Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

4101 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

5.0 (50 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi No-Gi

Classes

Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

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Lakeside offers old school Carlson Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction in East Lakeview, Chicago. We focus on time tested, self defense effective techniques that build strength, cardiovascular endurance, and jiu-jitsu acumen to provide a complete fitness experience

https://www.lakesidebjj.com/

(312) 961-6849

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Reviews

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Brian Siegel

I just started BJJ in my 30s, so I was a little apprehensive. But this gym has a great group of people who are welcoming. The instructors are great. I quickly loved showing up. A month in, and I'm incredibly happy I took a shot on BJJ and Lakeside.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Ted Modrick

Instructors are super knowledgeable and great at teaching, especially when they work with you 1 on 1 in class. Overall gym culture is great, immediately was welcomed in, people knew my name, and gave me tips/critiques in a respectful way. Learned a lot in the 4 months I've been going, great mix of beginners and experts. Everyone roles hard enough to push you, but you still can get work in, and the new gym is great. Beginners class was great for pure technique and getting used to the sport, all levels was a good mix of technique and a great cardio workout of sparing. Judo classes are great too, very kind instructors and good to train a similar martial art. Overall just jointed to try it and got so much more out of it than I initially thought.

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Posted 1 year ago
Leonardo Ugalde

Great instructors, great location, everyone is super welcoming and friendly. Practitioners of all levels would thrive under the coaching available, they even offer separate Judo classes along with GI and No-Gi. Highly recommend, I can’t say enough good things about Lakeside BJJ.

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Posted 1 year ago
Ariella Teramzian

I got to visit Lakeside Jiu Jitsu while on vacation and am so glad I came in. All the coaches and students were so welcoming and helpful. Facility was clean and well-maintained. Lakeside is the place to be if you're looking for quality instruction and a solid community. Can't wait to come back.

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Posted 1 year ago
M Monkewicz

Came here for a trial class and it was awesome. Cool people, cool teachers. The gym owner is a genuinely good guy, super accommodating and understanding. Best gym I’ve been to in Chicago — highly recommend

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Posted 2 years ago
Rafael Soares

Eu me mudei para Chicago para um intercâmbio de inglês e mesmo sem saber inglês, estou há meses fazendo as aulas de Jiu-Jitsu. Recomendo, mesmo que você não seja fluente em inglês.

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Posted 2 years ago
Artur Homs Duró

Excellent on everything. Big respect for every coach who all have excellent methodology to teach. Really good ambience in and out the mats. Excellent Schedules. Beautiful Mat.

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Posted 2 years ago
Stephen Hansen

Amazing coaches and curriculum. Best BJJ community in Chicago.

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Posted 2 years ago
Fabio Romano

A great gym with quality instruction and super friendly people!

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Posted 2 years ago
Quinn Peterson

I did an open mat on Sunday and everyone was super welcoming and really pushed me. The upper belts were willing to give feedback and it was a great environment all together. I also want to say I emailed the owner late the night before and he got back to me super quick and answered all my questions I had. If you’re looking for an open mat definitely check this one out!

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Posted 2 years ago
Eliz Lee

I'm in love. I think I found my forever sport and Lakeside BJJ is THE place to practice BJJ. The instructors are clear in their instructions, attentive in providing individual feedback, and thoughtful in the way that they design the curriculum. The students are friendly and welcoming and there is a sense of camaraderie that's addicting. I've had negative experiences in the past with immature gym owners, toxic machoism in trainers, and sleazy contracts with gym memberships. Pete, the owner of Lakeside BJJ Chicago, is professional, mature, and empathetic. I feel safe sharing my feedback and criticisms with him***, knowing that he will receive them with grace. I believe this ripples downstream and promotes a supportive, growth-oriented mentality with the instructors. There's no pressure to sign up for a membership and there are no cancellation loopholes to jump over - very straightforward and easy process. ***In fact, when I mentioned that even the beginner level classes felt too advanced for a newbie like myself, he implemented a fundamentals class (Basic Mechanics) that meets every other week! I felt so heard and seen HAHA You can try out a few classes for free to see if BJJ fulfills your cup as it does mine - just be prepared to fall! In love, that is :)

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Posted 2 years ago
Christian Erickson

The owners and instructors at Lakeside BJJ are endlessly focused on creating the best experience possible for their students. The schedule is built around all skill levels and all needs. I have a full time career and I know that even on the busiest of weeks I can find time to get on the mat because of the variety that Lakeside provides. If you are looking to compete, Lakeside will help you do so. If you are looking to come in a couple of days a week as a hobbyist, Lakeside will help you do so. If you are a beginner (aren’t we all?) and looking to learn the fundamentals, Lakeside will help you do so. With all that being said, everyone from the instructors down to the training partners are phenomenal human beings. You will be surrounded by great people and be a part of a great culture if you decide to get on board at Lakeside.

