Dan Ortiz

This place is incredible. Coach Ramses is knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in your progress. The vibe is welcoming and ego-free. Perfect for both beginners and experienced grapplers. Classes are well-structured, the facility is clean, and the community is supportive. Whether you're training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, you’ll feel right at home here. Highly recommend checking it out!

Posted 1 year ago

Colin Kelly

Living Art is an awesome gym. Ramses is putting together a great program. Some gyms can be intimidating to walk into, but Ramses has put together a group that makes you feel like part of the team when you walk in. If you pick this gym, you'll be challenged and improve your game and technique quickly. Highly recommend.

Posted 1 year ago

amir behlil

Living Art BJJ is a great place to train, offering a friendly and supportive environment for all levels. The academy focuses on solid fundamentals while helping everyone progress at their own pace. Coach Ramses is an excellent instructor and has a deep knowledge of BJJ

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

George Schwertfeger

Excellent teacher(s). Extraordinarily patient with the kids. They, somehow, are able to maintain order without EVER raising thier voices. Time is always made for each student in the class. I highly recommend this class.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Piotr Morawa

I can't say enough good things about Living Art BJJ. The instructors are top-notch, patient, and truly passionate about teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, you'll find a welcoming and challenging environment here.The community at this gym is incredible—everyone is supportive and encouraging, making it a great place to train and grow. The classes are well-structured, focusing on technique, drilling, and live rolling, which has dramatically improved my kids skills and confidence on the mat.What really stands out is the attention to detail and the personalized feedback from the coaches. They genuinely care about your progress and make sure you understand the techniques being taught. The facilities are clean, and the atmosphere is always positive. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to start or continue their BJJ journey!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

NOD

I am grateful to have found Living Arts BJJ. I have been training with Coach Ramses for a year now. I look forward to my hours of the week with him because of his dedicated and personal approach to teaching. He takes the time to find what does and doesn't resonate with me. Once he finds something that "clicks", he builds off of that. That has made the learning aspect far less daunting and turned it into one that is very rewarding. He is incredibly patient with his approach and often asks for questions and feedback--which, to me, is the sign of a great and confident teacher. I take both individual and group classes with him and find them both incredibly rewarding in their own ways. He has shown me that no matter your age or skill level, you can retain what he teaches and feel solid accomplishments and progress with each session. I appreciate there are a lot of options out there for BJJ, but Coach Ramses is the difference for me. My first year with him has flown by and I feel I have learned so much- on top of the incredible physical and mental workout I get. Because of him, I want to continue to learn for the long time. I'd HIGHLY recommend Coach Ramses and Living Arts BJJ to anyone--regardless of their age or skill level.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Chi-Balkan Blues

Great place to train ! 👍👍👍

Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Bree Stewart

Professor Ramses Bugarin has more passion & patience than any practitioner I’ve come across in over a decade of training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He offers the rare combination of a black belt who competes at a high level w/ the compassion of a nurse —technician like a surgeon , but an awesome coach & a genuine friend — it’s no surprise that he has manage to cultivate such a wonderful community at the Living Arts Bjj 🤗

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Brandon Montalvo

Good group of guys! I am a drop in from out of town and everyone was very kind! Great rolls too!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Derick guerra

I came here to train from out of state on a work trip so I could stay sharp in grappling . I’ve crossed trained many places in the past but living arts has got to be one of my favorite places . Had the privilege of training under coach Ramses and It was quite the experience for me . Very well spoken , very meticulous , and straight to the point . Coach Ramses is able to explain literally every detail as to why even the smallest moves in a sequence are important . Which is what you want in a coach especially when you’re starting out in training . In the past it was so easy for me to get lost in a lesson or to drill a move wrong even though I would be able to get the submissions being taught .this in turn can create bad habits that at the highest level (or any level ) would have me exposed . Coach Ramses was able to spot all the holes in my game and explained thoroughly what I can do to improve . With Very light hearted , and creative methods for teaching groups of all ages , The coach and the students here just made it so easy to get comfortable ; it felt like I’ve trained there for years Everyone at the gym was so kind and also very insightful . As the saying goes :”iron sharpens iron “ and at living art the students all had a broad list of moves that will contribute to my game in the future . Thanks again to coach Ramses and his students for giving me the privilege to cross train with them . I’m so grateful to have ever met such wonderful people and I hope to cross paths with them again someday . My name is Derick Guerra I train out in suwanee Georgia . And I would highly recommend living arts jujitsu for any belt rank at any age to come give this one a go . OSS

