1050 Corporate Blvd suite e, Aurora, IL 60505, USA
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & no-gi grappling classes in Aurora IL. Programs for adults, kids, beginners, and mixed levels. Easy access to Naperville, Warrenville, Downer's Grove and Chicago. All are welcome.
Coach Aaron gave a seminar at the gym I train at in Madison, Wisconsin. His instruction was incredibly detailed and he made sure to take the time to help each of us out even though it was a larger class. He was patient, encouraged us to ask questions, and had amazing energy and a positive, welcoming attitude. Everyone from Pica Pau who I got to train with also carried that and it was a pleasure to train with them. I think anyone looking to train with Aaron and his gym at any level will have a truly great experience! I can’t wait to stop by when I’m in town and I hope y’all visit us again! Thank you so much for sharing your jiujitsu!
Aaron taught a Seminar at our gym on Omaplata to Monoplauta to Lat Armbar and it was awesome. Great instructor and very kind.
I have met Aaron and some of Pica Pau’s students at various seminars. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout the seminars. Aaron’s attention to detail and thorough explanation of complex movements leaves all in attendance with a better understanding of BJJ. Cannot say enough good things about Pica Pau and cannot wait to visit this summer.
Really quite a great place to train regardless of what level you are. One of the most welcoming and friendly environments you'll ever find in a gym and they offer high level and detailed instruction that benefits total beginners and competitive grapplers alike. The experienced grapplers are quite helpful and willing to share their knowledge with beginners and there are some very tough guys and active competitors that offer good rolling for those looking for harder rounds. For the girls, there is quite a large community of very friendly (and skilled) women to work with as well and they do a great job of making this a non-threatening place to learn. The facilities are also well maintained and hygienic. Both of the owners are quite friendly, and have high levels of integrity. In all, this is probably the best Jiujitsu gym/training environment in the area for anyone looking to learn Jiujitsu within driving distance and you will surely find that they have something to offer after stopping by.
Friendly,clean, professional, and positive environment. The instructors and the community are awesome and professional. Always willing to help. My daughter had free trials, and she loved the place and the people. The owners are positive, friendly, and professional people. Very flexible and accommodating. Definetly recommend this gym.
If you’re looking to enroll yourself, or your children, in a Jiu Jitsu academy, then I strongly recommend Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu & Grappling. Aaron & Tam have created a welcoming & friendly environment that is conducive for growth for everyone from children to adults, to beginners & advanced practitioners. Aaron’s thoughtful approach to teaching, coupled with his meticulous & comprehensive curriculums, allows for even the newest of students to grasp advanced concepts & apply them effectively. I personally vouch for Pica Pau as an academy, and Aaron & Tam as great people who make the well being & development of their students & their positive gym culture, top priorities respectively.
The owners and all the coaches always go above and beyond for their members/teammates. They're very supportive within the community. They create such a calm and welcoming environment to all who stop in. They made me feel right at home and treat me like family. Tam and Aaron did an amazing job and continued to make it a safe and exciting training spot for all.
Pica Pau owner and head instructor Aaron Brooks has been a friend of mine for more than a decade. Aaron is a guy who found Jiu Jitsu, dedicated his life to honing the art and never stopped! He has competed countless times, has hundreds of victories in competition and in the event of any losses he has always viewed them as lessons. Forever becoming a greater Jiu Jitsu practitioner, coach and person. I mention Aaron's extensive competition history to highlight the bravery, commitment and accomplishments that he has unwaveringly applied himself to earning. But I can honestly say that his desire to be a top rate coach and just an all around decent and caring person for those who walk through doors of Pica Pau is of even higher importance to him. I am blessed to call Aaron a friend.