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Posted 2 years ago
Jordy Caceres

Incredible environment with incredibly talented instructors. You will learn a lot here! Beginner classes with Cruz is the perfect way to get started in jiu jitsu as well as get a great workout. Advanced and all levels available as well and are extremely helpful in teaching great techniques. Absolutely hooked!

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Posted 2 years ago
David Eli

I have been going now for 2-3 weeks and have been welcomed by all staff, students, and instructors with open arms. There are many high level grapplers ranging from BJJ black belts to collegiate wrestlers, and everywhere in-between. Paying for classes isn’t fun, but I understand it is necessary. With this said, Lakeside BJJ is one of the most affordable places in the area I found and even offers discounts for certain professions. Beginner friendly, advanced classes, great people to train and learn from, and a plethora of classes to fit any schedule. My only complaint is I didn’t start sooner! Looking forward to many more training sessions. Photo attached from my first class!

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Posted 2 years ago
jay mcdermott

My son and I started going to Lakeside this past summer and it has been a great experience. Everyone including instructors and fellow students have been great. The school challenges you to learn and grow while supporting you at every step. I strongly recommend.

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Posted 2 years ago
Jisoo Kim

I have been training here with the same crew for more than a decade. This place is more than just a jiujitsu school. It’s a community. We’re not just training partners, we are friends who have stuck together through thick and thin. You will learn top notch jiujitsu and get in shape. But more than that you will be part of an amazing community.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Dylan Myles Young

Perfect atmosphere for all levels of Jiu Jitsu. A learning culture, and a strong, united community

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Posted 2 years ago
Jason Overmyer

I’ve trained at many gyms around the world and have never experienced a coaching staff that complements each other as much as at Lakeside. Every coach is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. With a variety of classes for all levels, this is a good place to make your BJJ home for the experienced and those thinking about trying the sport out.

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Posted 2 years ago
Isaiah Medina

Joined in mid July 2023 with no prior experience, and it's been an incredible journey since. The welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community makes every session enjoyable. The variety of class options accommodates even the busiest schedules. Highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to learn jiu jitsu in a supportive environment.

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Posted 2 years ago
Patrick Malec

Super great gym - started my jiu-jitsu journey at this gym and I am very pleased with my choice. Squeaky clean mats, great instructors, and a very solid sense of community. I have been really enjoying the No-Gi classes with Deuce and crew.

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Posted 2 years ago
Jesus Ledesma

So many classes and each instructor is interested in your progress. I have been associated with this school before the new owners and I really see the care taken in making sure all the students needs are met!!! Somos Lakeside!

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Posted 2 years ago
John DeOliveira

This is a legit BJJ school. The instructors have a curriculum they stick to and it’s easy to keep up with the classes. This isn’t a cult-style school and everyone is really respectful across all belt levels.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Matthew Knesek

I have been training at Lakeside BJJ for about 6 months now and really wish that I had signed up here even earlier! Every instructor and training partner that Ive had have always been great! Any class I attend I know that everyone is there to learn and improve and it’s always great vibes on the mats. If you're unsure about trying it out, I would say try a few classes and I guarantee you won’t regret it!

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Posted 2 years ago
Omar Sweidan

Great gym, really helpful instructors. Always a good time training and learning

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Posted 2 years ago
Xanthe Brown

I've been training at Lakeside since October and I love it here. Everyone is incredibly hardworking and FRIENDLY!! The instruction is amazing, and the facility is pretty sweet too. One of my favorite parts about training there is the flexibility and variety of the class schedule. Having classes available every single day (except Sunday) and multiple times per day really allows me to come in as I'm able. The only downside to that is it means there's no excuse not to put your hard work in!!!

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Posted 2 years ago
Kevin Huck

Couldn’t ask for a more welcoming, nicer, or better group of folks to roll with. 5 star experience in all areas.

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Posted 2 years ago
William Radcliffe

Mike is a great teacher/ instructor! The way he explained how to do different moves was awesome. I definitely had a few things click for me after his class. The atmosphere was one of a kind and I'd recommend stopping in if you're in Chicago.

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Posted 3 years ago
Joshua T.

Excellent instructors teaching great technique! Lakeside BJJ offers great jiu jitsu and a comprehensive schedule for maximum flexibility.

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Posted 3 years ago
Nick Tiniakos

Awesome instructors and environment! Cruz, Pete, Steve, and Jim are both great instructors and invested in making sure that your game improves. Great place and robust availability from the morning classes to evening 6x a week. 10/10 recommended

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Posted 3 years ago
Akira Aguila

Wonderful gym, incredible training staff and such a welcoming community. They have a good selection of training partners, both in size and skill level.

