Movement & balance
Practice body awareness, safe movement patterns, balance, and foundational grappling positions.
Kids BJJ / ages 5–12
Want to try a
Kids class?
Kids can try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Chicago MMA before committing. Send parent and student details, and we will help you choose the right first class.
A clear first visit
Parent-led.
Coach-guided.
- Send your requestShare the student's name, age, and preferred location.
- Hear from Chicago MMAA coach will help with current class availability and placement.
- Train free firstBegin with a free Kids BJJ trial before selecting a membership.
Style background
History with
context.
Kids BJJ introduces young students to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice shaped by the broader history of jujitsu, ground fighting, and Brazilian martial-arts development. Youth progressions use age-appropriate instruction and structured milestones rather than adult competition expectations.
The background is provided for context; it does not add unverified lineage, competition, or teaching claims to Chicago MMA.
The program
How training
takes shape.
Kids BJJ gives young students an age-appropriate introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through supervised movement, technique practice, and structured partner activity. Chicago MMA’s current public program is for ages 5–12; placement and availability are confirmed directly with the gym.
A typical youth session uses clear demonstrations, coached drills, and structured activities that can be adapted to the group and individual placement.
- 01
Arrive & move
Coaches introduce the day’s theme through age-appropriate movement and attention cues.
- 02
Learn together
Students rehearse a simple technical idea through supervised drills or games.
- 03
Review & reset
The group closes with a concise review and coach guidance for the next step.
This describes a typical training flow, not a fixed timetable or guarantee. Current class formats, intensity, and availability can vary; review the weekly schedule and confirm questions with Chicago MMA.
What students can study
Build your
foundation.
Students may explore age-appropriate movement, foundational positions, partner awareness, and the classroom habits that support a respectful training environment.
The areas below describe skills students may study, not a promise of specific health, self-defense, competition, or performance outcomes.
Positions & problem-solving
Work through simple controls, escapes, and transitions in clear, supervised drills.
Training habits
Rehearse listening, respect, sportsmanship, and how to work responsibly with a partner.
Chicago MMA team
People in
the roster.
The source-controlled public roster connects the following coaches to this training path. Confirm current class instruction and availability through the weekly schedule or directly with Chicago MMA.
- Jeff OtakaBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Kids BJJ
- Kevin MankoBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Kids BJJ
- Sunni DiluzioKids BJJ
Study the art
What practice
can develop.
Through supervised movement, partner drills, and technique practice, children can explore coordination, listening, cooperation, and patient problem-solving. A review of martial-arts research describes potential links to attention and executive-function skills, while noting important limits in the evidence.
Kids BJJ is not a medical, behavioral, or educational treatment, and no outcome is guaranteed. Parents should discuss readiness, current availability, and placement directly with Chicago MMA.
When you are ready
Explore
memberships.
After the free trial, review current membership options in one place. For questions about class placement or a first visit, contact Chicago MMA directly.