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Posted 2 years ago

Branko Popovic

I have been training for a number of years and at a few different gyms in the Midwest and on the West Coast, this one definitely ranks up there as one of the most welcoming with a great atmosphere and people. Very friendly to total beginners and people that have trained before. The instructor, Ramses, does a great job breaking down techniques and running classes. Also a nice mix of Gi and No Gi training. I would definitely recommend the gym to anyone who is interested in Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nikolas Antoniou

Professor Ramses and Professor Jim are exceptional teachers, and importantly, exceptional persons. Their classes are structured in an organized manner that allows for maximum learning for every student, from beginner white belt, to more advanced. Every student is treated with respect, and always made to feel like an integral person to the school. I would encourage anyone to try a class here. I am absolutely sure that you will walk away at the end of class with a unique experience that you will remember for a long time. Nikolas

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Posted 2 years ago

Karl Pulido

My son, trains in the little kids class at Living Art BJJ, and he loves it there! He’s been training for 7 month and he’s always excited when it’s jiujitsu day. This school is exactly what I’m looking for when I was searching for a Bjj gym for my child. Here are some of the reasons why it’s awesome: 1. Coaches: Ramses, Dave, and Hamish These guys are very kind and patient with the little kids. They are always there helping them understand what they need to do. They make it fun for the kids to go train. The coaches also provide helpful feedback to the kids. 2. Class schedule and class setup: When I was looking for a Bjj gym it was important to find one that has a little kids class, as my son was only 4 years old. Most gyms have a kids class but it’s mixed from small kids to big kids. This place has a separate little kids class and a big kids class. This allows the coaches to tailor what and how they are teaching to the little kids. Little kids need more play like activity versus a rigid instruction. They do that well here. For schedule, they have unlimited sessions so you only pay 1 fee for unlimited classes. Schedule is good and consistent. 3. Space/Cleanliness: They have moved to their own space last year, this new space is spacious and clean. They have a lounge area too. The mats are always clean which is important. 4. Class size: The little kids class usually have 4 to 8 kids. The coaches have enough kids to train against each other, and still small enough that they could really guide and assist them with their learning. 5. Fun! They always incorporate some sort of activity/game that allows the kids to have tons of fun, and learn movements that they will use for actual techniques. I like this place a lot for my child. It helps him build the foundation, and more important, he learns to like the sport. 5 stars to Living Art BJJ

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Tricia Sbertoli

My boys have been members at Living Art for a few years now. They have learned so much in that time. They are proud to have earned promotions via stripes and belts. This place isn’t a promotion factory though; the kids earning it are putting in the work. Coach Ramses is great. He makes the classes fun but has excellent control. The kids are not only learning BJJ but also to respect authority and their partners. Sometimes a larger or more skilled kid has to go against a smaller partner. Coach always encourages the bigger kid to both go gentle and challenge the smaller kid. Coach Ramses comes to the competitions and cheers the kids on. The other families are great too. We’ve made social connections for both the kids and ourselves.

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Posted 2 years ago

Scott Gave

What a remarkable academy! Professor Ramses is a true professional! The youth and adult classes are well structured and fun for all skill levels. I highly recommend Living Art Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to anyone interested in training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! It's great to see a gym with integrity and a high level of skills! I promise you won't regret the decision, to go and take a class.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Joshua Sauseda

What a great Martial Arts Academy! The environment is welcoming and friendly. Coach Ramses teaches the techniques in a way that are easy to understand. He walks around and gives useful feedback to each student to help them get the details just right. The sparring is tough but technical. Everybody takes care of their partners. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Mark Baluyut

I have visited Living Art BJJ a couple times when I was in town and had a great experience training there. Prof. Ramses is one of the most knowledgeable and skilled Jiujitsu teachers and practitioners in Illinois. The facility is clean and safe. There is lots of mat space to train. The class is structured so that students will get the most Jiujitsu instruction out of it. All of his students felt very comfortable and respectful towards one another. It is great for any beginner or seasoned practitioner. Ramses’ instruction is clear, concise, and extremely effective. Lastly, I was able to observe his kids program. If you’re in the area with children, you need to bring them to Living Art BJJ. The kids were having fun while effectively learning and applying Jiujitsu. It was so impressive to see how much they knew. The kids were also very well behaved and were being taught discipline in the process through assertive teaching methods. I will definitely continue to come back whenever I’m in the area. This is an amazing gym.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Scott Guzek

