Rio Jiu Jitsu

3948 N Monticello Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

4.9 (43 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Self-Defense

Classes

Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction Private Lessons

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

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Pete "the Greek" Letsos and Wristlock The World Adult BJJ, Kids Jiu Jitsu, Self-Defense, Fitness, Martial Arts, and Bulleyproof. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Reviews

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Serge Grebenschikov

I trained with Pete when I lived in Chicago from 2011 to 2017. I have trained at other schools and with other black belts since then. Hands down Pete is the best BJJ instructor I ever had. The more time passes since my training with him and the more I reflect on my lifetime hobby the more I see how amazing the class structure was there. The warm up drills, the techniques, his approach to sparring - they all promoted habits towards a BJJ longevity that other black belts don't think about. A true BJJ hero. If u live in Chicago train with Pete.

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
neal fleming

My wife and I took classes for several months and were happy with our experience. Everyone there is extremely good at what they do, but they are patient with those who are new to the sport. We would recommend them.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Austin Britts

Clean gym, friendly people, great jiu jitsu. What's not to like? I dropped into Rio Jiu Jitsu while in Chicago for work. The vibe is extremely friendly and supportive. The talent was top-notch and I learned a lot. Drop in and support them!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Ulises V

Great atmosphere accompanied by even better people! Truly a place to learn and get in shape, come on down!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Abraham Velazco

Good

Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Dopes&Dope Podcast

Hands the best jiu jitsu school in the city

Instructors Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Adam Beringer

I’ve been training at Rio Jiu Jitsu in Chicago for the last 5 years, everyone on the team and the instructor, Pete The Greek, have made me feel like family since day one. I tell everyone that’s interested in learning a martial art or anyone interested in grappling and Jiu jitsu to try our school out, you will not be disappointed! I’ve learned a tremendous amount these last couple years and can’t see myself training anywhere else! Come give Rio a try and always wristlock the world!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Alex Martinez

Been training at RIO Jiu Jitsu for about a year and half and couldn’t be happier! Pete The Greek and the whole team are top notch instructors. It’s quickly become my second home and the team is like family now. I highly recommend this academy for any looking to learn and train BJJ! Wristlock The World!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Richard Ray

Pete the Greek’s experience and knowledge has helped both my son and myself experience personal growth and betterment. Jiu jitsu offers a great practice of mindfulness and competence in controlling one’s own body—as well as someone else’s.

Instructors
Posted 6 years ago
Anthony Gianaras

Pete and his students were very welcoming and knowledgeable. Great atmosphere with guys who really know what they’re doing. I highly recommend this group to any Jiu Jitsu beginner or veteran alike.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Derick Errera

Pete's the best. Great people clean facilities. Kids have a ton of fun. Highly recommend for both new students and experienced.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
GOAT Alert

I was super fat (obese) and had no confidence when I started. Now I’m a physical specimen who is ready to take on all challenges brought my way. PTG and the gang are a really good group of supportive people who only want to see each other succeed. #WristlockTheWorld

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Mike Bukar

I train here along with my sons, aged 7 and 10. Pete The Greek is a black belt's black belt. If you really want to learn jiu jitsu, both with the gi and nogi, then this is the place. Pete has an encyclopedic knowledge of the art of grappling which he gladly shares with his students. Plus, the mats are very clean, which is important and not as common as it should be. If you are interested in getting good, then this is the place.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Christopher Stillson

I have been training with Rio Jiu Jitsu over a year now and have learned so much, This gym offers so much technique and culture that you cannot find in any other gym, The class schedules are the best because they offer day and night classes.This will always be my home gym no matter how far I travel. The instructors provide actual attention and mentorship. You will Progress in this gym!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Pauline McKinney

My kids have been training at Rio for 2.5 years and have gained so much confidence! They have a blast training, and I'm happy they're getting real world skills for protecting themselves. I decided to join 1.5 years ago, and I'm hooked! It's a great community, and the people I train with have really helped me grow my skills and my confidence!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Alberto Bonetg

One of the best schools or if not the best school I have been in in the past 20 years clean good people the best instructor and all the other instructors are great definitely I recommend this school for everybody

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Mister PeeBee

During my travels to Chicago for work, I got the opportunity to visit RIO and I had a blast. Pete the Greek has a unique teaching style and makes sure you get it. The facility is clean and organized and the people are friendly and welcoming. I can’t wait to go back again!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Vince H

I came here for a Saturday open mat. The new facility is very nice, with a huge high quality (supple enough to do judo & wrestling on) mat area and showers. Very clean! Quite a few black and brown belts around. I came with my left hand wrapped up but the guys went easy on me so I was still able to get some nice rolls in.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Arman Fathi

Pete The Greek is not only a legend in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community, he runs a first class facility with programs catering to all ages and physical capabilities. Here you will learn practical self defense skills while training the body through a full body workout, in a supportive, friendly, and clean environment. My experiences at PTG’s has consistently been A-class. I can’t recommend this enough to anyone looking to get a new hobby, get in shape, make new friends, or all of the above. Pete is one of my heroes in jiu jitsu and in life.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Dream Come True K9

I can't thank the Rio bjj academy enough for making me feel at home and like family during my visit there. I was in town on business and asked one of my professors in NYC at Marcelo Garcia Academy where i should go if i find some time to train in Chicago. Without hesitation my professor mentioned rio and Pete the greek. I arrived, and they embraced me as if I had returned from being away. The environment was friendly, the group was funny, and the techniques covered was awesome. They even went out of their way to loan me a gi and belt ( i didnt bring anything because i didnt think that i would have time to train on the trip). Just know that if any of you are ever in new york, you have a place to come train where we will extend that family vibe just the same as you did. thanks again!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Keith Mercado

Proud to say my wife, two boys and I are all members of Pete the Greek's Rio Jiu Jitsu. Great instruction for kids and adults and a great community. A practical martial art for men, women, and children of all ages. Clean facility and friendly staff.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Carlos Moran

Kids class is great, the coaches are awesome especially Coach Remy, he is tough on the kids but they learn a lot from him.

