Marc Valenzuela

Extremely welcoming gym, stopped by for a session while I was in town and it was great. Awesome environment, coach and people, very friendly experience overall. I would highly recommend this gym especially if you’re interested in competing or just wanting to learn. 👍

Posted 1 year ago

Arturo Rodriguez

Apex HOG is the place to be if you want to be successful in the sport of BJJ. Coach Nick not only teaches one proper technique on how to execute moves, but also encourages people to challenge one another on the mat. Everyone attending this gym is friendly and willing to lift each other up when needed, especially with beginners that are new to the sport. The vibe that this gym produces attracts hard working individuals and creates champions not only on the mat, but in the real world as well. Not enough can be said about how awesome this gym is!

Posted 1 year ago

Andrew Willard

Phenomenal environment. Coach Nick is the most knowledgeable and helpful guy in the business. I started with very little jiu jitsu knowledge and have learned lots my first month. Gym is super clean, super safe, and most importantly, super fun. Love this place!

Posted 1 year ago

Robert Gaylord

Super welcoming gym with great people and energy. Nick is an awesome coach who makes you feel right at home. The classes are fun, challenging, and I’m excited to keep coming back!

Posted 1 year ago

Emma Daleske

Great open gym opportunities! Good mix of competitive members with different styles. Clean space with kind and skilled members. Coach Nick is super knowledgeable and always willing to share knowledge. Women friendly gym!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Freddie Martinez

If you want to be a champion, this is the gym for you! Nick is an incredible coach who leads by example and puts in the work day and night to give us a top-notch place to train. No matter what discipline you want to train in, they have it here.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Lillian Winston

My journey started back in May 2024. I attended my first open mat at Apex: House Of Grappling and the owner and Coach Nick welcomed me. Coach Nick is very professional and discussed with me the classes that are available during the week and what his gym offered for martial arts alike. I decided to visit the open mat to increase my training in wrestling, jiu-jitsu plus judo to prepare for grappling tournaments in the summer. I officially transition from my other gym to Apex to train more in depth in no-gi, striking, takedowns and wrestling in addition to implementing more hand fighting. Nick including the other coaches there at Apex have years upon years of experience in wrestling, boxing, mixed martial arts, Judo and Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Nik

best grappling school around, teach much more than grappling along with lifting gym around it.. Nick is very personable with all his students and makes you feel at home, recommend to anyone. 10/10

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Will Gogo

I've only trained at a few places but APEX HOG (House of Grappling) was easily the best and my favorite. Nick is a great technical instructor but keeps things light and enjoyable at the gym. I would easily without question recommend this place to anyone whos interested in grappling at any level!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Edgar Figueroa

Awesome grappling academy. Coach Spacek is friendly and very welcoming. He is a BJJ and Judo blackbelt with a wrestling background. Great place to train if you are in the area. Great place to visit if you are not.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Aaron Lynde

The owner is knowledgeable and well rounded. The environment, culture and facility in general is fantastic. Got lots of good hard work in with a variety of people. Can’t speak highly enough. Will definitely be back and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone interested in combat sports and grappling!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Omar Ramirez

Apex is the best gym to get better physically and mentally. Very great coaching and very good environment. Great place for tough rolls and never ending scrambles. Best decision I ever made to walk through those doors. Glad to be part of Apex!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

HoldenBack

Great people, great work, great vibes

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Chris

Apex is a great place to train. Coach Nick is welcoming and brings solid BJJ, Judo en wrestling skills to the mat. The people training here are helpful and respectful. Recommended.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Funmbi Umoren

Nick is a great instructor and always brings great energy to any and all classes he runs. My jiu jitsu progressed a lot ever since starting classes at Apex. It’s a decision you won’t regret 🫡

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Cy Fieldman

Great place to train if you’re interested in grappling and learning how to effectively control the human body. The coaching is top notch and the training environment is great for kids, competitive athletes and folks just looking for an excellent workout while learning an invaluable skill. Both wrestling and Jiu- jitsu are trained here for a complete grappling experience. Whether young or older highly recommend giving it a try!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nicholas Cimmarusti

Nick Spacek is a top tier coach!! He’s has years of competition experience and brings a wealth of knowledge. Don’t miss an opportunity to train with and learn from one of the best in the Chicagoland area!

