Very welcoming atmosphere -- clean and professional. Professor Marcelo and his team run a top notch operation, and you won't find a better place around to learn BJJ, for either an adult or a child! My only regret is that I sat on the sidelines, waiting for so long, before giving it a try. "The best time to start training BJJ is 10 years ago. The second best time is now!" read more

I travel a lot and have had the opportunity to train in a lot of gyms. This is by far one of the best I've ever been to in the US. Everyone in the academy is all smiles all the time and it feels like a big family. It's one of the most rookie-friendly places I've been and also has an incredible talent pool in the students and coaches. Lots of freedom and encouragement to ask any question you want and it's easy to find a partner that either wants to go easy or is willing to ramp up the pace. Prof Marcello is a world class professor and kind of a legend. He was a multiple time Brazilian National Champion before moving to the states, and of all places, ended up teaching in Deerfield, IL. The depth of knowledge he has when asking about details of positions is insane and is a gentle reminder of how little I actually know. So cool to have been able to spend time in this academy. read more

Our son started here several months back and we are impressed with the level of attention the coaches and professor pays to the kids. They know us all by name and really get the kids excited about learning new moves and being engaged in class. I'm glad we went with this place even if it isn't that close to us. read more

I'm a huge fan! My family and I have been going here for three years. Marcelo, Phuong are amazing and dedicated to their craft. It's been really great for me, my son and my daughter and anyone who has an interest should come by and check it out! read more

I am so glad I found this school before the year ended. The school is very well organized, super clean, pleasant to the eyes. Their communication is highly professional yet familiar and so warm, you feel like you know them for years. Professor Marcelo and Coach Falger are highly skilled, honestly smiley -welcoming, and so genuinely interested in your process. The kids always look so happy and powerfully invested anytime I walk in and see them, you can see they enjoy their coach/professor and vice versa. I'd bring my kids here without hesitation. The rest of the herd/ community are invested in your process and comfort as it is theirs, you don't ever get the feeling you are at a bully gym when people just want to challenge/fight you and beat you up. It feels much like learning and having fun/playing while being challenged daily to beat and challenge yourself day to day. (nothing bad about challenging each other though!) I do really looove and enjoy the music Marcelo plays randomly. But my truly 5 starts goes to Phuong Nguyen the Program Director. She made the process easier, she is highly amicable, trauma-care informed, and she really gets your back. I wish I could see more women-identified people at the gym because she will make sure you feel welcomed and understood. We need more women for sure! Try them! read more

Excellent atmosphere, great instruction, very good work out. I especially enjoy how helpful everyone is, especially the more senior belts - which makes for a great learning experience. read more

I took my son for a try out class today and Steve was very nice. He let my son borrow the uniform for the class and Marcelo the teacher was very sweet with the kids. They had enough instructors to guide the kids on their first lesson. We will be signing up for the weekly class. read more

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I have trained with many different BJJ instructors, and Marcelo De Souza, aka Arroz, stands out as incredibly knowledgeable and patient with his students. Whether you are just starting out and nervous about starting to train (don't be, Marcelo is so great and patient) or whether you train seriously for competition and want to be a world champion, Marcelo can get you there. It also helps that Marcelo is part of the tight-knit Gracie Barra family, which means you are training from an instructor with direct lineage back to the original Gracie Family. Do yourself and and go visit Gracie Barra Deerfield to see for yourself. So worth your time. read more

I have been rolling for a few years and wanted to find a place to roll more regularly. This place has been great. Everyone has been very warm and welcoming. The instruction has been top notch and the instructor makes sure that everyone trains in a safe and constructive environment. I truly appreciate the hard work and dedication. Hats off to Professor for running a first class program. read more

Gracie Barra Jiu -Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Deerfield, Illinois

