Gracie Barra Downers Grove

Downers Grove, United States

4.6

Closed now

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 630-964-1414
Website:
gbdownersgrove.com
Address:
130 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, 60515
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.1 miFairview Avenue
1.2 miWestmont
1.5 miDowners Grove Main Street
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Downers Grove) 00:48 Saturday, 30 November 2024

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

Description

Specialties

We are a premium martial arts school, proudly representing the world famous Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We are specialized in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, bringing the knowledge and wisdom of the grand master, Carlos Gracie, to inspire the inner martial artist in you. Our school also offers programs in kids program, self defense, Muay Thai, western kickboxing and general fitness. Our world class instructors are here to inspire and assist you in getting into your optimum physical condition while sharing a disciplined healthy lifestyle.

We are the only Jiu Jitsu school in Chicagoland to implemented a revolutionary cushioning system, engineered to provide comfort and protection to our students. The school is also equipped with kickboxing punching bags, boxing/​kickboxing gear, pull up bar and other strength training props.

We also have a full-​scale Pro Shop that offers all the latest Gracie Barra official gear, training equipment and other accessories. We also have a vending machine filled with healthy options to replenish your body after training and to support your healthy lifestyle. The school has 2 restrooms, 2 changing rooms, 4 showers, along with our towel service all convieniently located at the Downers Grove Plaza Mall on Ogden Avenue, right between Panera Bread and Traders Joe.

History

Established in 2013.

In 1914, Jiu Jitsu traveled across the seas and found Carlos Gracie, a boy who later became the founding father of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. The first Gracie school was founded in 1925 in Brazil. Among styles emerged from the Gracie family, Carlos Gracie Jr. founded the world famous Gracie Barra in 1986. His vision on well-​rounded technique and nutrition created a healthy lifestyle around the art. Never loosing sight of his philosophy, Gracie Barra expended worldwide, brining the head quarters to California in 2005.

An assignment from Master Carlos started the journey of professor Carlos Lemos Jr. in the States. Contributing to the globalization of Jiu Jitsu, professor Carlos started his first school, Gracie Garra Downers Grove, in 2012. Lead by a world champion & passionate martial artist, GB Downers became the top Jiu Jitsu school in Chicagoland with the most comprehensive programs. Home to over 200 students, GB Downers is where talented & dedicated athletes share their spirit and lifestyle

Meet the Manager

Carlos L.

Manager

Trained under Master Carlos Gracie Jr. since a teenager, professor Carlos Lemos Jr. received his black belt from the hands of his master, and marked great achievements in the national and world championships. Starting at assisting along side of master Carlos to building franchises of Gracie Barra in Europe and Asia, professor Lemos successfully lead the Gracie Barra footprints into corners of the world.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos Gracie Sr., Carlos Gracie Junior, Carlos Lemos Jr.

Main Competition Achievements:

* 2X World Champion (1999 purple, 2002 black)

* American No gi Champion (2009)

* 2 X Brazilian National Champion (1996,1999)

* European Champion (2004 black)

* Pan American Champion (2000 brown)

* Brazilian Teams Champion (2003)

* Chicago Open Champion (2010 Open Weight — Master)

* World Silver Medalist (2003 black)

* American No gi Silver Medalist (2009 Open weight)

* 2 X World Bronze Medalist (2000 brown, 2005 black)

* MMA record 3×0

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20 reviews of Gracie Barra Downers Grove