This is a great place to learn and grow your jiu jitsu. Apart from many other gyms, Pica Pau is constantly changing its curriculum to adapt to trending moves and tournament styles. Coach Aaron and Tam are also very welcoming to everyone! Great team to be apart of :)
I have been a member of Pica Pau for 10 months now because I became interested in their striking classes (a mix of boxing and Muay Thai). I'm 39 and have never been athletic in my entire life and was just over 300lbs back when I joined. I joined after my first class, even though they were more than generous in offering me more time to check the place out. I joined because it was immediately clear that the mantra-mission statement of "Train Hard, Be Kind" is fostered in and is alive in every single person at this gym and I wanted very much to be a part of it. Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in Aaron and Tam - the captains of this ship - and all the instructors across Pica Pau's deep and diverse weekly schedule. In the striking classes you will find no better coach than Ulysses and no better group of training partners. There is space for everyone of every skill level here. Everyone has the same expectation - train hard, be kind. BJJ is a challenge I am continuing to work at, but what has never been a challenge is feeling like I didn't belong. I've never seen a single person hesitate to help anyone who needs it. I have never seen, or even heard gossip of, the kinds of toxicity that multiple YouTube videos will tell you exists across the vast expanse of jiu jitsu gyms. The expectation and mission of "Train Hard, Be Kind" could not describe the culture better and it's infused in everything about Pica Pau. This place will rise to meet all the effort and drive you are willing to bring to it. It's an amazing ride being a part of Pica Pau. 5 out of 5 stars, no notes, would train at again.
Pica Pau is a great gym to train jiu jitsu. You can tell the instructors pour their hearts into their students and the facility. It's always so clean and everyone there is very welcoming no matter what your skill level is. I'm not able to train as often as I'd like but every time I do I'm welcomed back like I never left.
I have trained Jiu Jitsu before at other facilities. I think what I enjoyed the most at Pica Pau are the structured classes they offer. Sometimes mma/bjj gyms can be very intimidating walking in but all the staff members and coaches at Pica Pau were very friendly.
This is the place you want to train in a safe and fun environment with no judgement or inflated egos
This school rocks. Pica Pau is the best choice by far, in my opinion, for high quality, Brazilian Jiu jitsu instruction and training in the Chicagoland area. I’ve trained at and visited many many gyms in the 14 years I’ve been training bjj and pica pau has some things that set it apart: First, Aaron is an actual encyclopedia of grappling and an excellent instructor. The guy is a wizard on the mats and his technical knowledge is on a different level. He’s a black belt’s black belt. And the proof of this is the unusually large amounts of black belts that take his classes and learn from him, that speaks for itself. Not only that but he’s a really good human being and he cares about his students and their progress. Secondly, the vibe in the gym is so welcoming and whether you are a high level competitor or you just want to learn something new or get in shape or whatever you will be welcomed and you will learn. There are professional fighters and elite competitors there and there are teachers and computer programmers there too. And they are all beasts to be honest. Everyone is so nice but they are also all very skilled and technical grapplers as well. And finally the facility itself is awesome, very clean and organized and they keep the bathrooms stocked with defense wipes, nail clippers/ files, hygiene products etc and that’s because Tam (the other owner) rocks and because of her touch it is unlike any other gym I have ever been to. They take good care of their members and guests, anyone is welcome to visit. And if you are looking for somewhere to train, you would be making a big mistake if you don’t go check them out.
I've visited and trained at Pica Pau every year I visit to see my mom in the Midwest, and I have to say, it's one of the most welcoming and friendly schools I've been to! Not only that, that have quite the competitors if your into it and incredibly detailed, technical and current moves that are current in the community. Also my friends daughter loves his gym as well lol! Aaron and Tam are very friendly and fair gym owners. They show the upmost care of their gym and the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu by how it is kept. Definitely, if there was a gym I could train at, it would be at Aaron's!
Last summer I moved from Las Vegas to the Chicagoland area. I was a training in Vegas and hoping to find a new home out here. I stopped in to observe a class where I met Aaron and Tam. They were extremely welcoming and even told me to come to class for a week to find out if Pica Pau was a good fit for me. I had every intention of checking out other gyms in the area but after that week I knew Pica Pau was the right gym. Great environment, great jiu jitsu, and most importantly, all the coaches actually care about leading by example. If you are in the area and interested in jiu jitsu, I highly recommend stopping in giving it a shot!
