Jacob

Valko is an amazing BJJ gym. I have been coming here on and off for several years and Jay and the other instructors have always been welcoming. I have nothing but good things to say about this gym.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jack Borkowski

Jay has built a fantastic community in this gym! Lots of classes offered with great instructors. Each of the instructors offer a different style or curriculum which keeps things fresh if you want to bounce around. The vibe is very casual -- no bowing or formal ceremonies in class. We all call the instructors by their first names, which I appreciate. The other gym members are a good balance of hobbyists and serious competitors: whether you're looking for a chill workout or some serious rolls you can probably find a good group to practice with. None of the regulars have made me feel unsafe. It also has a good mix of men and women in the busier classes if that's what you're looking for. It's a great place to learn and meet people.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Val Alvern Ligo

Cannot say enough great things about this gym! Fantastic instruction and a welcoming environment. Everyone there is committed to each other's progress, and Jay is as open and personable as they come. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Benjamin Cohen

This gym’s awesome for anyone — whether you’re new to BJJ or experienced. Jay’s the man: super knowledgeable, patient, and keeps the vibe welcoming. It’s legit too — no easy belt promotions, but you’ll learn a ton. Plus, it naturally turns into a social scene where you look forward to seeing the crew as much as training.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Chris Delzell

Stopped in from out of town - the environment was extremely welcoming and the instruction from Jay was top notch. I’ll likely be back while I’m in town and any time I come back! I had a great lesson and got some really solid rolls in.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jade MacRae

I had a fantastic experience at Valko while travelling through town for work, great community, clear instruction and made me feel supported and welcome as a relative beginner white belt. Would recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Hans Ohrner

I have been training at Valko BJJ for over a year now and have improved tremendously. All the instructors are awesome and the owner, Jay Valko is a great guy and very approachable. Highly recommend for beginners and also experienced grapplers.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

deanlogan627

Laid back atmosphere, competitive athletes, this place has it all. Curriculum is well-structured, there are a ton of class options over two locations, and you won’t find the predatory sales practices and pressure to sign long contracts like you encounter at a lot of other gyms. I utilized the class punch pass until I could consistently commit to membership. Great place to start if you’re a beginner (like me), but also has a high volume of upper belts as well if you are experienced and looking for a new place to train. 10/10.

Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Robert Dentamaro

Valko BJJ is a great place to train. Jay and the team have built such a welcoming enviornment where everyone feels comfortable, no matter their skill level. They really let you work at your own pace, so there's no pressure—just solid support and encouragement. Whether you're totally new or experienced, you’ll feel right at home and motivated to keep getting better.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

L D

Dropped in while in Chicago for a trade show. Very welcoming to visitors. Laid back environment. Good instructors and tough students.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Louis GGL

Great place, good rolls and friendly people

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Hal Conick

I love this place -- it's my favorite business in Chicago. Great instruction from Jay, Jose, Christian, and every other coach. Over the past few years, they've helped me go from hopeless on the mats to.. well, I have fun! And isn't that all that counts?!? But seriously, Valko has a welcoming atmosphere with clean mats. It's also a rare BJJ school with showers, which my CTA bus-and-train-riding homies thank Jay for each day. I've made a lot of friends here, gotten in far better shape, and learned a lot about a wonderful martial art. Every day I can train at Valko BJJ is a good day.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jason Talley

I was very fortunate to drop in to Professor Jose’s 7AM Gi class at Valko BJJ. The academy was very clean and spacious, the students very friendly and welcoming and the instruction was top notch. I’ve trained for more than 7 years and have dropped in at gyms across the country and Valko was top notch. I very highly recommend it to anyone in the Chicago area.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Natassia Del Fischer

I’m moving to Chicago from California and was told by some friends to check out Valko’s gym. I met Jay who was extremely nice and friendly. He introduced himself and welcomed me to the gym. I was just there to check out the place and the commute and was so sad that I had not brought my gi with me. The vibe was awesome. A few girls also came to introduce themselves which made me feel very welcoming. Today I joined a class taught by Alex and it was very fun! I’ll be fully moved in a couple of weeks and cannot wait to finally sign up!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jason Lewis

Dropped in this week as a middle-aged blue belt and it was a great experience. Very friendly and casual. Focussed instruction and I got in a bunch of safe, technical rolls with friendly folks. Heads up its at the back of the fitness centre.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Paolo Nisti

I dropped for a training session last June and they welcomed me, Valko is super kind and knowledgeable and the team is awesome as well. Furthermore, the gym and relative facilities are really good, 100% recommended!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Farah Allouch

This place is awesome!!! Dropped in for a few visits, and all my training partners were always great. Professor Jay is a wealth of knowledge and super welcoming. If I lived in Chicago, this would be my gym, and it should be yours too. Will definitely be back!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Ely kresch

Dropped in for an open mat. Huge amount of people. Welcoming environment. Fun rolls. 11/10 would recommend and visit again! Thank you so much!