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Clarendon Hills, IL
We enrolled our 4 and 6 year old with GB about 8 months ago. I can’t say enough about the instructors. They are really invested in teaching the skills but are also compassionate and patient. It is a really nice balance of technical and play so the kids stay interested. Coach Pedro is a fav with our kids. I also like the lifestyle and disciple aspect that is taught. What kind of activity gets your kids eating broccoli ;). Keep up the good work GB!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Highly recommend! Such a great place, top of the line instruction, and high level attention to hygiene. Yes, that’s important when you are rolling around on the mats. Everyone at Gracie Barra Downers Grove was kind, courteous, and encouraging which creates a positive environment for training. They offer fundamental training which is great for the beginners but they also offer advanced training, either way you are learning from black belt instructors who have won world titles at IBJJF. I suggest you do your research before committing to a BJJ program. You always get what you pay for, so if a deal looks to good to be true RUN.
Place rating: 5
Wood Dale, IL
3rd attempt since Unilocal mobile is buggy.
My wife and I transferred to Downers from another GB and couldn’t possibly be happier with our decision. I can’t say enough good things about Carlos Lemos jr, his coaches and my fellow students. Since i began training under him friends have remarked on how much my technique has improved, i view their compliments as a testament to Carlos’ teaching ability and attention to detail. Come train at Downers you won’t regret it.
Btw– we have a «judo style» mat/​spring board setup that is extremely forgiving during throw days.
Place rating: 4
La Grange, IL
It has great instructors and a very wide schedule. It might be a little pricey but you pay for what you get. The only downside to it is a contract and you only can wear team gear and nothing else.
Place rating: 1
Downers Grove, IL
Stay away from this place. If you get injured or sick they cease acting like a «family». They will pass your situation on to the corporation in California who then in turn will try to ruin your credit. Go to a true independent jiu jitsu training facility not this place
Place rating: 5
Willowbrook, IL
I love this place. The reason i signed up fulltime here was because of the people at this location. Everyone is so supportive… its. like a family. They offer free trials so you can attent multiple classes for both Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing It is clean and they offer towel service so i dont have to bring my own. I do not rate anyone that i cant give 5 stars to. This place is a hidden gem and you have to come see it for yourself. I lost 15 pounds so far doing kickboxing so they’re doing something right.
Place rating: 5
Hinsdale, IL
I’ve been training at Gracie Barra in Downers Grove for almost 2 years and I am addicted. I just wish there was more time in my week to make class every day. I have trained in martial arts for over 10 years and there are many things that make this school stand out.
First of all the level of technical instruction is very high — from jiu jitsu (fundamentals to advanced) to Thai boxing. The professional staff, professors, coaches and instructors connect on a personal level and care about the progression of the team.
The atmosphere is light, friendly and supportive. Whether you are first starting in martial arts, want to learn some self defense skills, or want to train for competitions, everyone is welcome. It is truly «jiu jitsu for everyone».
This is a clean, family-​friendly and professional school. I would recommend you give it a try.
Place rating: 5
Forest Park, IL
Great school and great instructors. Professor Lemos promotes the philosophy of brotherhood, family, and helping each other learn. It creates a great vibe among everyone at the school. We are lucky to have Professor Carlos Lemos Jr. leading the school.
Place rating: 5
Deerfield, IL
I have been training with Professor Carlos Lemos Jr for 3 and a half years now and have had a life changing experience from a healthy hobby I had no idea could do that. The facility is clean and friendly. Parking is plentiful. The training partners are smart, kind, helpful, and talented. This is all due to the mindset of the professor. Your BJJ will grow faster and stronger than you ever could imagine here at Gracie Barra Downers Grove! This is honestly a family. We all care about each other, and this makes it easy to train day in and day out. Try it out! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Place rating: 5
Hinsdale, IL
My son is 12 almost 13. He has been going for over 6 months 2 – 3 times a week. This is a great place with a very comfortable family feel. Professor Carlos Lemos and his family are ever present. Even guests from other Gracie Barra are common. Often, they are high belts and skill levels. Everyone takes time together to assist in mastering skills. My son loves the experience and challenge.
The schedule and belt system is flexible, but your rewards are for «putting time in on the mat». Your fee allows you to go as much as possible.
Self defense, self confidence or a new challenge, this is a good place to go.
Place rating: 5
Tinley Park, IL
I’ve been with Gracie Barra of Downers Grove for about 6 months and its been an honor to train with Carlos Lemos Jr. and the team! Since day one Professor Carlos and everyone has welcomed me on board and I have taken full advantage of being able to learn from an amazing instructor who comes directly from the source. At Gracie Barra of Downers Grove you feel you are learning Jiujitsu at its purest form, Jiujitsu that will last forever… after all… Jiujitsu is a martial art and you need to understand the history, the etiquette, the sacrifices, the theory and of coarse the techniques of the masters that created them.
Not only do you get the purest form of Jiujitsu but being at GBofDG you get to bring your competitive side to the next level! Competition training camps are amazing and you always have high level black belt professors coming from around the world to train and help prepare the team. GBofDG also does a lot of cardio and strength training outside of the school open to anyone that wants to be responsible for there own goals.
Overall tuition and seminars are extremely affordable considering you only have to pay for the type of program you want and how much time you want to invest.
