1770 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546, USA
Embark on a transformative journey with Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Tutaj Bjj in North Riverside, IL, just south of Oak Park. Master the art of self-defense and unleash your full potential.
I can’t say enough good things about the jiu-jitsu class my child is attending here. From day one, we’ve seen such a positive transformation — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. The confidence he’s building through this experience is incredible, that means the world to us as parents. What stands out even more than the physical training is the emphasis the instructors place on respect and discipline. Jiu-jitsu has given him a safe and empowering space to grow, both in skill and in self-belief. Highly recommend here for any parent looking to give their child more than just a sport — it’s a foundation for confidence, respect, and resilience.
Posted 1 year ago
Came in for a morning class and Jon and Nelson were the absolute best. From showing the techniques of the day, showing complete patience for my clunky movements and slow learning to discussing different scenarios - it makes you wish all gyms were like this one! Greatly appreciated the experience, 1000% recommend this gym for anyone at any level!
Tutaj Jiu-Jitsu is a fantastic gym! Everyone here is so welcoming, helpful and absolutely encouraging! I've been attending for a year and two months now and I've become more confident in not only my self-defense but in my self-confidence as well. I'm 100% certain it can do the same for others! the head instructor, Jon is the real-deal!
Muy bonito experiencia lo recomiendo mucho son muy amigables
This is an excellent place to train jiu jitsu. Clean mats, friendly students, and knowledgeable instructors. Very welcoming to newcomers as well as experienced practitioners. Jon, the owner and head coach, offers plenty of classes throughout the week to accommodate different schedules. I started with a free trial class in 2021 and have been hooked since.
Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a place that is non-judgmental, encouraging, and yes- there are women who spar there! I was interested in BJJ for self-defense techniques as a shorter and smaller woman. After the pandemic and after my mom passed, I was eager to get back into shape, but also regain some resilience. BJJ in general requires you to struggle, but becoming better when you struggle is a significant and impactful experience. Directness and critical feedback when you're sparring is fundamental and not a judgement on the individual. In my experience, anyone who feels judged at a place like Tutaj may need to evaluate their own hubris or insecurity and recommit to self-improvement. I learned from Jon at Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for several months where there were women and supportive men to start my try at BJJ, no matter my shape or level. They offered Pilates in the evening where those who were great at BJJ were working on their bodies in a different way and people laughed and shared garden supplies and knew one another. It was so nice to have a supportive community for that time in my life- no, I didn't tell them all those reasons, and it didn't matter. BJJ and Jon's members meet you on a day-by-day basis. They are judgement free in my experience and encourage you to get through the hard parts to become better. They respected my pace and limitations. You are required to face yourself every time you show up- and I think that's a good thing. I always recommend Tutaj to anyone looking to try it. It's strengthening for your body, mind, and spirit.
This is the top spot to train Jiu-Jitsu in the western burbs. From high level competitors, to novice/hobbyists, from young to old, this is the place to learn and grow!
Amazing place! Jonatan is a great guy, very experienced and knowledgeable, helped and kind! Will make you the best version of yourself 💪🏼
Love this place, 4th class always willing to come back !!! Would definitely recommend for any newcomers or current students.
Jiu Jitsu is like a game of twister! Jon definitely knows what he's talking about. 5 stars!
The head instructor John is awesome, he explains the technique’s very thoroughly, he’s got a lot of experience in competition and everyone I’ve met there has been very nice and talented athletes. I’d highly recommend training here.
John is a great teacher for the kids. His classes have my kiddos super stoked about what they are learning. They talk about it and practice with each other at home. It also has given my eldest bookworm kiddo a movement form to be excited about. They also break down the moves in a way that is very easy for the kids to learn. We’ve had an awesome experience.
My buddy George requested I do him a solid and write a 5 star review because he likes this place. I got chu homie.
Jon is a great instructor. He is very thorough in his explanations and spends extra time to ensure that you get the technique right, and understand the principles. This personal approach separates Tutaj from other schools and creates an environment in which beginners are not overwhelmed, and can make rapid progress. As others have mentioned, the team that goes to Tutaj is also phenomenal.
Professional and systematic approach of jiu jitsu arts, with well explained and demonstrated skills and technical moves. Recommended 👌🏼
I had a great time😊 learning,watching and listening to great teachers,Bravo keep up the good work .
John Tutaj is a wonderful, down to earth instructor. Going to class is always a great experience. The curriculum each week is fun and challenging. More importantly the students and upper belts are also down to earth, genuine people. Everyone comes in to try and get better, but everyone is also welcoming and willing to teach new comers. Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is worth the cost and commitment it takes to become better at Jiu Jitsu. Please come try Jiu Jitsu.
Top quality Jiujitsu instruction and great facility!
I came to this gym as of June 2019, With zero experience in martial arts. I was very nervous starting but If you want to learn a useful marital art in self defense or competition this is by far the best place around the area. They have Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, and self defense in the same gym. Instructor Jon is a dedicated instructor that wants his students to grow. The camaraderie is real with the other friendly members who go there. 10/10 would recommend to all my friends.