I love it here! The coaching is absolutely top notch. Aaron is highly knowledgeable, very well experienced and legitimately cares for his students. The atmosphere is friendly, fun and encouraging. Please stop by and see for yourself!
My favorite place to train gi and no gi BJJ whenever I visit Chicago .
Pica Pau is, in my opinion, the perfect gym for almost any audience. They offer great kids classes, diverse, engaging and detailed adult classes, and a warm, safe and friendly training environment. Aaron, the head instructor, has made many efforts to make sure I feel included and welcome, and is a great training partner. Thank you Pica Pau!
Owner and instructor Aaron Brooks traveled to our academy in Madison, Wisconsin to teach a clinic on guard passing and I can attest to his skills on the mat as an instructor and a practitioner. He was detailed, thoughtful, concise, and genuine. Just as important, Aaron and the people of Pica Pau are genuinely good human beings who care about the health of the culture at large and the people that comprise it. If you’re looking for a place to train, you couldn’t find a better academy of people.
A great culture developed by great people. This is a great community and environment to learn jiu jitsu. Aaron and Tam pour everything into this place.
Thank you to coach Aaron Brooks for the fabulous seminar at Bender Martial Arts and Fitness. Your wonderful instruction and openness to questions made it possible to learn so many valuable techniques in a relatively short period of time. I'm grateful that you shared your time and expertise with us!
Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling is an unbelievable school for every type of student. Men, Women, Kids, Adults, Competitors, Hobbyists, and everywhere in between- this gym provides world-class, accessible Jiu Jitsu instruction. Aaron and Tam have cultivated a training environment that emphasizes kindness, safety, and passion for the sport. The facilities are meticulously cleaned every day, and expectations for hygiene and safety are both posted and communicated. As an introductory student, I was welcomed and integrated into the curriculum quickly and kindly; and now with a year under my belt (pun intended) I continue to learn and appreciate Jiu Jitsu even more! Visitors and trial students are always welcomed, and the regular students (especially more experienced students) are always willing to support. I can't recommend this gym enough! Come train!
I was looking for a gym to train at while home from college and found my way into this gym to sit-in on a class. The instruction was great, the staff and members were incredibly welcoming, the mats and space were clean, and the rolls were fun. Great place to train and I hope to drop by again soon.
Super fun and welcoming environment. Awesome place to train, will stop by again when I'm in the area
Big fan of Pica Pau! The coaches are great with kids and have a ton of patience. Coach Aaron jumps right into lessons in a way that takes all the fear out of trying something new and challenging. I appreciate Coach Shawn for getting the kids to put in the work and learn the techniques properly. They live their motto over there which is “train hard and be kind!”
My son's been doing BJJ here and loves it. The instructors are very attentive and make sure everyone has a partner and knows what to do. They're also able to keep the class under control, and are generally good with kids who are happy, engaged, and focused. Aaron has even been able to convince my daughter to try the class out. She did want to but was shy about it and at first just observed from the sidelines: his encouraging approach helped her join in. While the kids roll, I attend the striking class which overlaps with kids' BJJ twice a week. This class is much smaller than BJJ but it's a great, the instructor is no-nonsense and makes sure everyone works hard and does things right.
Pica Pau Is a great gym with coaching that puts a lot of emphasis on learning the important details of techniques and spending time making sure everyone understands how to properly and safely execute the moves. Classes are well structured and the coaches and team members genuinely care about your comfort and individual progress. Coaches Aaron and Tam have created a very welcoming environment and really lead by example. Especially as a female in the sport, this gym provides a safe atmosphere to begin your Jiu jitsu journey and/or progress it. Challenging rolls and great people, highly recommend!
