTRACT. I was very close to reporting this gym to the BBB. They lucked out. The funny thing about it is I ran into a friend from high school and he had a similar experience with his cancellation process at Team Curran. After he cancelled his membership (and paid the hefty early cancellation fee) they reinstated his membership and charged him for several months without his knowledge. They eventually gave him his unwanted gym time on a gift card to "make up" for it instead of paying him back. This place needs new management. I heard they just relocated to a smaller location. I guess they were desperate to steal my money because they were behind on bills. On a side note, Bellator Featherweight Champ Pat Curran is a cool guy. I still root for him even though the gym he trains at likes to scam people. read more

Team Curran Martial Arts is by far the best facility in the midwest for training in MMA. The complex is simply massive. It not only brings its customers elite coaching and guidance from professional MMA fighters that have competed in the UFC but it also has everything a fighter needs in a single building. I love this place because it has an MMA cage, boxing ring, wrestling room, 3,000 square foot training mat, locker rooms,a full weight room, and even guest facilities for serious.fighters that provides private dorm rooms, bathrooms, full kitchen, lounge area, and even a TV. It also has a Speed Center run by Dave Davis who is an expert on helping athletes develop speed, power, endurance, and explosiveness. The instructors are all very kind knowledgeable and come from all sorts of athletic backgrounds. As soon as I walked in for the first time everyone was very warm and nice to me. They also work great with little kids including my son who is 10 years old that loves the place more than I do. Overall I highly recommend looking into Curran Martial Arts Academy to anybody looking to train in MMA or get into shape. The prices are very fair and the access to training is almost all day. LOVE IT!!! read more

Team Curran has been a great growing experience for both my daughter and son. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build confidence and self esteem in their children. Their staff is incredible with the kids. Great place! read more

The facilities here is awesome! Instructors are great. Since I joined six months back, I have now lost and maintained 82 lbs. This school has active high profile MMA fighters that train there too! read more

Typically, i dont review anything, and will refrain from repeating the statements of other reviewers as the facility speaks for itself. However, i feel the need to address the ONE poor review as many peoples' decision these days are based on reviews found over the internet. Team Curran is undeserving a 1 star review. I have been around fight sports (predominantly boxing) since a very young age and have competed all across the country in various youth tournaments leading me to see many training facilities and meet/see many fighters or people chasing the dream. Ive seen it all. I signed up here about 6 months ago after moving into the area. I do not work for them, nor do i really even consider myself a member as work and family life come first. What she is unable to see is that in combat sports people sign up or sign their child up and are always very optimistic and excited to start the "journey" and for whatever reason within months, weeks, or even days they or their child quit, wether it be loss of interest, laziness, monetary reasons, etc. Team Curran recommends not paying cash to protect you from yourself as I'm sure they've seen this a hundred times over. They do not have you sign some bogus multi year contract charging your credit card regardless if you quit or not, there is 0 obligation. Just call and cancel. Any business owner can tell you money comes in and money goes out. The guys here are not getting rich, they're simply keeping the doors to this CLEAN and professional facility open. That being said if you want to learn to defend yourself, compete, or just work out, i highly recommend this place. If you want your child to learn discipline in a fun, SAFE, and welcoming environment, get 'em in there! Much respect to Jeff and the entire staff of Team Curran for raising the bar of combat training facilities across the midwest/country. read more

This is one of the best gyms I have ever trained at. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and guides students at all levels of experience. Don't think you have to be a pro-MMA fighter to work out here. I'm a 100lb girl who loves the work out the Muay Thai and Jujitsu gives me. Great people to train with. read more

I signed with Team Curran after doing a ton of research on the best mixed martial arts training facilities in the northwest suburbs. I went to the facility, really liked what I saw and decided to take the plunge and sign for a year...with cash. I gave their sales staff $1,700 for a year's membership, without the knowledge that they "strongly discourage" memberships for a year, especially with cash. After signing, I was excited to come and train. I went out and trained twice, yes, twice. I lost my job a week after signing up and had to move to Gurnee, which is quite a hike to this facility. I made phone call after phone call, I went in and spoke to their sales guys multiple times to try and get some of my money back because I was in a really bad situation. I was told, on multiple occasions, that my money was already gone because they had to pay rent and pay their employees. I was also told that the sales guys would speak with the owner regarding what they could do for me, that never happened. Needless to say I was pissed. A customer of theirs spent that much money, trained twice and is now asking for some, not all of their money back due to an unforeseen circumstance....not even two weeks later. I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone, simply based on their obscenely rude sales staff. I understand this is a business, but businesses are usually willing to work with their customers in order to come to an agreement, to keep both parties happy. This business took my cash and basically said "too bad, your money is already spent." Horrible business practices, Team Curran. read more