Rio Jiu Jitsu is without a doubt the best place to go to for top-notch jiu jitsu training. Pete is a world class instructor and a fighter from the Golden Days of jiu jitsu, when BJJ was in its prime as a martial art. Today, jiu jitsu is watered down almost everywhere you go, with the exception of Rio. Here, you learn the way fighters learned back in the good old days. It's relaxed and old-school, and the training makes you feel like a part of something that no longer exists in its original form, even if you've never trained jiu jitsu once in your life. To try and keep it to the point, these are the top 5 reasons you should train at Rio Jiu Jitsu: 1) It is highly recommended. Former UFC champion BJ Penn, Abu Dhabi blackbelt champion Eddie Bravo, and UFC contender Kenny Florian all highly sugest Rio as the place to be if you're looking for phenomenal jiu jitsu. The founder of the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) told Pete that Rio is the best school in the Midwest. 2) No other jiu jitsu school is this friendly. Pete will help you out when you need it, and so will all the advanced practitioners. Everyone here is friendly and loves to laugh. If you have no sense of humor, don't come. if you're a beginner, no other place in the world is better for you. Pete also doesn't allow MMA knuckle-heads, perverts, mean or dirty people train here. He's kicked out every single one of those who have stepped through those doors without any questions. 3) As mentioned earlier, jiu jitsu is starting to show signs of becoming "watered down" as a martial art, much like Tae Kwon Do, karate, and judo have in the past years. This isn't the case at Rio, however. Pete sticks to the basics, and doesn't like to teach weird stalling techniques that are becoming all too common nowadays. What are you gonna do if some wierdo is trying to hurt you and you do some funny stalling move to him? He's gonna hit you in the face!! What are you gonna do to him if you're using Pete's jiu jitsu? You will CRUSH him. The RIGHT way, might I add. At Rio, it's pass the guard, put the pressure, then submit. Honestly the most badass training you'll ever see. Pete the Greek = PTG = Pass the guard 4) Most martial arts dojos are only concerned about one thing: money. It's the opposite at Rio, however. Pete is passionate about jiu jitsu the way Jimi Hendrix is passionate about guitar. Who plays guitar better then Jimi? Nobody. Pete's passion for the art is apparent the minute he starts teaching. The best part is he passes on that passion for something great to each and every one of his students at Rio. Over there, Pete sees his students as his children, and will care for them better than a grizzly bear for her cubs. 5) Kids classes are on the way!!! Rio prides itself on besing the best in the Midwest. Whether you're new to jiu jitsu and just want to train, are looking to compete, or just want some old-school, to the point self defense, no place is more right for you than Rio Jiu Jitsu. read more

Rio Jiu Jitsu is a fantastic school for beginners through seasoned practicitioners. I joined recently just by way of observation of the class from students to how the instruction was run. Here are a few key reasons why you should join Rio if you want to join a Jiu Jitsu school or at the very least keep Rio on your short list and pay it a visit: -Pete the Greek is by all accounts one of the best practicioners around (trained and competed domestically and in Brazil), but more importantly a great instructor that runs every class (to the extent possible). It's one thing to know it, another to be able to instruct it. -The rates are reasonable and on par with other schools in the local area. The difference here is that the instruction is from Pete himself, so you're getting top tier techniques from him vs. others that might have students teach the class part or most of the time. -The vibe of the class is relaxed, respectful, and fun. This is particularly key for beginners but also helps to mitigate injuries that can be rampant otherwise. You come to learn and develop skills, not get injured and be out for long periods of time. -It's convenient to get to and has free parking (not a large lot, but enough). A few blocks from the blue line, and bus right outside the door. -You can tell that Pete is passionate about the art and the sport (not just out to make a buck) which comes across in the way he approaches instruction and interaction with the students. Lastly, admittedly the space is smaller than others, but don't let that detract you from the quality of the school. read more

I've been coming to Rio since Pete opened up about a year and a half ago. I've gone from a once-a-weeker to a three-times-a-weeker, and I would probably go every day if I had the time. Since I started I've gotten in much better shape and learned a lot.... Pete gave me my blue belt last weekend, which I'm pretty proud of... we're a newer school so we've got mostly white belts which makes it a great place to learn if you don't have any experience (I didn't.) I've been bringing friends into the school and I wouldnt do that unless I liked it a lot. Some students (myself included) have started doing competitions as well, and we have performed very well against other schools in the midwest. At our last tournament we took a dozen guys and walked away with ten medals, including a few golds. (My friend won 8 of his first 9 matches, I have won 17 of my last 18.) I should also say a word about Pete... he is a world class instructor and has trained with some BJJ stars. (After a UFC fight we met BJ Penn who said Pete was one of the only guys who used to beat him in sparring.... that was pretty cool.) There are beginner classes and more advanced classes, and I think everyone is getting what they want out of it (some people spar more, some people are doing more conditioning, etc....) Pete has a lot of knowledge about jiu jitsu, and his school is a great place to learn. Also I think he is planning kids' and women's classes. read more