Absolutely amazing place to train and learn Jiu Jitsu. Aaron and Tam do a wonderful job keeping it clean and comfortable. Everybody that trains here is incredibly friendly and will help you fit right in. There is never any pressure to do anything you're not comfortable with. Aaron is great at teaching and can break any technique down to the smallest details, ensuring you will grasp it. If youre nervous about trying, dont be. Just come in and see how fun and kind Pica Pau is. You will love training here just as much as myself and everyone else does.
There are not enough good things to say about this place. They are welcoming clean, and above all else excellent at BJJ. By far the best gym in the area you are in good hands with professor Aaron and co. 6/5 stars
One of the best Jiu-Jitsu gyms around. Aaron is a top notch instructor, his knowledge of the game and attention to detail is impressive. The school is over the top welcoming and people are very kind and supportive.
My two sons attend. They are an overall great school. Our family feels lucky to have found it.
Fantastic academy Fantastic instructors Fantastic community Fantastic members I started my Jiujitsu journey here and couldn't be happier with that decision.
Great energy. Great training partners. Great leg work class. Thanks again for having me.
I've been training here for over a year now. By far the best program I've ever been a part of. Great kids program too. Me and my kids love it here.
Great place to train. There’s plenty of people to roll with, and best of all it’s very clean.
This gym truly is amazing! I can not say enough great things about the owners Tam and Aaron. They have provided an inclusive environment, high level instruction and a strong sense of community. Not to mention all of the amazing teammates that welcome you with open arms :)
Absolutely amazing gym. Every time I am home from school they are very welcoming. This place has a great culture with a variety of good training partners. I recommend it to anyone in the area.
"Train hard be kind" is not just a slogan or saying. From day one everyone has been very welcoming and kind. The community trains HARD and the coaches provide quality instruction. Best of all is all levels are welcome and egos are hung up at the door. A must.
One of the absolute best jiu-jitsu gyms around. The level of care and passion is immediately noticed as soon as you walk in. The atmosphere and culture is beyond expectations.it is warm, helpful and inviting while still having the intensity and higher level energy you would expect from a competition grade school. Great support for the beginner's as well.
This is far and away the best Jiu Jitsu school in the area. I came from out of state and went to every school in the suburbs looking for the right fit. This place takes the cake and then some. Extremely knowledgeable instructors, best gym environment, and really good competition. This team took 2nd at the Chicago open their first year in existence which is almost unheard of.
This gym is just too sweet. They are the cream that has risen to top. They have absolutely everything covered from every bathroom amenity to world class instruction. As a visitor Aaron and Tam went above and beyond not only as instructors but treated us as family. This is a gym I will be visiting 4 life.
I've been training under coach Aaron Brooks for about a year now. But I've been training off and on due to injuries for a couple years prior at other academies. I think this is the most progress I've made since starting bjj and that's all thanks to Aaron and his staff. This academy is full of high level practionors and competitors. Most of the staff themselves are very active, competing throughout the year. All of that and everyone here is so kind and humble. If your looking for a serious place to train you'll be welcomed here with kind open arms.
I have been training with my kids at PicaPau for a little less then a year now. This gym is amazing, everyone has their own goals and everyone supports each other to achieve those goals. From the kids to the adults the training is great, the instructors stays on top of what is current with grappling and teaches techniques with details and plenty of drilling time. I truly love this place.
Wonderful location for learning and training Brazilian jiu jitsu. Aaron and the coaching staff are very knowledgeable and patient. They know how to make you feel welcomed and safe. They are very easy to speak with. The facility is very clean. Great place for the community. Great for getting into shape, self defense, confidence, and doing something fun.
I did their White Belt Week in December. Fantastic value for only $30. It was an hour class every day of the week, that taught basic BJJ fundamentals. Tam is an excellent instructor, anyone looking to try BJJ for the first time, I highly recommend taking part in White Belt Week!
A really nice and welcoming gym! I been training here for a few months and can say it is really nice atmosphere filled with kind people who are always willing to help. Def recommend for those in the area.