I cannot say enough about my experience with Rameses and the Living Art BJJ family. Starting off, I had absolutely no experience with BJJ, martial arts, or even fighting in general. Like others, I had listened to podcasts and became interested in the sport because a lot of my favorite personalities were into the sport as well. The sport itself is a great test of both your physical and mental endurance, but if you stick with it you'll meet a ton of great, like-minded people and get in better shape! I started right after covid lockdowns with another small group of guys and, over the years, we've watched this amazing little school grow into a place where we've now welcomed dozens and dozen of new faces to learn and grow with us. Every night on the mat you really do get a sense of community and fellowship with the other members where, even as the school has grown, it still feels like a tight nit group of people. It is a great school for newcomers and experienced competitors alike. There are no meathead personalities or people that have some sort of crazy pro MMA aspirations, just a great group of people looking to hone useful skills with an amazing teacher. I'd also say the average age of students is in the 30s, mostly professionals, and many are parents of young kids. I especially like the week-on, week-off Gi/No Gi approach so we can learn both skill sets. Coach Rams does a great job of mixing in new content and review content while theming weeks on broader skill sets and building on them throughout the week. If you are on the fence about joining a BJJ school because you're "too out of shape" or "too old" or "too weak", trust me, this is the absolute best place for you to show up. You will be welcomed the moment you step onto the mats and you will not regret a moment of it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Hamish Allanson

Coach Ramses creates a wonderfully welcoming environment for all, whether experienced or brand new students, with an emphasis on fun and safety. He is super knowledgeable, super technical but also always approachable and open to answering questions. He has fostered a sense of community that always makes one excited to go train. For anyone considering starting in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or for anyone experienced and looking for a new gym, I cannot recommend Living Art highly enough.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Kyri Sierra

My first grader has been attending lessons for more than a year with wonderful results. Coach Ramses has excellent management of the co-ed class and all students are held to high standards. The skills he teaches are age appropriate and the class is well structured. Character traits like self-discipline, hard work, sportsmanship and accountability are a part of the lessons which has been transformative for my boy. We feel part of a community at Living Art Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jack Crews

I've been coming to Living Art for about 6 months now and could not be happier with my decision to train here. From the minute that I walked in I felt welcomed as part of the community. People were quick to introduce themselves to me and show me the ropes as a beginner. Coach Ramses has created an incredible culture, and is able to cater his classes to the wide variety of skill levels that we have in the room. The class structure and instruction are high-quality and I leave every class feeling like I've learned something that I can apply to my next roll. I could not recommend Living Art enough to someone looking for a place to train in the western suburbs!

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Posted 3 years ago

Daniel Donnell

Prof. Ramses is an extremely humble and knowledgeable Jiu-Jitsu instructor who's always looking for the best ways to teach the martial art we all have become addicted to. He stays on top of the latest techniques, puts thought into how every week of class is structured, and makes time to help each individual student. I've been training here for six months and I really like the atmosphere and group of practicioners here. I'd recommend this school to anyone looking to get into Brazilian jiu jitsu.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Thomas Castillo

Ramses is a great coach and really cares about his students. Great group of guys train here. Definitely new person friendly.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Larry Jaehn

My 10 year old has been a member of Living Art for the last 3 months or so. We seriously cannot say enough about this place. Coach Ramses is an incredible instructor and the kiddos really do learn a lot from him. He is patient and more importantly extremely knowledgeable in what he is teaching. My kid can’t wait to get to class at night. Looking forward to joining up myself.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Dave Smietanski

Awesome place to train! Coach Rams is awesome and the school has a great culture that is second to none. If you’ve been looking to get into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, look no further! This is the place to be! 10/10 recommend for all ages!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Alex Kujalowicz

