Very welcoming atmosphere -- clean and professional. Professor Marcelo and his team run a top notch…read moreoperation, 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!"

I travel a lot and have had the opportunity to train in a lot of gyms. This is by far one of the…read morebest 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.

I took an hour long train ride up to Evanston just to drop-in to the 6:30am class. This is by far…read morethe most beautiful BJJ school/gym I've ever been to. It is in a new shared space called Gym 1801. The gym is very modern and has locker rooms with all the amenities (towels, hair dryers, soap/shampoo/conditioner, etc.) The instructor and students in the class were both very helpful and friendly. There were also two other women there which was awesome to see. We started with a pummeling drill to warm-up then did about 30-40 minutes of drilling. We finished with some positionals then rounds of rolling. If you are visiting the northern Chicago/Evanston area you should definitely check out Serafin BJJ. The only downside is knowing what I'm missing out on when I go back to my home gym that's in a warehouse :'(

Jeff is the best coach I've ever had in anything. He's very kind and an outstanding teacher. You'll…read moreget high level training in a supportive environment. Can't recommend enough.

I love to train here and I would definitely recommend going here if you are in the area and want to…read morelearn martial arts. Professor Catherine and Professor Nick are very nice people and I hope to keep training here!

Pure BJJ has a cool vibe. I visited from out of town for a week and had the pleasure of training in…read morethe gi classes. The instructors, Catherine and Nick, are very welcoming and attentive to their students. They give verbal during the rolls. I found all their students - white, blue, and purple - to be intelligent and courteous partners. On the nights I was there, it was 15% instruction, 40% drilling, and 45% open rolling. I thought that was a great distribution. The school is home to both hobbyists and competitors. I also greatly admired that there were almost equal numbers of women and girls in the class compared to the men. It seems to be an environment in which women can flourish. Lastly, I was impressed with the willingness of the instructors to teach leg locks to their white belts with proper instruction and safety. I look forward to returning to Pure BJJ in the future.

I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am to have found you guys. All 3 of my kids are excited to…read morecome to Jiu Jitsu class and are even staying after class to practice on their own! I can't get my boys to practice much of the sports they say they want to play but they're begging me to let them practice BJJ!! All 3 agree - Tony is an awesome instructor and I know if it wasn't for his teaching style they would not want to attend. He made them feel welcome, included, capable, and strong. Thanks again, Larissa

We've had an excellent experience at FMA! Sensei Gerson and Prof. Tony are excellent, enthusiastic…read moreteachers and know how to relate to kids and adults alike. They've been very patient with our two boys who can be a...handful...and Tony's adult BJJ class is focused, fun, and super supportive. No bad vibes or overly intense instructors here. Highly recommended for students of all ages and stages. Thanks FMA!

This is the best multi disciplinary martial arts program I've seen. My son is learning…read moreself-defense, self confidence and great discipline that extends to work and home. He loves the classes and the sensei. He actually is excited to go to class! All the instructors are great and work with the kids individually to address specific weaknesses instead of a standard curriculum that overlooks strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I love this program. We will continue here. I couldnt recommend it more. Thank you, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios.

Z ultimate is the best I have seen…read more Sensei Steve and his instructors are really great I can't say how much Z has impressed us. The way our son carries himself with friends his confidence and how his instincts automatically take over from his training. Plus we feel it has helped him with other sports. Sensei Steve teaches real-life defense (no board breaking ) They teach you how to defend vs multiple situations. They don't push Belts testing for revenue. But they also teach you the importance of trying to avoid situations, our son is only 8 but I feel what he has learned will stay with him for his life. All the students in the class are respectful and help each other

His style of teaching is very traditional, which makes him better than most almost everyone and…read morethat's why his students do so well he's also moving to Glendale Heights

From the owner: We specialize in competition level training and self-defense for both adults and children…read more Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ is a grappling martial art similar to wrestling that allows a smaller weaker person to defend themselves against a larger and stronger attacker. The practice of BJJ has a variety of benefits including practical self defense and being a great tool for general fitness and well-being. All classes are either taught or supervised by the owner and head instructor Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros who is a 7 time World Champion in competitive BJJ and has coached UFC stars such as Brock Lesnar, Demian Maia, and Tony Ferguson to name a few. The quality of our academy is such that you will have all the tools at your disposal for whatever your goals may be, ranging from getting in better shape and learning to defend yourself effectively all the way to pursuing a career in professional fighting.

The best place to train jiu jitsu in Chicago. Elite instruction and a great place to learn and…read moregrow. The techniques are broken down so you understand why they work and so you can beat black beats, not white belts. It's also no gi, so it's more practical than gi gyms. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed

If u want to train with one of the best local schools look no further…read more Josh is a class act and u won't be disappointed !

Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for lessons…read moreabout a year ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible. He's moved quickly through the program and has now moved into the intermediate level class. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participated in his very first "Dojo Duel" last spring and loved it. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. All the participants are recognized and receive medals, but they still recognize the top competitors in every age group as well. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport and you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. We love Sensei Dave at the Wilmette Dojo, he clearly cares about his students and really invests his time in their development. My son often arrives early or stays after class (by choice) because he is so eager to learn from him. He also has taken private lessons (again by his own request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He will be participating in another Dojo Duel this fall and then his first major competition, the Fonseca Cup. This place is the real deal, you will not regret sending your child.

We had been told for years to try Karate. Unfortunately, we listened to those who had not tried…read morebefore, thinking that it would bring out aggressive tendencies in our kids and that they'd be practicing in each other all the time. We wish we had not listened to these people. Fonseca has been such a wonderful oasis for my kids. Let's begin with the heart and soul of the program: the amazing Sensei's. These men and women are such wonderful role models. They are always supportive, energized, and keep the class moving. They focus on the importance of character foremost rather than the outcome. My kids happily go at least 2 times a week - which is a miracle in itself. They are in a class where there is a wide range of ages and skill levels but no one ever feel intimidated or embarrassed. They get a very intense workout, while having fun, making new friends, gaining coordination and confidence. If you've ever thought of having your kiddos try Karate, don't wait! Sign them up. You will not regret it.

This place is so amazing. My son comes here and before he started classes he was so sensitive and…read morehe would always get picked on. After a few months of going to Chang's , my son is no longer having issues when I am not around! He can do 200 consecutive back flips! It's amazing!

My 11year old grandson loves this program! Master Roger and Miss Michelle, both black belt owners,…read moreare directly involved in the classes. The many varied activities thorough workouts aimed at building strength and effective techniques of self defense teach both physical and mental discipline. Every class involves interactive discussion of specific aspects of real life scenarios with examples of how best to handle these situations successfully--at home, at school, etc. Taekwondo is so much more than martial arts. Teaching always involves demonstration of movements, not verbal description only. The ongoing praise of individuals (amazingly known by their names) and of the entire group and also correction of any moves done incorrectly. This program focuses on building success, strong self esteem and physical growth. It's amazing! Come and observe it for yourself. My 11year old grandson loves this program! Master Roger and Miss Michelle, both black belt owners, are directly involved in the classes. The many varied activities thorough workouts aimed at building strength and effective techniques of self defense teach both physical and mental discipline. Every class involves interactive discussion of specific aspects of real life scenarios with examples of how best to handle these situations successfully--at home, at school, etc. Taekwondo is so much more than martial arts. Teaching always involves demonstration of movements, not verbal description only. The ongoing praise of individuals (amazingly known by their names) and of the entire group and also correction of any moves done incorrectly. This program focuses on building success, strong self esteem and physical growth. It's amazing! Come and observe it for yourself.