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Bryan Huang

Visited chicago for a few days and was welcomed by Valko BJJ for a few classes. The classes had a great mix of belts and taught fairly high level techniques and I had a great time with really welcome training partners. I'm very grateful they were so welcoming and the facilities were very clean. For those visiting, the gym is part of a larger personal training space so go into the basement of the building and walk all the way to the back

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Matt Smolik

Wow, dropped in for a morning no-gi class with Jose, this school & their students are awesome. The facility has plenty of space is clean and most importantly the instruction is top notch, everyone was a pleasure to train with whether you’re a beginner or experienced grappler you’ll fit right in. I can’t recommend this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school enough if you’re in the Downtown Chicago area you need to check out Valko BJJ. Jay & Jose thank you & your students for your hospitality.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jay J.

I was in Chicago for a work trip and dropped in at Valko BJJ. Jay was super welcoming and quick to respond to my email. The gym itself is fantastic - great coaches, awesome students, and an overall vibe that makes you feel welcomed. Rolling with them was fun, too. If you are in Chicago, definitely give this place a try. You won't regret it!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ty T

In town for a little and came to check out a gym to get some training in. Every experince i had was great, clean mats, friendly and helpful instructors and great overall gym culture will definitely be back when i am in town again.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nathan Wales

If I lived in Chicago, I’d be training here. The students are technical and welcoming, so you’ll feel right at home as they blast through your guard. The instruction is top-notch as well; if Christian can teach this uncoordinated student to berimbolo, he can teach you anything. Thanks everyone, and see you next time

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Noel Hernandez

Was in Chicago for a week for school and decided to stop by Valko's for some training! I met the owner Jay just outside the gym who immediately welcomed me and set me up for a drop in class and later open mat. Not only was Jay super friendly and welcoming, but so was his squad. The facilities in the gym are also great as it's located within a much larger training area. Great gear, showers, lockers, and most importantly - great people. If you're in Chicago, definitely check them out!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Amy B

Super knowledgeable and welcoming BJJ studio! The classes, the professors' approach, and the rigorous yet chill vibe are awesome.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Matt Davis

Recently I visited Chicago and I had a great time stopping by Valko BJJ for the Friday morning open mat. The academy was very responsive when I texted the previous day and everyone I rolled with was friendly and welcoming. There was a great mix of all skill levels and I'd recommend it to anyone visiting from out of town - or any locals looking for a place to train!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Tony Sansone III

I am in Chicago by way of Miami for work and had the pleasure of training at Valko BJJ today. I was personally and warmly greeted by Professor Jay Valko who made me feel at home right away. The three things that stood out to me were the cleanliness of the academy, the incredible technique and proficiency of the students/instructors, and the respect and warmth demonstrated to me by every individual I encountered there. I can’t recommend this place enough and I will be back!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Matthew Barkley

I trained here as an out-of-towner during one of the lunchtime no-gi classes. Jay and the rest of the academy were extremely friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend it to anyone in the city looking to join a skilled group of people that make Jiu-Jitsu a ton of fun to learn and train.

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Kim Nguyen

Great gym with amazing and attentive coaches. There’s a welcoming community and friendly folks of all skill levels. I appreciate their wide schedule as well.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jesse Peterson

I was visiting from out of town and dropped in for the Saturday open mat at Valko and had a great experience. There’s a good level of competition here for anyone into BJJ. Highly recommend for anyone local to the area or just visiting.

Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Felipe Morita

In my opinion, the best bjj academy in Chicago. Classes 7 days a week with amazing professors. Valko BJJ has students from all kinds of levels and it is excellent for hobbyists and competitors. Recommend 100%!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

S LeComte

Valko is an excellent place to train. While in town for business, I found it to be the perfect spot to get some good rounds. The coaches are knowledgeable, and the training partners are top-notch.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ryan Gorup

My buddy brought me a long while I was in town for a 1-off class, I had never done any type of sport like this but the instructors were great and so was everyone else in the class. It was an awesome first look at this sport. 10/10 would recommend to anyone even if you have no experience.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Hunter Hegmann

Fantastic gym with both convenience (AM/Lunch/Night classes and showers with towels) and quality (multiple black belt instructors, hard but technical training). I have trained at 50+ gyms during work travel and proudly have Valko BJJ, my home gym, well above the rest. Jay and Jose are great to learn from and encourage a positive community, no cults politics or weird policies. Highly highly recommend!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Dub Krieg

I was visiting Chicago from Las Vegas for work and attended two of the 7a classes. Jose was great as an instructor and very welcoming. I appreciated being able to keep my training up and learn a few new techniques to take back to Vegas. Highly recommend Valko BJJ.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Michael Q

Great place to train in Chicago. Great facilities, super nice coaching team and good technical grapplers in a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you for having me.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Micah Wong

While I’m not a member here, Jay Valko is both a very hospitable gym owner and coach and has welcomed me to at open mats/trial classes various times. High quality gym with a great reputation and awesome rolls here!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

John Hayden

My go-to training spot whenever I’m in Chicago. Great space, top-notch Jiu Jitsu, and really friendly and welcoming environment.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Lobo JiuJitsu

Valko BJJ, 1 jiu-jitsu gym I trained in when I visited Chicago in 2017, I felt like I was in Brazil, professor Jay Valko has wonderful energy, and knows the values and fundamentals Jiu-Jitsu! Osss

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nicole Freche

I visited Chicago for a few days and came to Valko BJJ for a Friday morning open mat. Everyone was very welcoming and I got some great rolls in. Would definitely recommend and hope I'm able to come back in the future!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Eric

Great community to train with! Would definitely recommend as a great place for both totally new beginners and experienced practitioners.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Chase Reuter

The vibe was very welcoming. Everyone was very friendly, and the students were quite technical and tough. Great time overall!

Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ryan Ayres

I had a wonderful class and training at Valko BJJ. Superior instruction, great rolls, welcoming community and a room full of great training partners. Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jonathan Shiery

Coming in from out of town and had a great morning training session with Jose. Showed some great derivations off traditional techniques. Very friendly and welcoming school. Will def come back next time I’m in town!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Luciano Junoy

Came to train while in town, Jay was extremely welcoming and the same can be said about all the members too. High-level rolls and a clean facility. Fantastic place to check out if you live in the area or are just visiting, highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Steve Cho

Such a welcoming atmosphere. I was in town visiting and this was the closest gym to where I was staying in the city and it had great reviews and the reviews didn’t disappoint! Top notch instruction (Professor Jose was teaching at the time I went), great community, great rolls, and great overall vibes of having fun learning martial arts with other passionate students. Valko’s mma and striking program with Coach Q is awesome as well. They got a great fight squad! If you’re in Chicago, this is the place to train! Oss

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

David Smith

Jay (owner), Jason and Tony are amazing coaches for my 10 year old son who just started his training. The classes are fun but serious regarding fundamental techniques. I was honestly a little intimidated to start our journey with this martial art but within 30 seconds of meeting Jay and the other coaches I was put at ease. I can already see in just a few classes my son’s confidence grow. We also recommended to our friends who send their daughter now and she loves going to the class. I am 44 and took my first adult class and was met by the most welcoming community here at Valko. I am really excited to take this journey with my son in a challenging activity we can share. Jay and the rest of the coaches are top notch and made this a great experience for our family.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jeff Trainor

I was in town visiting friends and wanted to keep up on my BJJ training. I went to the 7am (No Gi) class taught by José. It was such a great and welcoming class. Got to learn some awesome techniques to take home with me. I’ll be stopping by Valko BJJ again the next time I’m in town.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Bob Piacine

Nice facility, hands on coaching, and great atmosphere. Plan on going back next time I am in Chicago.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

U Street Apartment

I was visiting from out of town and dropped in for a few classes. Great experience.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Ryan Gilkison

Dropped in the the Saturday open mat. Lots of goods rolls, Jay Valko is a great instructor and person. The facility is clean and a great place to train!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Ted Glasnow

Dropped in while visiting Chicago. Clean facility, great professors, and plenty of time for rolling each session.