Instructors Location

Posted 2 years ago

Jonathan Morlock

Nicks the best, very knowledgeable and a great workout. Anyone thinking about trying it out jiu-jitsu its a great place.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Dia Petrey

very great place to send your children whether it’s for fun or serious interest. Nick is one of the best coaches and mentors to all age children, no matter what. He is incredibly dedicated and has amazing experience in the jiu jitsu/fighting world. Amazing!! We love you nick!! 🙌🏼

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Marcelo Diaz

Visited this gym while staying in Chicago on vacation, very close drive to midway Airport area, extremely friendly and helpful, Nick the owner even took the time to make sure i was also doing all techniques he was showing correctly, many times when visiting gyms you are just seen as a hard roll for sparring time, this was nit the case here. Will definitely visit again.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

benjamin diaz

Great school to go to no matter how much experience you may have. Very friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Coach Nick does a great job in encouraging and teaching his students to his best ability.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Mateo Mosqueda

Been doing bjj for only about 3 weeks and already seeing major improvements. Nick is a great teacher 👍

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Matthew Nora

Fantastic experience all around! The people I met in the gym were all really cool & laid back, and there to train hard and get better. And Nick runs a great room, where the practices are organized and a great work out, while also maintaining a friendly & welcoming environment. Nick’s technical knowledge of bjj is impressive as well. He is patient with teaching beginners, and has the experience/knowledge/mindset to teach and train the very best guys. This is my go-to spot to train when I am back home visiting family. Can’t recommend it enough. 5/5 stars!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Priscilla Sandoval

I brought my son in a few years ago and experience has been great. If you’ve never done any sort of martial art, walking into it can be a little intimidating for both parent and child and from the very beginning the atmosphere has been super friendly and inviting. The coach is super involved and is very attentive with whatever area students need help on to make sure they reach full potential. My son now does wrestling and the techniques learned here have helped immensely on the mat! I honestly cannot say enough good things about this gym. Highly recommend to anyone of any age, but especially if you have kids. The discipline, skills, and confidence gained are pivotal.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Hugh O'Donnell

Really great place to train! Nick is a fantastic instructor who has the ability to cater and coach to any level of grappling experience. Really great group of people in here training consistently. Highly recommend coming in!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

John Kasper

While I was never a student at APEX, I had the chance to go to an open mat there and it was awesome! Coach Spacek is a super cool dude, the facility is clean, the mats are great, and the Jiu Jitsu there is some of the best I've ever seen. I've since moved out of the area, but would definitely recommend it.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Savo Vujovic

Very high quality wrestling and BJJ and a laid-back environment for anyone looking to start BJJ. Nick always makes sure everyone’s understanding what he’s teaching. Welcoming for the person who trains once a month or twice a day.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Brandon Ramos

Nick is the man! For such a hard sport he sure knows how to make it worthwhile as an everyday sport/activity. Very approachable and allows for a lot of 1-1 time if you find yourself struggling. He really is the man you want in your corner at every tournament.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Edward Moskos

Extremely welcoming gym, made my first day feel so much better then what I was expecting. Coach Nick makes the environment very friendly for everyone and is an awesome coach. Him and everyone else make you want to be better and come back each day! I have been in and out of the gym for awhile due to lots of life events, but every time I come back, the gym still feels like home. I would recommend BJJ and this gym to anyone of any age! Nick offers a free week of training to try it out if you’re interested!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Reyes Reyes

We have been taking our boys to grappling class for quite some time now. Nick is a wonderful coach and very patient with all the kids. He makes it fun and easy for the kids to understand. It is a great place for adults and kids. It's a great workout and awesome way to learn self-defense skills also. It's good to get you out of your comfort zone. I highly recommend checking it out.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Marko Dubak (maki)

This place was so welcoming to me, my brother, & all of our friends. Nick works a way of his magic to show even the most athletic people how humbling Jiu-Jitsu can be. Walking into the gym should never feel intimidating and this facility will make sure that is never the case. Nick makes it easy to come back, while also giving you a workout that you can’t describe. It’s nothing like lifting weights, and don’t be surprised when your sore (in a good manner though!!). Enjoy your first class, because I know I sure did!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

FRITO BANDITO

Great gym, with a great trainer and people. My first time getting into BJJ and there are people of all levels here. Nick knows his stuff as well as many other guys who train here. Offering classes or training 7 days a week has made it a great time thus far

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Joe Wegrzyn

Finding the right gym to train at can be a daunting task. After researching several gyms I found Apex House Of Grappling and what they have to offer. Coach Nick checks every box, he’s a Bjj black belt, trains with some of the top pros in the game and has a wrestling & judo background. In my opinion Apex H.O.G is a 1 stop shop that has a friendly and comfortable training environment. I highly recommend them.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Idaly Valles

My journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been nothing short of amazing thanks to this incredible school. The sense of community and the quality of instruction are unparalleled.The instructors are not just experts in BJJ but also excellent teachers. They're patient, attentive, and dedicated to helping each student progress. They create a welcoming and motivating atmosphere, no matter your skill level. The training facilities are top-notch, with ample mat space and clean, well-maintained equipment. Safety is a priority, and you can focus on your training with confidence. The people here are fantastic. You'll feel like part of a family. Everyone is respectful, helpful, and eager to see you succeed.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Luke Garvey

Apex provides a fun and clean training environment while also having great coaching! Definitely recommend

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ryan Owens

Whether you have a desire for improving your current grappling, self improvement, or just in need of a physical workout for your mental health, I highly recommend APEX HOG. The energy and environment are a result of Nick Spacek. As an older grappler I'm grateful to get the attention on technique that is sometimes lost in bigger gyms where it can feel like you just aren't making gains. Training partners at APEX are from various backgrounds including judo and wrestling. While not being a "traditional" martial arts gym, there is an underlying "feel good" vibe, just trying to help each other and get better every session while also being a no judgement and attitude free zone. Having the ability to disconnect from my daily life and get lost on learning techniques, sparring, and just training is something really important to me. APEX is a place which doesn't limit whom can participate nor does it limit the opportunities on how much you can personally gain from it.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Zaira Torres

10/10 spot. Coach nick has helped my son boost his confidence through discipline and fun. I highly recommend the kid classes to any parent looking for a positive outlet for their child.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Mikael Stoyanov

Flexible and accommodating schedule for adults, students, and kids with gi and no gi sessions everyday throughout the week. Great coach - training includes focus on takedowns and all around high percentage techniques. Coach Nick invests in all his students and will help you progress towards your goal, accommodates both hobbyists and competitors.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Joseph Guardiola

At Apex, people of all skill levels are welcome to join. Coach Nick does an excellent job at making sure nobody feels intimidated and guarantees everyone feels welcome. The pricing is also great too, for those who are wondering about the cost. You won’t know until you get in there and give it a shot. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Joe Robinson

APEX House of Grappling offers a well-rounded program that caters to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Whether you're looking to improve your self-defense skills, get in shape, or compete at a high level, they have you covered. The schedule is flexible, allowing for training at various times to accommodate different lifestyles. Overall, Nick is a great instructor with talents in jiu jitsu, judo, and wrestling. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Sengvilay A

Great place to learn. Classes are available seven days a week and the coach is great to work with. Great for kids especially.

Instructors Classes

Posted 2 years ago

Marco Jaimes

APEX is a great place for tough rolls and great instruction. Nick Spacek’s back ground in wrestling and judo combined with his jiujitsu knowledge means he can answer any questions you have about grappling. Apex students are friendly and there is plenty of mat space. Apex is a great choice for those beginning their martial arts journey and for those looking to continue their journey in grappling arts.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nick Zostautas

This gym is second to none! from the coaching all the way down to all of its members, extremely inviting and great learning atmosphere! If I could give it more stars I would. Love it so much I have my kids train here too. Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Peter Kocerka

What an awesome place to learn a great discipline like wrestling & jujitsu, and self defense. The coach Nick and the atmosphere is awesome. We all enjoy it from my kids to myself. Don’t lets your kids, or yourself , get in a situation, like bullying, and not know how to handle themselves. Totally recommend it for everyone from younger kids , including the ladies, to older adults. This place makes everyone feel welcome. Thanks Nick

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ariel Romero

Been coming to APEX for over a year and it's been an incredible experience. Great coaching along with a friendly environment and atmosphere. Can't recommend it enough for those looking to get into BJJ or those experienced looking for a new gym.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Colin Kelly

Great spot to get a excellent workout with legit jujitsu!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Frank Walsh

Nick Spacek is a phenomenal Jiu Jitsu coach and skilled in wrestling too. Having known Nick for years, he is passionate in this industry and will give you incredible effort every time you come to workout. I highly recommended training at this gym whether you are a beginner or experienced.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

T rillin

Apex is a great place to train for all levels and has a super welcoming environment with great training partners. Nick is a phenomenal coach!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

ignacio

Love this gym great vibes really good training partners and coach Nick is the man!! If you wanna learn to grapple come throughh!!!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Leomar Mapa

The best place you can ask for when you first start out. Nick is a amazing instructor and is super knowledgeable of the sport. I couldn’t ask for a better experience than training at Apex

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Samuel Griffin

Great group of people and great coach! Recommend for any skill level.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Josh Cruz

Coach Nick Spacek does a phenomenal job at teaching jiu jitsu. Regardless of skill level, coach Nick teaches everyone in a comprehensive way. The overall environment at the “house of grappling” has been the most welcoming amongst several gyms that I’ve tried. People of different levels want one another to succeed and grow.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

D Marie

Great place to train, no matter what level you are! Apex is one of the best!