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Posted 3 years ago
Ben Borisenko

I started doing jiu jitsu here about a year ago and it's been the absolute best time of my life. In just one year I've made more progress then I ever thought was possible in the sport. Not only are the instructors here, Cruz Deuce Stephen and Jim, the most kind and talented athletes to learn from, but the gym is always kept in great condition, and the team aspect here is unlike any other gym or martial arts team I've ever been in. If you are looking to start Jiu jitsu or are looking to switch to a gym that fits your needs, Lakeside is definitely an amazing choice you would not regret.

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Posted 3 years ago
Nelson Rosario

Lakeside bjj is a great place to train and learn. The instructors are top notch and very detail oriented. Great community that helps everybody get better.

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Posted 3 years ago
Roquito Guloy

Really great place to learn. All the instructors are super helpful and knowledgeable. They are always answering my questions and the curriculum is very well structured. Lakeside's culture is very welcoming and everyone I train with has been really nice. The mats are kept super clean and well maintained. I've learned a lot from my time here.

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Posted 3 years ago
Nick Kyburz

I'm a month into my Jiu Jitsu journey, and I couldn't be more happy with choosing Lakeside as my gym. The class schedule is amazing with tons of options based on your schedule. The instructors have been phenomenal, as they truly take the time to teach you and ensure you are doing everything correct. The students are great to work with as well, as I've noticed higher belts are always willing to help and teach you through both drills and sparring sessions. All in all, if you're on the fence about starting Jiu Jitsu and need a gym, don't look any further!

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Posted 3 years ago
Michael David Smth

I was in my 40s when I started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and I wasn't sure what to expect. At Lakeside BJJ, I've found a home. The people at Lakeside are great. The instruction is excellent, and the training partners genuinely want to help each other. If you're brand new, you're going to find people who are happy to help you learn. If you've been training BJJ for years and interested in trying Lakeside after a long time at another gym, you're going to find people who will push you through hard sparring sessions day after day. If you want to learn this great martial art, this is the place for you, no matter who you are, what your background is, whether you're young or old, big or small, in great shape or out of shape. Give it a try. You'll be glad you did.

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Posted 3 years ago
Nick Lolli

The High level instructors teach great classes that can work with anyone’s schedule. Great atmosphere and the people have turned into some of my close friends.

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Posted 3 years ago
Will Sloyan

Great instructors and overall experience. Highly recommend especially to those who are just starting like me.

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Posted 3 years ago
A K

Amazing

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Posted 5 years ago
Trevor O'Donoghue

An incredibly welcoming atmosphere and fantastic coaching. Mack and his team couldn’t be friendlier. Classes range from mornings to afternoons to the evenings. Gi and No Gi as well as Muay Thai. Something for everyone. Highly recommend the beginner course too. Great value for an introduction to jiu jitsu in a 2 month course.

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Posted 6 years ago
Dan Patrick Photography

Great place to train. I’ve been there 5 months and lost weight and put on some muscle. Mack and all the teachers are great. Some classes are big some are small. Find what works for you. Gi fundamentals, no Gi, Muy Thai, MMA, Gi class. All great. 🥋

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Posted 7 years ago
tap6354

Amazing instruction, world class training partners and the owner is very supportive. To those that found the "rules" upsetting... well this isnt tball, basketball or swimming. This is a COMBAT sport that requires discipline, hard work and dedication. Mack makes everything easy to understand and pushes you to push yourself. If you dont want to push yourself, gain strength conditioning and mental fortitude... go elsewhere. Jiujitsu is hard, it's supposed to be, and no one is here to be coddled. If you want world class training partners, instruction, and to learn real world techniques, you've come to the right place!

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Posted 7 years ago
James Huang

Takes place at the back of Quads gym. A great group to learn and roll with. Very chill and non ego-centric. Stephen's classes on Mondays and Fridays have a reputation for being a little tougher and more focused on conditioning. Beth and Eric teach a phenomenal competition class Sunday at noon. Mack is an all around kind and funny instructor who leads all this. Morning classes also available and have the reputation of being more intense but I don't have too much experience with that. Would highly recommend if you are around the North side of Chicago. There's also a fundamentals class Wednesday nights that's pretty tight.

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Posted 8 years ago
Brian Craft

I would be hard pressed to find instructors who cared more about their students succeeding and showed such a passion for their discipline. You can go in here with no experience and everyone will make you feel welcome and begin instantly teaching and offering support in any way. Everyone is humble, kind and respectful of one another and the environment is very constructive and supportive. As well, the price was more then reasonable.

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Posted 9 years ago