Limited-Time Offer

7-DAY TRIAL$49

Experience everything Chicago MMA has to offer — no commitment required.

Unlimited classes — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing & MMA (80+ classes/week)

Full S&C room access — strength & conditioning facility included

Both locations — Lincoln Park & South Loop

7 full days — plenty of time to find your favorite class and coach

New students only. One trial per person. No credit card required to book.

7-Day Trial

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🥊 START YOUR JOURNEY — 7-DAY TRIAL FOR JUST $49 — BJJ · MUAY THAI · MMA

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Chicago MMA

KIDS
BJJ PROGRAM

Authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children ages 5–13. Our kids program builds confidence, discipline, and real self-defense skills in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment — rooted in the Ralph Gracie lineage.

Ages 5–13

Two Age Groups

Dedicated Coaches

Ralph Gracie

BJJ Lineage

Safe & Fun

Structured Environment

Book a Free Trial Class Meet the Coaches

About the Program

MORE THAN A
MARTIAL ART

The Chicago MMA Kids BJJ Program is built on the same authentic Ralph Gracie lineage that has produced black belts and champions at the adult level — adapted for young athletes with age-appropriate curriculum, dedicated coaches, and a culture of encouragement.

Every class is designed to challenge kids physically and mentally while keeping training fun and positive. We believe the mat is one of the best classrooms in the world: it teaches problem-solving, resilience, and how to handle adversity with grace.

Whether your child is looking for a confidence boost, a physical outlet, or a path toward competition, our program meets them where they are and grows with them.

Self-Defense

Practical techniques to stay safe — taught in a responsible, age-appropriate way.

Confidence

Every class builds the quiet confidence that comes from learning something genuinely hard.

Respect & Discipline

The mat teaches respect for training partners, coaches, and the art itself.

Focus & Discipline

Structured training builds the mental habits that carry over into school and life.

Physical Fitness

Full-body conditioning through movement, drilling, and play — kids love it.

Competition Skills

Optional tournament preparation for kids who want to test themselves.

Class Structure

AGE GROUPS

Classes are divided by age so every child trains with peers at the same developmental stage.

5–9

years old

Little Champions

Introduction to movement, coordination, and basic grappling concepts through play-based learning. Classes focus on listening skills, body awareness, and fun — building the foundation for a lifetime of martial arts.

Basic movement & coordination
Listening & focus skills
Fun partner drills
No-contact introductory grappling

9–13

years old

Junior Grapplers

Structured BJJ fundamentals with age-appropriate drilling and light sparring. Students learn escapes, takedowns, and positional control while developing discipline and sportsmanship on the mat.

BJJ fundamentals
Takedowns & escapes
Positional control
Light supervised sparring

High School Students (14+)

TRAIN WITH THE ADULTS

High school students train alongside our adult classes — the same authentic curriculum, the same coaches, and a 20% student discount. Scholarships available. We never turn a kid away.

Learn More

The Coaching Staff

MEET THE COACHES

A dedicated team of experienced BJJ practitioners committed to developing the next generation of martial artists.

HEAD COACH — BJJ PROGRAMS

Patrick Gatbunton

Head Coach - Kids BJJ Program

BJJ Black Belt, 1st Degree

BJJ Black Belt 1st Degree and decorated grappling competitor. Professor Patrick is known for his creative guard game and his ability to break down complex techniques for students at every level.

Full Profile

Assistant Coaches