Instructors Classes
Posted 8 years ago
orcus secundus

Very friendly clean environment with a good supportive atmosphere. Defiantly would recommend.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
zakrecony mis

The best jiu-jitsu gym in Chicagoland. Great atmosphere, very knowledgeable instructors, super friendly teammates. Definitely stop by if you are in the town.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Axel Sierra

I've been going to Rio for about a year now and it has made a tremendous impact in my life. The amount of knowledge and methods of teaching that Pete and the instructors have is phenomenal for kids, teens and adults. A welcoming atmosphere that I will enjoy for years to come.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Michael Marsh

Build self confidence, and learn the most effective martial art there is. Make friends and get in shape.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
daniel rosales

I've been training here since December of last year and am proud to call Rio home. I've lost 30lbs since I started, my conditioning has improved tenfold and I'm continuing to make incremental progress in my BJJ journey all thanks to the team at Rio. Pete The Greek is very well known and respected around the world and his lineage speaks for itself. The instruction is top notch, and all the head coaches and senior belts are extremely experienced (many compete and place regularly), knowledgeable and most importantly dedicated to ensuring that we are receiving the very best training, including seminars from Eddie Cummings, Rigan Machado and Paul Schreiner to name a few. The kids program is very active and the instructors also hold frequent women's self defense seminars. The cleanliness of the academy is well maintained and the training environment is always friendly and welcoming. Unparalleled camaraderie with training partners who roll safe and aren't there to break anyone off. Coaches ALWAYS stress safety first and closely monitor all drilling and sparring to ensure that no one is putting themselves or their training partners in danger. The best time to start is now, don't wait, come check out Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
brandon hayes

Pete the Greek made us feel at home and showed my wife and I some great wristlocks. Will our place to go when chi-town. #wristlocktheworld

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Gabriel Ochoa

Pete is one of the greatest trainers

Instructors
Posted 10 years ago
andrew calvo

The instructors here are eager to teach whatever your skill level may be and they will give you an amazing workout. Pete the Greek is extremely knowledgable. This is the best place around for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Instructors
Posted 10 years ago
rcg0g0

Pete "The Greek" and the students at Rio Jiu Jitsu have made a big difference in my life for the last 7 years. It took time, persistence and Pete "The Greek". He recent built an amazing new gym with one of the biggest mat space in the Midwest. The atmosphere is friendly, constructive and he is very careful about who he allows to be a student at Rio.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
joshua franzke

Nice guys, tough drills and a beautiful academy. I will be back to train next time I'm in Chicago.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Serge Grebens

I've been training with Pete the Greek at Rio Bjj for three and a half years. I think his experience, his humor, and his wisdom make him the best instructor, and Sensei that I've had. Rio Bjj is a great environment to learn for beginners and for advanced bjj practitioners. There is lots of mat space and lots of experienced people that are friendly and willing to help.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Dan Loman

Pete and his bjj community at Rio are a great bunch of guys and girls. I started about 8 months ago with no experience of any kind, and it's been a fantastic experience. Pete is a great teacher who always explaining things in an easy way to see and understand, but I also learn so much from the other students who are always eager to help. The culture is a lot of fun, and I'm really glad to have found them. I highly recommend checking it out.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Ivan Calvo

I have beet training there for 2 years. I lost weight and feel great. When I first started I was a bit hesitant to train due to a back injury but though the warm ups and stretches that Pete (owner) taught me I can now have full range and also gained extreme flexibility. It as made a big positive impact in my life and also my 2 children ( 9 Mike, 7 Lucy) . They both love it and it has really increased their confidence. Its a perfect environment for learning about a healthy life style and functional martial arts.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Christian Kulfan

Definitely an unknown gem that I feel lucky enough to have found. I lost a good amount of weight coming here. Pete is a top notch instructor and an awesome team atmosphere. I did join to only shed a few pounds but now it has become a lifestyle. I do recommend this place to anyone asks me where to train. Compared to most places in price, one of the least money hungry places you can ever find.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Brandon H. Bohlen

I have trained at a handful of different MMA schools and Jiu Jitsu Academies throughout the country and I have to say that Rio Jiu Jitsu is one of the best schools I've been to. Pete (the owner and head instructor) has a very unique teaching style and it reflects in his students. He has a great group of people who are talented and welcoming to newcomers. From beginners to advanced athletes, this is a great school.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Brendon Calumet, MI

Highly knowledgeable instruction for sure BUT Pete has an ugly side. After seeing him scream at a student and belittling him in front of the entire class for at least 10 minutes, I never went back. It was a really shameful display. Anyone in a teaching position of power like that needs to be able to check their energy.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago