Who All Levels and Advanced Classes Are For
Once you have a feel for the basics, these classes help you build a real game. All Levels classes mix newer and experienced students, so you can keep growing while the fundamentals stay sharp. Advanced classes go deeper and faster for students who already know the positions well.
You do not have to compete to belong here. Plenty of our advanced students train for fitness, problem solving and the fun of rolling with good partners.
- Students moving on from Fundamentals
- Experienced grapplers new to Chicago
- Hobbyists who want more detail and more rounds
- Competitors getting ready for tournaments
What a Class Looks Like
Classes run one hour. After a warm-up, your coach teaches a connected series of techniques, often a setup, a counter and a follow-up from the same position. You drill with a partner, then work positional rounds that start from that spot. Most classes finish with live rolling so you can try what you learned against a resisting partner.
Rolling is hard but friendly. Partners match their intensity to the person in front of them, bigger students look after smaller ones and coaches step in when a round needs a reset. You will be challenged every week without feeling like you have to survive the room.
Morning, evening and Saturday options mean you can train before work, after work or on the weekend, and mix gi and no-gi as your schedule allows.
BJJ Competition Training in Chicago
Our Advanced Competition Class (gi) meets Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. It focuses on the things that win matches: grip fighting, guard passing, scoring positions and pace. Andre Terencio has served as an IBJJF head referee for 15 years, so you also learn how rules and points actually work on the mat.
The coaching team includes Sharon Gosun, a 2nd-degree black belt with 2017 Europeans gold and 2017 Worlds silver, and Vinicius “Machine” Pereira, a 2021 IBJJF No-Gi Pan American champion as a brown belt.
What You Will Gain
Advanced training is about turning techniques into a game plan that holds up under pressure.
- Cleaner transitions between guard, passing and submissions
- Better timing and grip fighting in live rounds
- A clearer understanding of competition rules and scoring
- Conditioning that comes from hard, steady training
- Training partners who push you without ego
Class Times and How to Start
All Levels (gi) runs Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Advanced (gi) runs Monday at 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM and Friday at 6:30 AM. Advanced no-gi runs Wednesday at 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM and Saturday at 8:00 AM.
If you already train elsewhere, your first class is free. Bring your gi or no-gi gear, introduce yourself to the coach and tell them your experience so they can pair you well. We are at 2643 W Chicago Ave, 2nd Floor, in Ukrainian Village / West Town.