I've been training bjj for about 6 years and I've trained at a few other academies in the area as well. The class structure here is great (tons of drilling and reviewing). Aaron is awesome and a very talented instructor. He teaches in a way that ensures everyone understands the technique to the smallest details. Since I've started training here I feel I've been making more progress than ever. Quality instruction from quality people. Positive and kind environment. The competition crew is amazing as well, a real team. I love it here and would recommend this academy to anyone with any skill level.
The best grappling gym in the area. Coaches are very experienced and knowledgeable. The whole team is welcoming and respectful to new students and guests. And they have a killer comp team for anyone wanting to compete. I would recommend this place 10 out of 10.
Wonderful atmosphere for adults and kids alike. The owners and instructors are dedicated and involved. This place promotes inclusion for all. The gym is always clean and anything you may need is readily available. Everyone here is welcoming and friendly.
They made it really easy to learn jujitsu starting out. I never felt out of place or like I was in over my head
This was the third school I tried in the Naperville/Aurora area for my son and myself. My main priority was how the kids class is run and how the instructor interacts with the kids. Aaron Brooks was absolutely amazing with my son (who is only 5 years old) but he’s great with all the kids. We have only been here for about 4 months I enjoy everything about this school. My teammates are like family. What really touched me was when I bring my son with me to practice, teammates have taken a round of sparring off just to play with my son. I’ve never been around a community like this and it’s such a great feeling. I appreciate my little family over here.
Great instruction! Womens-only classes available. It is a great gym for people who want to compete and those who are doing jiu jitsu for fun. The community vibe in this place is my favorite part. Facility is really nice and clean.
If you are looking for warm, loving, tight community vibes, THIS is the place you’ve been searching for. Aaron and Tam are incredible human beings, and they clearly care immensely about their students and members. This is not a place of absent Coaches. The instruction is phenomenal and top-teir; this Academy blows it’s competitors out of the water in many, many ways. HIGHLY recommend, for both men and women, competitors and hobbyists, anyone looking for a place where safety, inclusivity and quality are a top priority.
Excellent place to trian Jiu Jitsu! Great instructors, friendly environment, welcoming for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
10000/10 for anybody to start learning brazilian jiu jitsu! I end up always having a great experience at the pica pau jiu jitsu. The facility itself is beyond nice, clean bathrooms, mats and not to mention the hospitality from both of the owners. Curriculum and the way Aaron runs the class is so interesting and it always makes me want to learn more. I cant wait to go back and get a quality training in; and i recommend you to as well!
Great team. Great instruction. Top notch gym, all around.
One of the best places to learn martial arts in Illinois. Aaron Brooks and his team are as legit as they come. World class instruction in a beautiful facility. Do yourself a favor and sign up!
Pica Pau is an awesome school to train at: 1) literally everyone there is a huge nerd, but savage on the mats 2) Aaron Brooks is a Tier 1 instructor. He finds ways to educate white and upper belts in the same instructional 3) the vibe there is second to none. Everyone qualified is always willing and able to assist when you’re screwing up the simple instructional Aaron provided (welcome to bjj 😅)
My son looks forward to nothing more than training here 3-4 times a week. Aaron and Tam run an honest operation with zero compromise. Top notch facility, detailed instruction, and welcoming atmosphere. If you have a child and are considering enrolling them in martial arts, make this your first stop.
Amazing here visiting family n went with her and it was a great experience and learning!
Whether you are looking to get into Jui Jutsu for self defense, exercise, or a fun new group to be a part of, this is where you will find it. Could not be happier training here!!! The instructors make learning fun and are willing to work with you at whatever level you're coming in at!
I Can't say enough good things about this gym. Welcoming atmosphere, and great technical instruction.
A superb gym in every facet - 1. The cleanest academy I've trained in. 2. Beautifully set up for optimum training. 3.Instruction for all levels and class types are top notch (Kids, Adults, Women's Only classes, Striking, Competition Class, etc.). 4. Exemplary Leadership where everyone who steps through those doors are treated as a friend, and are made to feel safe. There are truly not enough positive words that can be said about Pica Pau JJ&G.