Instructors Facility Classes

Posted 3 years ago

Matt Jaffe

fantastic academy, great place to train. excellent instructors and a welcoming environment.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Conrad

I trained at another place for a few months and concluded BJJ wasn't for me, and then one day I stopped by Valko. 8 years later and can't imagine quitting or training anywhere else. Great instructors, friendly and very chill atmosphere, and plentiful showers. If you're in the area and interested at all in BJJ (or boxing), this is the spot.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Matthew Cotter

Fantastic academy! Was in town on business and they were extremely inviting, had great instruction and attention to detail. Will definitely come back every time I'm in Chicago!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jalen Chan

Was in town for the week and the owner was kind enough to let me stop by - instruction was great and had a lot of good rolls too. Great gym!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Chris Martin - Savor The Passion

I just moved here and immediately started looking for bjj gyms, after a year off it was time. Reached out to some friends and 3 times Valko came up. Of all the gyms I reached out to Jay Valko is the only one that took the time to reply, and he did so personally. Given I came from a high-level gym in MN with plenty of accolades themselves I was a bit apprehensive in what to expect, but Valko did not disappoint. First, it's centrally located easy to park & moments from the train. Its within a well-equiped gym too! Next even with a class of 40+ students I still got individualized instruction and I saw other members getting the same level of attention. Jay took the time to repeat moves and even broke down the most common mistakes. Finally the fellow students, after class I got in a number of rolls (you might know it as sparring) everyone was super friendly,very skilled and with a wide variety from white belts to black belts! Truly I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Whether you're new to struggle snuggles, or are a long time jiu-jitsu player looking to keep their jitz sharp, when you're in Chicago there's no where else you want to be! Thanks Jay and the whole Valko family, you are appreciated! Oss!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

khrys ocupe

Great gym, trained here for about 9-10 months but taking a leave of absence due to school; highly recommend this gym - instructors are knowledgeable, gym mates are very skilled and always helpful. The gym has a free locker room and showers available. I’ve learned so much from attending Jay Valko’s gym that I have applied both on and off the mats, thanks Jay! - 5/5 stars

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Gene Dobin

Great place to train BJJ. Instructors are great and accommodating to every skill level and age. Clean facility and welcoming to new comers.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Bree Stewart

Great place , great people

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

TJ Rumberger

I came through on a work trip and trained with Valko. Couldn't have felt more welcome and had a bunch of great tough rolls. Thank you! (Purple belt Renzo Academy NYC)

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Levi Lanning

Great place to train was only there for 2 days but the professors and athletes were very knowledgeable and down to earth! great training environment for those who are experienced and new to the BJJ world, thank you for letting me come out to train!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Vladimir Krause (Vladomeer)

I dropped in during a work convention in Chicago to keep up my training. I had a fantastic time under the tutelage of Lawrence and Brad. The two gi classes I took were packed with students ranging from all skill levels and everyone had a great and welcoming attitude. The facility is located in a safer part of Chi-Town, large and clean, and within a gym center that’s equiped with weights and showers. Needless to say, next time I’m in the area, I’m visiting Valko’s.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

L. K.

A great place to learn grappling! While it's a BJJ gym, Jay and the other instructors also incorporate techniques and concepts from wrestling, judo, aikido, etc. to teach effective grappling. Everyone's pretty approachable and willing to help explain concepts, which makes it a place you keep wanting to go back to. Valko is inside of a larger fitness facility, so you've got access to lockers and showers, which is a big plus. They've got classes 7 days a week- drop in for a trial class or two.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Javier Rodriguez

I trained at Valko for a week while traveling. Great atmosphere, gym, and nice people. Enjoyed every class and good quality of jiujitsu and no gi. Mark, no gi instructor, very good level and great teaching with concepts of MMA, no gi and self defense. Loved it. I usually train at Cobrinha and enjoyed very much training at Valko also. Also people had good wrestling to round the circle. I will come again next time I am in Chicago. Totally recommended.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Hunter Reid

I dropped in while I was in town and it was great. Everybody was welcoming and informative. Leg lock game is grade A. Will be coming back next time I’m in town.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Zac Tropf

This is a great place to train! The instructors were excellent and explained everything very well. They had beginners to pros rolling together... highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Dan K

An awesome academy. Everyone was friendly and had a great attitude. Also, the mat space and facilities were top notch. I really appreciated my time at Valko BJJ. I'm only a lower belt, but I can really tell Valko BJJ has some great instruction in a super welcoming and competitive environment. Anyone in the Chicago area thinking about training - this is a great place to learn!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Amaan Baiyat