It has been an absolute pleasure training at Living Art. I joined a few months ago as someone with no experience in BJJ and quickly found an awesome group of guys ran by a super knowledgeable and personable coach in Ramses. It's a mix of hobbyists and competitors who train at Living Art and I've had an awesome time rolling with both types of people. Everyone is helpful, welcoming, and interested in making a beneficial and productive environment. The coach is also super knowledgeable and accessible. He'll always give you his time to answer questions, work through positions, and roll. Pretty cool considering he's a competing black belt. Couldn’t be happier with the quality of the instruction and the people at Living Art. I plan on sticking around for a long time.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Eduardo Garcia

I have been taking Jiu Jitsu classes at Living Art along with my twelve year old daughter for a bit more than a year now and can say that the experience has been incredibly positive. I came in with the mindset of trying a few gyms in the area but once I came in for a couple of trial classes I felt that this was the right atmosphere for me and have been attending regularly ever since. Each week the drills are well structured, detailed, and varied, giving me the opportunity to learn a wide range of techniques along with the chance to implement them during positional sparing. It is evident from day one that the instructor really cares about the class, his students, and what he teaches. This sets the foundation for a relaxed atmosphere, enjoyable, and educational experience. I can confidently say that am looking forward to improving on the skills I have acquired so far. Ten out of ten would recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Muhammad Touseef Chaudhry

I started my BJJ journey here and attended for about 6 months and if I did not move I would still be here. This is a top notch school with excellent instructors. Jim & Ramses (each a black belt) do a great job of breaking down technique and providing great feedback. Good mix of all belt ranges to roll with. Very welcoming environment. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Taylor Biagi

Hands down the BEST Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Willowbrook Dupage County. If you’re looking for martial arts for yourself or your kids, you’re looking for Coach Ramses and Coach Jim and Living Art!!! Perfect for self-defense essential skill development, facilitating a fit healthy lifestyle, and practicing discipline and respect. Your child needs physical and mental training! The instructors here are committed, caring, and world-class. Jiu Jitsu is a fun and enriching activity, a great workout for cardio and muscle toning, and the Coaches here offer genuine support and encouragement you will need. Highly recommend!

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Posted 3 years ago

Dejan Ristic

Living Arts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the place to check out if you’re considering no-impact martial art - BJJ is about grappling. It’s located in a Willowbrook sports center, with many other sports activities in place, so there are many like-minded people practicing/training. Out of several places that my son (11) and I visited, he was immediately drawn to this one. Since he started a few months ago, his self-confidence is through the roof. He’s amazed how everybody in the class is humble. Classes are held daily by knowledgeable and easy-to-work with instructors, at a reasonable monthly fee. How much is your (or your child’s) “feel good” worth? A lot, I’d suggest. Self-confidence is the basis for courage, and with it every aspect of life becomes more meaningful. As I watch him practicing, I see that it’s a matter of time when I’ll join him. Good luck, Dejan

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Posted 4 years ago

Anderson Joyle

Great place to training. Coaches are very technical, kind and willing to repeat the techniques as many times as necessary. Students are really nice people. It's always a good time.

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Posted 4 years ago

North Greenfield

Ramses and Jim REALLY know jiu jitsu! They are excellent coaches— and I have learned a lot from them already. I highly recommend this gym.

Instructors

Posted 5 years ago

Rob Schlotterbeck

I reached out to numerous bjj gyms to do a drop in (I’m in Chicago for work). They didn’t pick up right away but they had the professionalism to call me back and allow me to come in! Awesome gym!

Instructors Facility Location

Posted 5 years ago

Luke Evans

A much more personalized experience than any other school I've been to. Jim and Ramses give great feedback and attention to each student. Great place for beginners looking to start training.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Eric Lindstrom

This is a fantastic place to learn Brazilian jiujitsu. Both coaches, Jim and Ramses, are great people from whom to learn. The environment is relaxed but the students definitely get after it. I would highly recommend this place and am glad my son and I found it!!

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Posted 5 years ago

Alan Kloskowski

Really awesome teachers, by far the best martial arts experience I've had ever.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

M B

My 8/9 year old started taking lessons here about 3 months ago after getting his Black Belt in TKD. I can’t say enough about the instructors. They are extremely patient with the kids and my child having HDAD has focus issues. I’ve seen great improvement with him in class. I’d like to add that aside from being exceptional teachers they are very kind and down to earth people. Another thing, the cost for lessons is fantastic compared to many of the other schools in the area. Particularly the chain names. I also like the idea of a defensive martial art that focuses on subduing without inflicting damage. It’s been some months and I’m really impressed with how they handle my son. It can be a chore with the attention gaps and occasional emotional lapses. They don’t miss a beat and never lose their cool.