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jaasiel Escobar

APEX HOG (House of Grappling) is a fantastic place to learn self defense, stay active, and improve wrestling/ bjj. This place has a good environment where everyone tries to make each other better. The coach Nick Spacek genuinely cares for his students, and sharing his knowledge with them. He does everything he can to not only teach proper technique but to make us the best versions of ourselves.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

iiSkizzie

great coach and environment. felt very welcomed into the gym.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Matt Ryan

A great place to train regardless of your skill level. A phenomenal coach in Nick Spacek who has a deep knowledge of all the grappling arts!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Richard Robertson

Great environment! Awesome knowledge from Nick! Fun atmosphere! Would absolutely recommend training here!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ruben Contreras

Best grappling gym, 10/10 recommend

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Zach Vaci

Nick is legit! Known him for a long time. Solid Jiujitsu and even better teacher! He really excels as a coach. Highly recommend if you’re interested to start training!

Instructors

Posted 2 years ago

Frank Murray

Coach Nick has put together a great establishment. I came in day one about a year ago having absolutely zero idea what I was doing and Nick has brought me and a lot of others in our class a long way. The gym is clean and the instruction is clear and professional. You can tell after a few classes that the students respect each other and build good rapport. You can’t ask for much else in a BJJ/Grappling gym. I highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

David Esparza

Great place to train.

Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

amir behlil

For those seeking exceptional Jiujitsu instruction in the area, i highly recommend to visit APEX House of Grappling. Nick Spacek, who is a highly skilled grappler and an exceptional coach, is the driving force behind this establishment. The performance of his students on the mat and in tournaments is a testament to his teaching abilities.

Instructors

Posted 3 years ago

Quincy Trapp

Great space for grappling and they're very good about cleaning the mats after classes which is extremely important in my opinion.

Facility

Posted 5 years ago

Jason Dixon

A great inviting place with great people. The classes are made of people from many walks in life. You ll stay in shape, make great friends, and learn to be confident if you ever must face violence. The hardest part is walking in the door. Do it. Jiu-jitsu will change your life for the better.

Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Alyssa Jasinski Newsome

Apex is an awesome gym to train at! Very clean and great instruction. I never felt intimidated or like I didn’t belong, they do a good job of welcoming everyone, including beginners!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

James Draz

Every now and again you come across a business that is terrific in every sense of the word. APEX House of Grappling is that place. They are one of the most stand up, honorable places I have ever come across. The facilities are clean and up to date. The students are friendly and help each other out. I came in as a beginner and felt very comfortable and welcome. Coach Nick Spacek is legitimately one of the best grappling coaches in the Chicagoland area. He is an active competitor on the local grappling circuit and has one of the best resumes around. He is patient, well spoken and teaches some really good techniques. I look forward to each class and am learning a lot. If you are thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place to go. I promise you will learn a lot and enjoy it!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Jerome Jozwiak

My son has been going hear for about a month he loves the place great atmosphere

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

howard brundage

Apex provides a clean, friendly, and affordable environment, with accomplished instructors, for all levels of grappling. It's a great place to train.

Instructors Facility Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Lucas Lucas69

Apex is much much better than Uflaker IAM very happy to find Apex It is the real house of grappling

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Ashur Darmo

Great place for kids and adults to learn jiujitsu and get in shape!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Rocio Franco

I visit APEX House of Grappling regularly to take their Wednesday, 7 PM Jiu-Jitsu class. Nick Spacek, the head coach, is wonderful. He is patient, he explains the technique in a manner that is easily understood, and he is easily approachable for questions and feedback. I highly recommend this place if you live in the area and are looking to get into Jiu-Jitsu. This is the place to go for sure.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

iker lepe

Clean environment and great adult class. Lots of rolls.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Christopher Kucek

Great Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and self-defense instruction. Good atmosphere for anybody who comes in.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Natalia Wilk

Awesome gym! The gym is well taken care of and super clean. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Youd be learning from the best! Would definitely recommend going here if you really want to learn.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Tiffany Rivera

Coach Nick has done an amazing job helping shape our son's current skills from his previous BJJ academy. Very clean environment. And the kids who attend are all respectful and kind. Great place to help guide our son to the next level in his training. Highly recommend trying!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

APEX House of Grappling

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Emma Daleske

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