A great place to train BJJ. Instructors are great and accommodating to every skill level represented in class. A community full of friendly and helpful training partners, who push each other to get better every day.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Jules Kral

This place is top notch. I've been training here for 6 months, and the environment is great for people of all skill level and backgrounds. It has a welcoming atmosphere even given the physical nature of the sport, and the coaches are attentive and knowledgable. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to try something new or anyone with previous BJJ training to stop in.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Deron Mai

I dropped in for a trial session since I was in town for a couple weeks and wanted to get some training in. I talked to Jay over mail and he was extremely kind and inviting and even allowed me to come back again. Students were friendly and respectful and the instructor I was with (Jose) was clear and informative. I would definitely join this gym if I lived in Chicago.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Obaid Jafar

Started 3 weeks ago and man I am blown away great instructors professor jay valko is amazing he walks everyone through everything to the precise detail. And the people there are really friendly and amazing. I highly recommend joining this bjj gym.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Rohan Thanedar

Great place. I’ve been training here for almost two years and everybody is very friendly.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Andrew Kim

Jay's fostered a great atmosphere that fits different goals -- self defense, competition etc. Great diversity of jiu jitsu here with laid back vibes.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Kyle Bacon

Some real good jiu jitsu here.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Steve K

The best BJJ school in Chicago without a question.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Matthew Holly

This is a phenomenal school with world class instruction. This is where I started my Jiu-Jitsu journey and I learned so much. The school is friendly and willing to teach people who are there casually or competitively.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Jim Michael

No bowing, no Portugese, no need to buy and wear your academy’s patch or rash guard, no calling your instructor ‘professor’. Just great instruction, savage rolling partners, and a respectful and accepting environment. Check it out.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Johnny Rodogiannis

A great place to train and grow! This school has a good atmosphere and quality group of people.

Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Chris Nelson

I've been training here for getting close to a year now and I love it. Jay (the owner & teacher) is a great dude, the training is very high level, yet still very cool and welcoming for total beginners. I've been around the world and trained at many different gyms - Valko BJJ is my favorite place to train Jiu Jitsu. The atmosphere is great and the payment plan is no contract, which I believe is how it should be, yet isn't still at most gyms. Can't recommend this place highly enough, do yourself a favor and check it out. Hopefully I'll see you there.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Nicholas Mendez

Very welcoming school, I dropped in while visiting the area and everyone is very accomodating to your skill level. I would highly recommend this school for long term training or even just to drop in while on the road.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Nicklas Hartman

Really nice facility with a great coach and great training partners!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Michael Branchick

Valko BJJ is a great school with some really talented, hard working people. Tons of class times, and everyone is welcoming - lots of people from Chicago and visitors. The students are serious players trying to improve each other's skills, and the atmosphere is casual and respectful. Long time black belt Jay Valko has a great school, and it is in the heart of River North. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Calmese Freeman

Completely awesome jiu jitsu school. I dropped in several times during my brief stay in Chicago. I felt welcome, enjoyed the instruction, enjoyed the training. I am far from new to jiu jitsu, and I regularly train while traveling, so consider this an educated opinion! I will be back next time I'm in the area.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Apilas Suriyavanagul

Highly recommended. Was in town for a week, great atmosphere and great instructor. Definitely go train there again.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Andro Mossad

Great Gym to train at! Very welcoming environment with great instruction. Highly recommend training here.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Ramses Bugarin

A welcoming environment with good instruction and training

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Christian Buttrick

Valko BJJ Academy is a great place to train and has an outstanding community. The school is home to multiple world champions, tournament winners, and above all, amazing human beings. On any given day, there will be several high level belts (black, brown, purple)on the mat willing to help anyone trying to learn. Without a doubt, Valko’s has the best open mat in Chicago on Saturday.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Ivo Voynov

Great place. Was visiting for two days and stopped by for both Gi / No Gi. Friendly people and very knowledgeable instructors. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

David Jalomo

While on a trip to town I found Valko BJJ for a few early morning classes. A lot of color on the mat whom are also very welcoming. Thank you Professor Valko for allowing me to join your class & Bree for extra rolls after class!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Graham Gardner

I dropped in to Valko BJJ while visiting Chicago from Atlanta. The staff was extremely welcoming, friendly and provided top notch instruction. Facilities were clean and well kept!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Bianca Swegler