I joined Rio Jiu Jitsu a little over a month ago, and the experience so far has been nothing short of outstanding. Pete is a top flight instructor, who exudes confidence in both his technique and training methodology (the type of confidence that you might expect from someone twice his age). Other academies around Chicago flaunt their instructors' accolades ad nauseam, Pete is as equally decorated, however it's clear that he'd prefer his students' performances at regional/national grappling tournaments to do the talking. Prior to enrolling at Rio JJ, I contemplated joining what many may consider, better known BJJ academies located on the north side of the city; fortunately for me, it took one of these academies close to a week to return my call regarding visiting their gym and meeting with their instructors. If they cared so little about me as prospective student, I could only imagine how much worse it would have got had I actually signed up for classes. Whether you have aspirations of competing in tournaments or you're simply interested in learning the art of jiu jitsu (or self-defense) you'll soon realize that Pete is building something special here, and if you want to be part of this, now is your chance to get on board. Pete is going to take this to a whole other level, and you have an opportunity to be part of his ride to the top. read more

GREAT PROGRAM! Pete's academy truly reflects his positive & welcoming demeanor. I bear witness that this is a great program. Today I visited Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy for the first time, and I can attest that the spirit I witnessed along with the subject matter and techniques shown by Pete was one of a kind. Pete really shows interest in his students and allows for the techniques taught to flow. The class is with humble students and they are very helpful. How is it that I can state so many accolades when I have only visited this school once? Well, for starters I can attest that I have ample experience in pursuing martial arts training and have often met teachers who were quite stand-offish and very unapproachable. Pete is the OPPOSITE! For starters he is truly a people person and shows that he values being able to teach his craft. Only a few days ago did I email Pete about his program and he immediately responded with ENTHUSIASM! The tone of the class is definitely one of appreciation for the students but more so an appreciation for the beauty of BJJ! I work as a Deputy Correctional Officer and know firsthand the importance of control tactics that are reality based, and Pete's program offers NOTHING that cannot be applied from a reality based concept. Lastly, Pete is truly with a strong sense of humor so be prepared to laugh. read more

I have had the opportunity to train jiu jitsu at 3 academies now and I have to say that by far the best experience has been at Pete's place. As an instructor he is as knowledgeable about the art as anyone. He has a great teaching style that is patient yet pushes you hard to improve. Additionally, even as the gym started gaining in popularity and attendance you still receive very personalized attention. What is also great about the gym is the overall "vibe". I know that is really cliche but this is the only school i have trained at that actively fosters and promotes a team spirit. Training and being a part of a team with great people and a great instructor is what really sets this place apart. Pete your the man, keep up all the great work. People, if you have ever considered martial arts as a means to get in shape, become a badass, or just meet new people, this place accomplishes it all. read more

I found out about this gym online when I was looking for a jiu jitsu gym to train in. I have been training here for a little over a month and I have found this place to be great! I go here about 4 times a week and we always learn different things each practice. Coach Pete also likes to mix in a bit of boxing/kickboxing from time to time. Every time I walk in, I walk in with a smile to see my friends and coach. The environment in this gym is great; all the people here are nice and respectful. If you are looking for a MMA gym to train in, you will not regret this one. Coach Pete is a very nice and experienced coach that is willing to train you and put in time if you are willing to put the dedication into it. Rio Jiu Jitsu now has kid's classes, so if you have any kids I encourage for you to sign them up. This place will make you an overall better person in life. Stop by anytime and check it out! read more

Outstanding gym for those looking to improve daily life. Training has drastically improved my cardio conditioning and has played a significant element in decreasing body fat while increasing lean muscle mass. At 27 I am at the best shape of my life and only getting stronger. I have trained for almost 2 years and the improvements in ground work, stand up, and transitions are immeasurable and the before and after is incomparable.. I can assure that these techniques work and are as real as it gets. A great place to learn the gentle way for self defense, competition, and life in general.. People from every direction and path walk in the door and those who stay are sure to experience significant increases in health, discipline, self esteem, and over all well being. read more

Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy is by far the best academy I've attended in Chicago. It's not at all like those other academies where you show up and get beat up immediately to show how good their competition team is at Jiu Jitsu. Pete "the Greek" has built an academy where all who train are treated with respect and given an safe environment to play a great sport. He personally teaches vs. only having his name on the school, plus his approach is that everyone helps everyone else, and as you see others getting better around you, then you too are getting better. For me, Jiu Jitsu has become addictive, and I can't seem to get enough of it. Come by and try it, you too will feel the same way! With his upcoming kids program, I'm sure he'll have to expand soon... read more