Coming into the gym as a girl, I was super intimidated to be around a whole bunch of guys that have been training for a while now. But once I mustered up some courage and participated in a class, I felt nothing but a warm welcome hello as everyone was super patient and helpful. The sense of unity and friendliness really intrigued me to come back. No macho bro stuff, rather everyone is there to learn and become a better self! From such a positive experience I signed up, ordered my Gi, and am anticipating to start my training asap. Hopefully my review helped YOU make the decision to TRY IT out, I look forward to meeting YOU on the mats! :) read more

I started here about 1 month ago. Professor and the teaching staff are great. Everyone made me feel welcome and comfortable. I checked out a few other gyms before coming here. The other gyms just didn't feel right to me but after one class here I knew I was staying put read more

I can only speak to the 5 year old class, but my child loves it. All of the teachers, anywhere from 2 to 5 at a class, are great with kids. They combine games, drills, and competition to mix up the class. The students are engaged, gaining confidence, and getting exercise. I am sure Gracie Barra is a great all around studio as the owner, Steve, is very concerned and accommodating. And the head instructor, Marcello, is very engaged with the students. I would recommend Gracie Barra for any parents considering Martial Arts for their child or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for themselves. read more

If you're on the fence to join jiu-jitsu, you won't go wrong joining this school. High caliber skilled teacher from Brazil that you will understand the techniques as he teaches. Very clean and friendly atmosphere that promotes Jiu Jitsu for everyone. I just joined because of a work location move and I'm looking forward to my years of future training. _a black belt is a white belt that didn't give up read more

The gym is clean, professional, and the instructor is a pro. ..my 8yr old daughter started training here too and loves it!

Great academy. Professor Marcelo is a great instructor, very detailed and super friendly. Clean gym. Very welcoming and accommodating to people who travels like myself and just want to drop in and train. read more

Ive been doing judo for over a decade, so I'm very familiar with being on the matts and testing my strength, mind, and skill with another person. Steve and professor Marcelo are great! knowledgeable, patient, and ready to help. They've only been open for a couple of months so it's the perfect time to get in on small classes. If you've been curious about martial arts or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, then this is the perfect time to come on in. Doing yoga or running on the tredmill is fine if you're super old or have a health condition, or don't want to interact with anyone. But this is hand to hand combat, taking someone your size or bigger and with a few changes in position manhandling them so that they have no choice but to submit. And then having someone who is maybe thirty or fifty pounds lighter then you and having them manhandle you and put you in a position where you're stuck and have no way to escape... until you learn a new position that allows you to escape. Class is chill, you're not going to get ground into the mats because you're new. we take things slow, and it's okay if you forget which is your left hand, but you sure are going to sweat and get a little sore. So don't wait, or worry that you're out of shape. Come on in and try it out read more

I started doing jiu jitsu when I lived in the city. When we moved to Highland Park I needed to find a new place. I am so happy we chose the Gracie Barra in Deerfield. I initially chose them because they have a great kids program. Both my eight and six year old take class there. They love it! The instructors are patient and very supportive & encouraging. My kids are becoming more confident and focused. I also love it because, as a woman, I feel comfortable training there. It can feel very intimidating walking into an environment that most people feel is for men. However I feel that jiu jitsu is the best form of self-defense for women out there. It was designed for smaller people who don't necessarily have the physical strength to ward off an attacker. Here I am learning skills that will protect me should I need it. I am gaining confidence. Plus, it is an amazing workout! I am also making great new friends who love this as much as I do. I highly, highly recommend Gracie Barra in Deerfield. read more

I have been studying at a Gracie Barra in Long Island and stopped in to take classes while I was in town visiting family. I had a great experience. The instruction was incredible. The pace of instruction was balance extremely well for students of all levels. I never felt left behind but also challenged in the best way. The attention paid to my practice was positive and encouraging. A great environment for learning. I will visit whenever in town. read more

Professor Marcelo teaches in a very detailed way while allowing personal styles to develop. I particularly like the welcoming environment he fosters. Makes for a great group of people and environment to get an amazing workout. I've been involved for over a year and have lost fifteen pounds I didn't think I had to lose. Some of the bigger guys have list 50 - 90 pounds in the same time. read more