Thee best grappling/ jiu jitsu gym in the area. Great vibe and great people to train with. Aaron Brooks the owner is the real deal and has top notch knowledge in the grappling arts. Highly recommend!
Great instructors, Aaron and Larry. Both bring a wealth of modern and technical expertise during class. The environment is very inviting: friendly staff, new mats, and great training partners; truly a judgement free zone! You have a myriad of different skill levels, from veteran black belts to newer white belts. Check it out, you owe it to yourself! Aaron is very kind and wont pressure you into any commitments or long term contracts.
First off, the instruction is great. With decades of competition experience and accolades, they're able to teach at the highest level. They run multiple practices every day. They offer basic, advanced, private, and competition prep classes from morning to evening for gi and no gi, as well as having kid's and women's classes. They also have open mat daily for all skill levels, and the gym closes whenever you feel you've gotten enough training. They'll let you work as much as you want! And if you're worried about having to pay right away, they'll let you try out some classes to see if it's something you really want to do. This speaks to be people running it... they are awesome people. They are kind, understanding, and truly care about the individual and their growth. The gym also has regulations to ensure good hygiene, so no stinky gis. They also have nail clippers and mouthwash in the bathroom, so just some extra amenities. I've already showed various friends this gym and cannot talk more highly of it.
I'm not really sure where to start. Plain and simple, this gym is awesome! The vibe that you get when walking in makes you feel like a family member. The owners are outstanding and the coaches are top notch. I can't say enough about this gym. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend checking them out!
If you are looking for an elite new gym in the area, then this is definitely one you want to check out. They have a very welcoming group with some top notch coaching. Aaron is extremely knowledgeable when breaking technique down and has something for progressing on all levels. Looking forward to continuing to train here.
Amazing facility with a friendly and clean environment for people of all ages to get in shape and have fun. Aaron's level of detail during instruction shows his true dedication to the art and his enthusiasm towards teaching provides a high energetic atmosphere. I will highly recommend this gym to my friends, family and patients. Welcome to Aurora!
Just met Aaron recently and it feels like I've known him for years. If you're looking for an inviting and friendly place to train at with some serious jiu jitsu skills, come check them out! The gyms motto is in full effect. Train hard. Be kind.
Dropped in for an open mat on Friday and was immediately welcomed. The gym is great and has top notch instructors. The owners are genuine great people that care for everyone that walks through the doors. The group of people they have there are all great and provided tough rolls, good vibes, and a great time. I will highly recommend this gym to anyone of any skill level interested in self defense/jiu jitsu. I look forward to dropping in again and glad to have them in the community.
Best jiu-jitsu gym in the area. Very welcoming and warm hearted atmosphere.
After trying a handful of places to start Jiu Jitsu I saw a wide range of options from actual mat time to practical instruction to membership structures and after one class with Aaron I got the best of pretty much every category! Very happy I found these guys
The best place to train BJJ in the Aurora area the western suburbs. Aaron Brooks is one the best BJJ coaches in Chicago so if your looking to improve your game this is the place to be.
I have known Aaron for ten years, as long as I have been training. I have never met someone that both lives and loves jiu jitsu the way he does. From being a great instructor and coach amd competitor to being an even better friend, I'm honored to be a part of this community and fully recommend this gym 10/10 come grapple with us!
If you're in the area and not training here you're making a mistake. These guys are genuine people and as good as they are they're even better at jiu jitsu. Some of the most inviting caring and knowledgeable instructors you will find. Would give them more than 5 stars if I could.
Instructor Aaron is knowledgeable and fun. It’s a great environment, and he does a nice job of meeting you at your level and helping you achieve your goals towards improvement, fitness or competition. I would and do recommend this place to my friends.
Been training with Aaron for years. He's a quality instructor and the gym is very clean and well maintained. The environment is inclusive and he takes the time to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Very knowledgeable instructor !! Very well manner, clean gym, and nice peeps. I recommend trying this place , you’ll love it!!
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