I started coming here about a month or so ago. I have taken classes at 2 other jiu jitsu schools and knew right after taking my first class at Rio that this was the place for me. Pete is an excellent instructor and takes great pride in providing the best Jiu Jitsu education you can get. I've taken a few years of boxing/kickboxing/jkd with different instructors and would rank the instruction at Rio in the top tier. There is a great deal of camaraderie amoungst the students. The guys are friendly and willing to help out anyway possible. The price is very reasonable in comparison to other martial arts schools in the city. Overall I would recommend this school to anyone interested in learning jiu jitsu in a comfortable and friendly environment. read more

I know the prospect of rolling on the ground with sweaty men dressed in Japanese pajamas may not seem like fun to most people. But for those who do, you should consider going to Rio Jiu-jitsu. Pete "the Greek" runs the place. He's a bit of a character, but that's a good thing. He cares very deeply for his school and for the people who train there. Having studied jiu-jitsu in Brazil, he's a highly regarded teacher. Furthermore, whether you're a new or old student, he's always willing to help. As far as the people at the gym, the students at Rio are all very nice and work with each other. It's a convivial atmosphere with everyone always helping each other to get the techniques right. Not a bad deal. read more

I have been training here for about a year now, and without a doubt the best ju jitsu academy in chicago. We all have a sense of team and freindship that Pete promotes. We all work together to get better. The school is only a couple of years old, so most of us are new, and enjoy helping new people become accustomed to how we train. We train for fitness, competition and self defense, none of these reasons for training will be excluded. If you would like to join a school where you will be part of a team, where everyone is friendly and helpful, this is the place. If you wanna come in think your a bad ass and try to hurt people go to POW. read more

Rio Jiu Jitsu is a great beginner friendly gym. Everyone there is very helpful and welcoming of newcomers. The kids classes are also very good and has many assistant instructors to help with the instruction. Rio provides for a good atmosphere with both men and women students training here. In addition the instruction here is top notch and Pete is very dedicated and always enthusiastic. Other advanced students are always willing to lend a hand and help out with new techniques. The quality of training here is sub par to none. I'd highly recommend you give Rio a try if you're interested in jiu jitsu or martial arts in general! read more

A couple months ago I had the honor of hosting PTG at my Jiu Jitsu academy(10th planet JIu JItsu Sf) for a seminar and it was nothing less then amazing. I have been to some amazing seminars with other world class instructors but not like this one. Pete gave me a new perspective on not only techniques and drills, but also really good strategic tactics. In short, PTG is an amazing instructor and he is really good at communicating his skills to people. Denny Prokopos 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Black Belt 2 time world champion 4 time world medalist read more

I've been training at Rio Jiu Jitsu for almost 2 years now. I walked into the gym as a 30 year old with no martial arts experience whatsoever. Pete was very welcoming and made me feel at home right away. 2 years later I am in the best shape of my live and have a good understanding of many of the basic principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Also, I am part of a community of friendly men and women who I look forward to seeing every time I go to the gym. The atmosphere is always fun and supportive, and I am not afraid to be myself. read more

This school is very good and offers great training. Pete travels to make sure that we get the latest in technique as well. The place is very clean and very safety conscious. There are no big egos or pressure to go at a pace other than your own. This a great place for an advanced student as well as a beginner. The main objective is for you to learn and have fun doing it. If you are serious about learning than come in and try it out because it doesn't cost anything to try except your time. read more

I started training here about a year and a half ago, and it is nothing short of fantastic. I came into the sport as someone who couldn't tell an armbar from an americana and Pete The Greek has definitely changed that for the better. Pete does all the instruction himself in a friendly and relaxed environment full of helpful and dedicated men and women. THE place to go in chicago for a beginner in BJJ looking for a respectful atmosphere and a top flight intstructor. read more

All children are unique, with different styles of learning. The owner Pete and all of his coaches not only understand this, they embrace it. I'm both a parent & a former early childhood educator. I know good teaching & learning when I see it. My daughter is the beneficiary of all of her coaches decades of teaching & training. This school has a real sense € feel of community. Give it a try (first one is free) you won't be disappointed. read more

I have taken a couple classes so far and I love the place. Its a small place but they are planning to expand the building very soon. Pete is a great instructor; so happy I went for the free introductory class. The people here are GREAT. At first I was really nervous about joining but I have to say the environment is awesome. At the very least I would recommend to stop by and check the place out. read more