I’d like to add that a lot of promotions and belt gradings are held during seminars in the presence of other Gracie Barra legends! It was an honor to receive a stripe from Professor Carlos Lemos but also in front of Gracie Barra legend Professor Flavio Almeida and Professor Sergio Costa was really amazing.
You would have to be crazy not to appreciate that!
Future looks awesome for Gracie Barra of Downers Grove and I’m proud to be part of the team!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
The only negative review comes from an individual who was kicked out of the school for purposefully going about and injuring multiple training partners.
Professor Carlos is both a great student of the game and a fantastic instructor, to kids and adults alike.
If you want your kids to learn Jiu Jitsu or simply learn to follow instructions and become more disciplined, this is the school for them. If you want to get back in shape and learn Jiu Jitsu (and Muay Thai) — either for self betterment or because of a burning desire to compete, there is no school better than Gracie Barra and no instructor in the Chicago-​land area that can match Professor Lemos’ experience and accrued knowledge.
The lessons one takes away from training Jiu Jitsu are of the type that catalyze instantaneous growth of character. Professor Lemos’ Gracie Barra DG has changed my life, and I advise anyone even marginally interested in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to come and give it a try. You absolutely won’t regret it.
Place rating: 5
Plainfield, IL
I’ve been training with Carlos Lemos Jr and his instructors for three years. If learning the art of Jiu Jitsu is what your looking to do, look no further. The instructors here are top notch and its amazing to see how quick someone can pick up this art when the instruction is as sound as it is a GB Downers Grove.
Highly recommend giving Gracie Barra Downers Grove a try, you won’t regret the decision.
Place rating: 2
Chicago, IL
First Rule in Unilocal: Please don’t review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you’re connected in any way to the owner or employees.
Unfortunately, this rule is not being followed as the school offers a Sticker and a Logo Patch for positive reviews. Therefore, take all the positive comments with a grain of salt or at least keep in mind not everything is ALWAYS as it is stated here.
To keep it short, the owner is an arrogant bully with a napoleon complex. True, being like that may be a requirement for becoming a famous fighter but not for becoming a good teacher. On a day to day basis, it can get tiring. Specifically when talking down on students or yelling at his family in Portuguese. In class, his constant stories about him fighting off guys with guns are nauseating, to say the least.
Carlos let 40 people wait for him at a restaurant for his birthday for 5 hours just to claim a flat tire. That’s the pride.
He also combines the belt grading with seminars that cost extra on top of the fact he is almost twice as expensive as another black belt from Rio a mile down the street.
Be careful signing contracts with them too, what they say is not what they do. Make sure you get a copy of what you signed; even though they won’t give it to you and read all the stipulations that come with it. There is the greed.
Be careful talking to his wife. Although she is the ‘business manager’, talking to her can get you kicked out because he is extremely jealous. Maybe they both are but it makes the climate tense. Bad for business and school climate either way!
Fortunately for the students, he surrounded himself with amazing teachers although the greatest asset of the school left, Prof. Ominami. A lot of people keep their mouths shut because they want to learn Jiu Jitsu and that’s fine. It just doesn’t reflect the reality of disrespect, greed, selfishness and self promotion.
One way this shows most clearly is the ratio of injuries I have witnessed in school. The climate produces this element of competitiveness, which would be normal for a jiu jitsu school if it wouldn’t to so many injuries at all levels. That comes from the climate and the leadership.
The only issue with the staff is that Carlos thinks it is ok to have a member with a SKINHEAD tattoo on his fingers teach. That is either Aryan Brotherhood or even worst. Either way, he represents the business. I admire and respect the will to change but teaching a convicted felon Jiu Jitsu is one thing, having him teaching students another. If he changed his beliefs he could take off the stupid tattoo’s. If he didn’t, what is he doing in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school.
On a side note, keep in mind Jiu Jitsu is constantly evolving, especially in the competition world. There, drills and strength training will prepare the competitor but this school doesn’t. No weights, no ropes, not any training equipment whatsoever. So, if you missed learning Jiu Jitsu in Rio in the 80’s, this is basically it. If you train for competitions in the new millennium, empty mats alone won’t do. Depending on your background, you need a wrestling, a judo and a strength and conditioning coach all with proper equipment. Maybe that’s why Alliance, Carlson and Brasa beat the shindig out of Gracie Barra all day!
Place rating: 5
Decatur, IL
I love training with Professor Limos, and make the trip to Downers Grove every chance I can! I love the Gracie Barra program and camaraderie. Join the team it will change your life and you will love it! This is a clean, healthy, family oriented school.
Place rating: 5
Addison, IL
What an amazing school! Professor Carlos and Professor Ryo are fantastic instructors! They are genuinely passionate about teaching. Brazilian jiu jitsu is one of the most beautiful and practical martial arts. If anyone is interested in jiu jitsu, self defense, or just getting in shape I highly recommend Gracie Barra Downers Grove!
Place rating: 5
Naperville, IL
I decided to explore the art form of Jiu Jitsu this past December, after reading and researching on the effectiveness and practicality of Jiu Jitsu. Since my Dad runs a business in Westmont, I decided to check out Gracie Barra Downers Grove, as it was just down the street. Before entering the academy, I knew that the name «Gracie,» was affiliated with not only the creation of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, but also the dominance of the art and sport for many years.
Gracie Barra Downers Grove is taught by not only one, but TWO very experienced, decorated and knowledgable Black Belt Jiu Jitsu Practitioners.
Professor Carlos Lemos Junior is extremely personable, and will make sure you know that you are not only a student, but a member of his family. His teaching is very technical and often broken down into parts to maximize technique and effectiveness.

