Gracie Barra Chicago

IMAF#1 · 08-30-2009, 04:31 PM

So I've decided to take up bjj. I've looked up schools near me(UIC, Little Italy)and found Gracie Berra Chicago. Just asking if anyone here train there or have trained there before. Is it legit training, also how much is it because I cant find any thing about pricing on their website. Also if you know of any stops on the L within walking distance of the school. Thanks in advance.

lechien · 08-30-2009, 04:42 PM

If they are on the official GB website, then they are legit!

stu3ufc · 08-30-2009, 06:14 PM

yup GB number 1

grafik · 08-30-2009, 06:48 PM

i train with pete 'the greek' at rio jiu jitsu on western near north ave., but i've heard good things about the school you're talking about. a blue belt who trains there works in the same building as i do and he likes it a lot.

if you want to check out a couple other schools as well you should come check out rio: Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy

Steve3730 · 08-30-2009, 08:33 PM

I believe GB is around $125 a month and they want a year commitment. I went to an intro class there when I was shopping around. Do you go to UIC? have you trained in anything anywhere before?

ILGrappler · 08-30-2009, 08:42 PM

I've run into a couple guys who train at the GB in Lincoln Square. It is $125 with a one year commitment as someone said. Take the brown line to Western and it's just a couple blocks north.

However I'm assuming you mean the new one in the Loop since you're in Little Italy. You could get there on the blue line, but I don't know prices or anyone who has trained there. I'd be interested in hearing people's thoughts on that location, though.

Lookyoung · 08-31-2009, 01:56 AM

GB Chicago is a great school to learn jiu-jitsu. The instructors are top notch and the students there are great people (No egos). They recently added more mat space and they have a pretty good sized weight room.

The great thing about GB Chicago is they split there classes between fundamentals and sport bjj. So even if your 44 years old and don't plan to compete you could benefit greatly. And if your looking to compete they have plenty of solid competitors probably at least 20 competitors who have won local bjj tournaments.

There are plenty different body types and a good mix of white,blue, and purple belts. Even a few brown and blackbelts. The school is top notch.

MagicWand · 08-31-2009, 01:30 PM

you're near UIC? goto Valko

MickCollins · 08-31-2009, 03:35 PM

Click here for Chicago's MMA. It has a school list.

We should put a sticky for the major cities websites/lists of schools. Seems every week someone is asking about a school in NY,Chicago,etc..

chicagocombat · 08-31-2009, 03:47 PM

I train at Rio Jiu Jitsu in chicago, but I also train with some guys from GBC and I like both schools.

You should really try out several schools and see what instructor have the same mental and physical BJJ style as you would want to practice.

Each instructor emphasis is on a different part (guard passing, positions, submissions, and whatever else you can think of).

The point I guess is to try out as many schools as possible to make sure you like the instructors approach, the environment, and the students.

Riojj.com it is a small school where the head instructor always teaches and you get a lot of personal attention.