Adult and youth Jiu‑Jitsu classes in Chicago, with a structured path for beginners, developing students, and advanced practitioners.
Build a strong technical foundation and the skills to keep progressing.
Develop discipline, self-awareness, and confidence through consistent practice.
Develop practical self-defense skills, prepare for competition, and work toward Black Belt excellence.
We offer adult Jiu‑Jitsu classes across three levels, plus a structured curriculum for children and teens focused on routine, cooperation, and self-awareness.
Share your information and the academy team will follow up.
Our adult programs make it easy to choose a class that matches your experience. For younger students, the curriculum introduces the essential building blocks of Jiu‑Jitsu in a structured setting.
Jiu‑Jitsu is for everyone — including you.
Gracie Barra is a worldwide Jiu‑Jitsu community with schools around the world, united by the mission of “Jiu‑Jitsu for Everyone.” Its structured programs help students of different ages and experience levels learn, grow, and pursue their goals on and off the mats.
Start with the fundamentals, sharpen your skills, and work toward Black Belt excellence.
Learn the fundamentals and principles of Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu while building the skills you need to grow.
Move beyond the fundamentals and refine the principles, discipline, and technique behind your training.
Train with a program designed to help experienced students pursue Black Belt excellence.
Ready for the next step? Review the current West Loop class schedule and choose a time that works for you.
Current West Loop scheduleOpen full size ↗
Known as Escorrega, Carlos Lemos Jr. is a former mixed martial artist, a multiple-time world champion, and a sixth-degree Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu black belt practitioner and coach.
A third-degree Gracie Barra black belt with 17 years of experience, Professor Carlos Lopez is bilingual in English and Spanish and is known throughout the Midwest Jiu‑Jitsu community.
A Gracie Barra black belt and ICP-certified instructor with 15 years of experience, Professor Mike Bayley leads the West Loop kids' program.
Coach Ricardo is an ICP-certified instructor who has trained at Gracie Barra West Loop since 2019 under Professors Carlos Lemos, Marcio Feitosa, and Carlos Lopez.
A structured curriculum helps students build consistent training habits.
Students learn alongside training partners in a shared practice.
Practice encourages students to understand their movement, choices, and progress.
Higher-level training develops the focus and discipline needed to keep improving.
Yes. The All Levels program teaches the fundamentals and principles of Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu and gives students a foundation for continued growth.
Yes. The youth curriculum focuses on the building blocks of Jiu‑Jitsu and the value of routine, cooperation, and self-awareness.
Gracie Barra Chicago is located at 630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661.
Use the trial-class form on this page, visit the official appointment page, or call the academy at (773) 999-2485.
Choose a trial class, meet the team, and find the program that fits your goals and experience.