Professor Ryo Ominami strives to improve each student through hands-​on development. If any student has a question, they are never afraid to simply ask one of the professors.

Apart from the Black Belt Professors, Coach Carlon (brown belt) is extremely helpful and engaging with students. I have had firsthand experience in which Coach Carlon, through his experience, has suggested altering a technique to better fit the student. He keeps a watchful eye over students in an attempt to make sure students are not only doing the techniques right, but with maximal effectiveness.
One thing I truly have appreciated is an intiative set by Professor Carlos Lemos Jr., to ask Blue, Purple and Brown belts to attend the Fundamentals Class. This was put into place to provide the best learning environment for the beginner and white belt students. The students have benefitted greatly with their presence.
The Environment: Friendly, Clean and Simple. As a new student, I was introduced to the class by the Professors, and have never felt unwelcome or as a burden. Through time, I have befriended all who attend the Academy. Everyone is helpful, humble and friendly, which creates an environment in which mistakes are not embarrassing, everyone is treated as equal, and everyone wants to help each other grow.
As a student, I cannot stress enough the amazing teaching and environment at Gracie Barra Downers Grove.
Place rating: 5
Lisle, IL
I agree with what everyone else has said. This is a great place to train and learn. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful.
I’d looked at a few other places before GB Downers Grove opened, and none had such a great environment.
The instruction is top notch. I can’t say enough good things.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I began martial arts training in high school along with wrestling. Since then I have done some things on and off. For about 7+ years now I have trained on the side with my brother in law and have always wanted to train BJJ.
This was worth the wait…
I’ve been at the school for a month now and I must say this is not only the most professional school I’ve been too, but fun, entertaining and the students are great.
Carlos, Carlos and Ryo are amazing instructors who give you the best quality teaching possible. Not only are they thorough, but they keep your attention and give you hands on training as well.
I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to not train BJJ, but to learn discipline, respect and gain self-​confidence.
Place rating: 5
Downers Grove, IL
As soon as one walks through the door it becomes clear – this place is something SPECIAL. This is the only Premium-​level Gracie Barra school in the area and the place practically glows with the most positive environment I’ve seen. The quality of instruction is deeply impressive; head instructor Professor Carlos Lemos Jr and his student Professor Ryo Ominami are both black belt competitors with multiple wins at the highest levels. While their competitive experience is certainly important, even more so to me is their ability to make their students feel valued and welcome.
Furthermore, in a time when instruction in jiu-​jitsu is running the risk of being diluted and turning into something far removed from what Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie intended, we have here authentic instruction that is VERY close to the original source. The lineage of Professors Lemos and Ominami is IMPECCABLE: Master Maeda – Master Carlos Gracie Sr – Master Carlos Gracie Jr – Professor Lemos – Professor Ominami. Many – most – schools have instructors so far removed from our roots as to be almost a different style. The emphasis of this school is primarily on self-​defense, and secondarily (though still important) on competition. The pedagogy is both traditional and innovative, and is the result of decades of trial-​and-​error by the Gracie family themselves. It doesn’t get better than this.
Some schools simply seek to make their students better at Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu; Gracie Barra Downers Grove seeks to make their students not only excellent at jiu-​jitsu but more importantly, better people. A healthy mind in a healthy body will help to make healthy people, and healthy people help to make a healthy society. Please make yourself, your family, and our world a better place through learning the real Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu.