About Brazil 021 Chicago
More than champions.
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu team with roots in Rio de Janeiro, built to help people grow stronger on the mats and in life.
Our Story
Built for everyone.
Brazil 021 School of Jiu Jitsu was founded by black belts Andre “Negão” Terencio and Hannette Staack with the vision of building more than just champions. Their goal was to create a united team that not only excels on the mats but also helps students become stronger citizens, family members, and individuals.
From the start, Brazil 021 has welcomed everyone — men, women, and children of all backgrounds — including those who may feel unsure of their abilities. The academy was never meant to be a place only for the “tough,” but instead a supportive community where anyone can learn and grow.
The name and logo pay tribute to the team’s roots in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The number 021 represents the city’s telephone code, a nod to the place where Jiu Jitsu flourished and spread worldwide. To reflect its global reach, the academy carries an English-based name: Brazil 021 School of Jiu Jitsu.
Today, Brazil 021 is a truly international team, with schools across Brazil, the United States, and Canada — all sharing the same philosophy of respect, discipline, and community.
Our Mission
More than medals. Prepared for life.
Brazil 021 School of Jiu-Jitsu seeks much more than winning competition medals. Our resolution is to promote health, well-being, self-confidence, and mental toughness in a safe, encouraging, and inspirational environment to properly prepare our students for all of the challenges of life.
Our Philosophy
Character first.
Technique second.
One of the defining qualities of Brazil 021 Jiu Jitsu is our clear philosophy that guides both instruction and the learning environment. While many schools focus only on technique, we believe that true martial arts training also develops character. Jiu Jitsu at Brazil 021 is about much more than learning techniques. It is a journey of growth, discipline, and self improvement that impacts not only the student, but also their family and community. Our instructors provide personalized attention so that students of all ages and skill levels can experience Jiu Jitsu as a positive force in their lives.
Experience It FreeGrowth, not just technique
Jiu-jitsu at Brazil 021 is a journey of growth, discipline and self-improvement that reaches the student, their family and the community. Instructors give personal attention to every age and level.
Safety and self-defense
Above all, we believe in safety. Jiu Jitsu at Brazil 021 is taught to be used for self defense and only in the right situations. Every student is expected to help create a safe, fun, and respectful environment where training partners can grow together. Jiu Jitsu should never be used to cause harm.
Family friendly, family first
We believe Jiu Jitsu is for everyone — kids, adults, and families. At Brazil 021, we work hard to create a welcoming environment that supports students at every age and stage. We also emphasize family values, both at home and within our team, so that trust and camaraderie grow naturally. For us, family always comes first, and our academy reflects that in everything we do.
Why Brazil 021
Fun. Safe.
Built for real life.
You don't have to be a fighter to love jiu-jitsu. Our room is friendly, our coaches are patient, and every class is something to look forward to.
Fun every class
Partner drills, games for the kids and a friendly room make training the best part of the week.
Safe by design
Supervised classes and coaches who teach control and tapping from day one.
Discipline for kids
Kids learn focus, respect and follow-through, then bring it home and to school.
Made for hobbyists
Competing is optional. Train two or three times a week for fitness, stress relief and fun.
Family friendly
Kids, teens and parents train, learn and grow together under one roof.
World-class coaching
Led by world champions Hannette Staack and Andre “Negão” Terencio, with decades on the mats.
Brazil 021 is Chicago's family-friendly BJJ academy, built on world champion instruction, real community and every student's growth, on the mats and in life.
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