Focused Jiu-Jitsu practice, all levels welcome. High quality instruction
I moved to the Chicago area from out of state with about 6 months of bjj experience in April of 2018. My professor in Denver actually found Tutaj for me and suggested i go. Well, me knowing everything, i didnt. I bounced around from gym to gym and even signed up with another. Within just a few months i realized i made a mistake. I came in for a trial class at Tutaj and that same day i signed up because i felt like i was at home already. Should have gone straight here to train under Jon from the beginning. I would highly recommend to anyone, no matter the skill level, to come visit Tutaj and take the trial class. You will feel welcome, you will learn submissions on your first day and i can guarantee youll decide to change your life that very same day. Great school, great training partners and a phenomenal instructor. 6 stars if i could.
My name is EJ I am new to BJJ. I been Going to Tutaj BJJ for about a month and a half now I go to as many classes as I can. Having John teach and breaking down the moves even to the most precise detail have been a very great help for me and as well as for other people . The gym is a very well kept clean area with new mats. It’s a welcoming environment where you can make new friends for a life time . I highly recommend Tutaj BJJ to any Rookie or veteran to come check it out , you won’t be disappointed!!
My husband started jiu jitsu here about a month ago and he’s had nothing but wonderful things to say about it. I just stopped in to see the place (which is clean and the equipment is well-cared for) and got to meet Jon, who is so kind and personable. The pricing he offers is very accommodating and reasonable for what you get. Not to be super dramatic but it’s been pretty life-changing to find a place like this where my husband is excited to work out multiple times a week and leaves energized and motivated by his experience there!
Came to visit from OC. Johns a real nice guy and has a genuine passion for his craft.
I have been training with Jon since April 2015. Jiu Jitsu/grappling is a very large part of Jon's life and has been for decades. When you attend his classes it is apparent that the details are critical to Jon and anyone who knows anything about Jiu Jitsu knows the depth of details in your Jiu Jitsu technique will make you or break you. I look forward to many more good years training with Jon. Stop by and let's roll ;^)
It's never too late to start. I just started 3 weeks ago at 48 years old. Everyone at Tutaj is very welcoming. I feel great after each class. If you want to learn bjj, get in shape, relieve stress, and be in a better mood all day long Tutaj BJJ is the place for you. Jon Tutaj is an excellent instructor!
Jon is very calm and approachable, but has clearly dedicated his life to BJJ. He allows students to set their own goals and pace, but can help anyone improve. Very traditional, 'submission hunter'- type BJJ, much of which translates from IBJJF rules to the street; pretty straightforward and direct curriculum, which has been planned out in a rational sequence. Not a ton of killers at the school (yet), but enough depth for most people. Especially great school to learn the basics.
Visited many other schools and Tutaj BJJ has been the best.
Tutaj BJJ is a Great place to train! Everyone is very welcoming and friendly, especially to newcomers. The instruction from Jon is top notch as well.
Professor John Tutaj is an excellent instructor!! He provides attention to detail on the techniques. I’m very fortunate to have trained with. The gym has very friendly environment. If you’re a beginner and in the area stop by for a class..Tutaj BJJ will assist you in reaching your goals.
My son Aidan has been coming here for close to 6 months and the experience has been great! Jon is an amazing instructor. He teaches the kids great discipline and ensures that his students are learning how to perform moves accurately and safely. I love that he does not charge for belts during promotions, meaning the kids are actually earning their results. The 1:1 time he dedicates to each student is fantastic. We have done other programs before but nothing compares to this one!
Great place for kids to learn jujitsu. Very friendly gym and instructors.
Definitely great place to learn Brazilian jujitsu. Good place for adults as well as for the kids. Kids can pickup skills in few moths training. Very friendly instructors.
Definitely good place to go. Everything was perfect, especially black bell master. It’s one of a few places, where I cannot remember any disadvantages. Recommend to all.
My kid has completed 3 months training at Tutaj BJJ at the time of this review and could not be happier with the results. He is now a more confident, and assertive kid. This is a no ego gym, great for kids and adults who want to learn BJJ for self defense or competition.
Awesome gym and coaching is on point. Keep it like that!
This is a great place for beginner and advanced students alike. Tutaj bjj has everything from jiu-jitsu for self defense to competition. The facilities are fantastic and showers are available for men and women. It is a welcoming and safe environment to train in. I highly recommend!
This is a great place with excellent instruction. As a newer student (2 months), I have experienced a very friendly and welcoming environment.
Great all around place. You get tons of instruction here to help you improve. The owner John is very dedicated and atentative to his students and school. A no ego kind of place so its easy to feel comfortable to come and learn. I love the honesty there too. You can tell that the people are there to share what they love and not just make a buck. Another thing is that they have a good variety of class times now, so whether you work a regular 9-5er or are looking for something during the day, they got you. Its definitely helped me to get in more.
If you want to pay your way through the ranks without actually earning or learning anything. Tutaj BJJ is not the place for you. Ive been training in BJJ for about 7-8 months now and Jon has been there with me every step of the way. With the combination of Jon's skill and his ability to teach. I can't see myself training anywhere else. From the beginning to now. I've seen myself improve in not only BJJ but in overall fitness. The atmosphere is very friendly and you almost feel as if you become part of a family. When it comes down to the personal time you get to spend with Jon. I don't think there is another school out there that compares. Every other student I've spent time with has been good as well. Everyone is not only out to better themselves but help you get better too. Tutaj offers kids classes, gi/no bjj, takedowns and even fundamentals if you're just getting started. So if your looking for a new hobby or if you even wanna train to win Tutaj BJJ is your best bet.
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