I have been a member of Pica Pau for 10 months now because I became interested in their striking…read moreclasses (a mix of boxing and Muay Thai). I'm 39 and have never been athletic in my entire life and was just over 300lbs back when I joined. I joined after my first class, even though they were more than generous in offering me more time to check the place out. I joined because it was immediately clear that the mantra-mission statement of "Train Hard, Be Kind" is fostered in and is alive in every single person at this gym and I wanted very much to be a part of it. Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in Aaron and Tam - the captains of this ship - and all the instructors across Pica Pau's deep and diverse weekly schedule. In the striking classes you will find no better coach than Ulysses and no better group of training partners. There is space for everyone of every skill level here. Everyone has the same expectation - train hard, be kind. BJJ is a challenge I am continuing to work at, but what has never been a challenge is feeling like I didn't belong. I've never seen a single person hesitate to help anyone who needs it. I have never seen, or even heard gossip of, the kinds of toxicity that multiple YouTube videos will tell you exists across the vast expanse of jiu jitsu gyms. The expectation and mission of "Train Hard, Be Kind" could not describe the culture better and it's infused in everything about Pica Pau. This place will rise to meet all the effort and drive you are willing to bring to it. It's an amazing ride being a part of Pica Pau. 5 out of 5 stars, no notes, would train at again.

Pica Pau is a great place to learn jiu jitsu, not only because of the great instruction, but the…read morewhole vibe of the gym and members. It can be intimidating to jump into a sport like jiu jitsu but Tam and Aaron, the owners of the gym, will answer questions and make sure you feel welcome on their mats.

Great location to train. Kind people, drills are thoroughly explained, and all levels of experience.read more

Great School. If you want to learn some self defense or just want a fun way to get in better shape…read moreB1 BJJ is a great option.

Professor Jefferson and coach Daniel are some of the best instructor in the area and are very…read morewelcoming to all. Great training and fun and friendly atmosphere plus clean facility.

I don't have any other experience to know what's better or not - but So far they're doing all I can…read moreexpect and very happy with keeping my ten year old engaged and interested after several weeks. Facility is definitely clean and it's clear they've invested into making it work.

A truly wonderful place to come get beat up at. Compared At least I learn something new every time.read more

Its an amazing place, great instructors, nice training curriculum that other places lack, and the…read morestudents are awesome. Everyone trains hard and there is a emphasis on rolling.

Love dropping in here when I'm in the area. Very chill, fun atmosphere and they're really welcoming…read moretoward visitors. Would definitely train here more if I lived nearby.

Great gym for beginners or seasoned practitioners. The gym is very clean. It has a good…read moreatmosphere and the students and instructor are very helpful. I have been part of both their striking and Jiu Jitsu classes and had a great time with both.

Amazing school! I've done BJJ at others school and the culture his is just different. When you…read morejoin, everyone goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcomed, especially, Professor Garfield and Erik who walk with you through your journey. Day one this team aims to teach especially the higher belts. Normally you'll go to some schools, and seeing a new person is like a shark getting a whiff of blood in the water. However, Gracie Barra New Lenox is absolutely nothing like that. Gracie Barra is a notarized school already, but this specific location carries the principles and values in an exemplary way. Within the first few months, shoot, even the week you'll start feeling like you've rejoined a long lost family you didn't even know was out there.

Professor Garfield is a well-versed competitor and technical instructor, and the school is nice and…read moreclean. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

The instructors at 10th Planet Naperville are very detailed in their coaching. They are able to…read morebreakdown techniques that are understandable to beginners. Everyone is very welcoming. I would recommend to anyone looking to start jiu jitsu.

Great place to learn both sports and self defense jiu jitsu. Omar is a great instructor and really…read moredetailed when he teaches.

This place is hands down the best BJJ gym in the western suburbs. I've trained at multiple gyms in…read morethe area (Compridos, BJJ lab, Gracie Barra, B1, All Star, 10th planet) and this gym is something special. Coach Amir and Lexi cares a lot about their students and it shows during class and competition. This place is great for competitors and hobbyists and the kids program is good too. The curriculum is well structured. It covers both Gi and No-Gi and is focused on helping you build a strong game. Everyone is warm and welcoming here.

Best jiu jitsu gym in the area Amir was super knowledgeable and helpful . I came in looking for…read moresome tips before my fight and he gave me everything I needed and more !

This academy definitely emphasizes safety and solid technique. The kids class starts with…read moreunderstanding the best techniques to avoid or escape from physical conflict and then leads to techniques that can be used to keep you safe if your in an unavoidable situation. Once these basic skills are mastered you learn sport jujitsu techniques that can be applied in a tournament situation. The initial emphasis on self defense without permanently hurting your opponent is a great skill for all kids to learn. If there is an interest in competition the academy can get you there. Adult classes are accelerated with an emphasis on flow drills that can get you to the point that you can walk into any academy, train with confidence, and not worry about getting hurt or hurting others. If you're a goon or a bully, this is not the place for you. If you want to be a great training partner, stay (or get) in shape and be safe; this is a great place to begin your jujitsu journey.

From the owner: Right here in good old wheaton! Learn how to keep yourself and everyone around safe, healthy, and…read moremore fit!!

This is a fantastic place with knowledgeable and patient instructors. If you're looking for…read morepractical application martial arts, you've found it at DTI.

I love this school. It's not only a great workout, but a school that teaches great skill learning…read moretechinques. All instructors are positive, upbeat really ready to teach.