Instructors Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Gianna Gibson

Coach Ramses & Coach Jim are amazing to work with! They are incredibly skilled and have put together an amazing program for adults and kids alike. My 7 year old daughter loves going to class and has learned so much!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Radiantly Renewed

Ramses is awesome! Appreciated his patience with me during my first lesson, and he took the time to thoroughly explain each strategy in detail. Definitely planning to be back!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Sinisa Jovkovic

I've been attending classes for a few months and i love this place. Both coaches give maximum attention to their students, and are always there to help and add helpful tips during drills. All the people i train with are amazing. I definitely suggest this place.

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Posted 6 years ago

Joe Calabria

Living Art BJJ is a great place to learn an amazing martial art, get into better shape and gain confidence. The instruction offered by both Jim and Ramses is second to none in my opinion. They do a great job making each lesson educational, challenging and extremely fun. I have never walked out of a lesson without a smile on my face. I have also met some great people at this academy and look forward to many more lessons with a group that has become family.

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Posted 6 years ago

Grzegorz Martyniak

Best place I have ever trained , highly recommended !!!!!!!!

Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Rebecca K

Ramses and Jim are passionate, knowledgeable, and inclusive instructors. Whether you want to be a world champ or have fun and get a workout in Living Art BJJ is the place to be.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Matthew Cotta

Not only are Jim and Ramses two of the best BJJ practitioners, competitors, and instructors out there, they are just plain cool. Jim's knowledge of BJJ will bite your face off, and Ramses will very humbly, politely, and articulately roll you up. Train here.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Joe Cressman

I have been training with Jim and Ramses for 6 years and both are amazing practitioners, instructors and friends. I owe both of them a ton in my overall development in the sport. Do yourself a favor and check out their school! Both will beat you up, but in a way that makes you want to learn more about the gentle art of BJJ!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Garry Johnson

Jim and Ramses are tremendous teachers and fantastic competitors. They are both incredibly knowledgeable about jiu jitsu and able to convey that clearly when they teach. They have both invested tremendous time and energy into helping myself get better at jiu jitsu and they care deeply about helping the people around them succeed.

Instructors

Posted 7 years ago

Andy Lueneburg

Great Instructors and better people. They can teach you how to be better than your competition, or just a better version of yourself. If you ever wanted to learn brazilian jiu jitsu this is the place to do it.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Eric Schouten

Ramses and Jim are very passionate about Jiu Jitsu and very good instructors. They are very open and welcoming to everyone from the complete beginner to advanced black belts. The atmosphere is very comfortable and everyone who trains here feels like family. I highly recommend Living Art Jiu Jitsu!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Bob Cano

Both Ramses and Jim have a great talent for teaching, instructing, and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Their encouragement and support keep working hard and to be patience keeps your focus on the details and helps build your BJJ. If you're looking for a BJJ gym and live in the area LABJJ is the place!!!

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Posted 7 years ago

Richard Draper II

Ramses Bugarin and Jim Barrett are exceptional teachers with a wealth of knowledge and experience. More importantly, I can honestly say that they are also genuinely kind human beings. They approach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a positive attitude, an eye for details, and a focus on efficiency that is unparalleled. Do yourself a favor and train with these two. Not only will you learn something, but you'll have a great time doing it.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Lucca Mazzei

I started out my jiu-jitsu journey training with Ramses and Jim and they were nothing but helpful and kind and that is huge for a newbie coming into the sport. Not only are they highly experienced, but also have a big heart so don't hesitate in training with them.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

G

This might be the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School you'll ever train at. I have had the privilege of learning from and training with Coach Ramses the past several years. He is an excellent coach and competitor who cares about all of his students growth. Whether you are a beginner, advanced, or looking for BJJ classes for your children, I'm certain Living Art BJJ will be exactly what you're looking for: A family environment with two excellent coaches who will help you reach levels you didn't think possible.

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Posted 7 years ago

Living Art Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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