Started BJJ in January at Valko. Great location, clean & spacious gym with nice locker rooms, and awesome coaches and students. The owner Jay is very attentive to the different experience levels in the classes and the higher belt students are paired with lower belts, always cool and down to help new students learn. Also has a lot of scheduling options for classes. If you’re a beginner like myself and interesting in learning BJJ, Valko’s the place to get started!!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Dawn Huffman

This gym is hands down the best I have visited. On business during lunch hour for gi & no-gi all week. Very friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was casual. Being from out of town, it was nice to not be nervous about specific etiquette. Instructors are top notch! Students consisted of several upper belts who had controlled, technical games, which is a plus to learn from. To top it all off, they have a great shower/locker room set up! I look forward to visiting this gym every time I come to town! Thanks Jay and team!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Misael G

I've been meaning to write this review for a month. I had the great opportunity to train at Valko over New Year's Even while visiting some family in Chicago. From the time that I emailed the gym to when I rolled with the team, it was all a great experience. Both the coaches and the teammates I rolled with were clearly dedicated to their craft but also to making people feel welcome. They are definitely tough, but skillful rolls (they won IBJJF Open in Chicago last year!). I also got to witness someone get their black belt, which was dope. The gym is in the back of a much bigger crossfit/training center downstairs from the entrance. Showers are also a plus! I'm hopeful that when I'm back in the Windy City, I'll get to drop in at Valko again.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Kyle Schlegel

Excellent school. I went in knowing nothing, and felt welcomed from the beginning. I have been training at Valko for just over a year. The owner, Jay, is the best. Come in for a class and see if you get addicted. There's a mix of all body types from 5" to 6'5", all belt levels, men and women. Competitive training while still being a friendly school.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Amanda Sikora

Wow- this place (and Jay) are incredible. I was a beginner tonight and I was so comfortable and felt so welcomed. I had no clue what I was doing- but a black belt (Ryan) was super cool and patient with me, breaking down each move so I understood what to do and how to execute! Jay is an incredible teacher and made me feel at home here. I will be coming back for sure! And will recommend to all my friends!!! Thank you Jay!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Anthony Tsang

Great, friendly gym accommodating to travellers I visited Chicago from Asia in Sep 2018. I had a great time in Jay’s gym. - People were savage in rolling, but very friendly and welcoming. nice chats too. - The class schedule worked well for me. Sunday morning class left me plenty of time to explore the city. - Location is close to a train station. So visitors who are not driving can easily get there. 10/10 would go again if in town.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Jack

Valko runs a fantastic operation. There are a lot of higher belts to learn from but also a steady stream of new white belts, so it’s a good mix of skill. Jay is a great teacher and very humble leader; this is very much the culture of the place - one of of learning and humility. On top of all of this, it’s reasonably priced. Best BJJ in Chicago.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Pa Jamas

Visited here for a few weeks. Trained with Valko people. Jay was great, many people at school taught me and helped me develop. Because of my work I was forced to attend advanced classes. Was very interesting and they welcomed me even when I was slow. Honestly at least four separate people literally took time out of their day to honestly and sincerely instruct me on techniques. And they taught me real good stuff, didn't ask me to do stuff that was wrong. My trap and roll escape is working better and I started playing with butterfly guard. Jay studied with Carlson Gracie. Emphasis is more on technique and rolling more than lots of exercise or warmups. One class began immediately with technique. Jay was super low key and welcoming. Didn't meet a single person who I thought would hurt me even unintentionally. Safety and rolling and technique are maybe the most important things at a gym and this place has those. Great bunch of guys (and girls). Shower on site and big weight room. Great place.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Vince H

Almost a no-brainier if you are in town visiting. Lots of black belts, high level athletes from other martial arts (judo, wrestling, etc), many class times, good facility with showers & towels, gi & no-gi, very good diversity in the student body (young, old, men & women that have kids, short, Dutch man tall, skinny, stout, jacked), convenient location downtown, active & successful in local to international competitions, but somehow very laid back (Jay is a cool dude).

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Valko Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Reviews

Jacob

Jack Borkowski

Val Alvern Ligo

Benjamin Cohen

Bob Piacine

U Street Apartment

Matt Jaffe

Bree Stewart

Dan K

Rohan Thanedar

Kyle Bacon

Steve K

Johnny Rodogiannis

Nicklas Hartman

Apilas Suriyavanagul

Andro Mossad

Ramses Bugarin

Ivo Voynov

Other Academies Nearby