Molinaro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

3260 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

5.0 (55 reviews)

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Gi MMA

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Adults Classes

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Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

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We offer a range of classes for gi and no-gi Jiu-Jitsu, self-defence, and kids Jiu-Jitsu with experienced instructors.

https://www.molinarojiujitsu.com/

(773) 900-4248

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Reviews

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Carter Stokes

Molinaro Jiu Jitsu is great. I dropped in for an open mat and everyone was very friendly and you could tell they all have a great passion for Jiu Jitsu. I will definitely visit again when I'm back in town.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
David Li

I've been training a couple years and have dropped in quite a few places, and dropped in to this humble gym on a whim. There is such generosity, kindness, spirit, and technical ability from not only Professor Molinaro himself but also his students. I can tell he's nurtured the culture as a reflection of himself, and I appreciate everything about it. There's a strong sense of community there, and my impression is that everyone is there to elevate each other. An absolute BJJ home base anytime I find myself in this city!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Austin Dew

Awesome culture, welcoming students, and a very technical/ challenging class every time you step on the mats. Highly recommend Molinaro BJJ for any locals or any visitors looking to step up their game.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Wyatt Harrell

Incredible community. Incredible instruction. Wish I started coming here sooner

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Tyler Luth

10/10, Molinaro Jiu Jitsu is an amazing training environment. Very welcoming and professional atmosphere, always giving individual attention to every student, clean facility, really can’t say enough good things!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Sammer Hamed

I’ve been by twice while visiting my brother in the city, each time the team here showed me nothing but immense hospitality. The coaches are knowledgeable, and are always helping their students find new ways to improve. Definitely would recommend

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jason Miller

I don’t live in Chicago, but every time I visit, I try to drop in at Molinaro. Alex and the other teachers are excellent, and everyone at the gym is humble and kind. Clean facilities and great culture.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
ian wenzel

I’ve been training at Molinaro Jiu Jitsu for about six months and it has been such an amazing experience. The teaching and attention to technique is great!! Can’t recommend Molinaro Jiu Jitsu enough.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Sarah Lullo

There is no place else like Molinaro Jiu-Jitsu. I was so nervous before my first time training. I had no idea what I was getting into, but from the moment Alex called me back about my inquiry I could sense his warmth and excitement about Jiu-jitsu. His love of Jiu-jitsu, training, teaching, and continuing to grow is infectious and will drive you to want to do the same. I love the way he choses to structure his classes with and his nature of teaching. He is always open to answer questions and work with you on technique. Alex is extremely generous with his time and he is invested in the growth of his students. His other instructors deliver the same quality of high level, professional instruction as well. The gym has attracted members that are incredibly kind and welcoming. It is a space where we all want to see each other get better and have fun. As a woman, going into spaces that are largely male occupied can be intimidating, but since the moment I stepped into Molinaro Jiu Jitsu I’ve felt nothing but welcome and encouraged. As the gym continues to grow, so does the number of women members — making an already great gym to train at even better. If you’re thinking about training at any gym in Chicago (or really the surrounding area) it should be Molinaro Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Tomas Restrepo

MolineroBJJ is one of the few gyms is the Midwest with legit Juijitsu the head coach is a humble Brazilian who's very welcoming even for visitors, he's not money greedy like some can be and his clases are very detailed, organized, planned and clean highly recommend whether your just stopping by to vistit or undefined

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Ben Sadkowski

I love training here. This gym provides both a great training environment and atmosphere, and based on the team's competition records, the quality of rolls and instruction you get is very high. Coach Alex has built something really wonderful here. It's frankly one of my favorite places in the city.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
椿楓

The classes were amazing and everyone is super nice and very competitive. I visited and joined 2 classes with my cousin. Although it was my first/2nd time experiencing jiu-jitsu, Alex and Miyao taught me what to do, what's required to be better very nicely. I am sure you will love it here if you have a high goal and enjoy pushing yourself. Thank you Alex, Miyao!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Cesar Gonzalez

I could not think of a better place to train Jiu Jitsu in Chicago. If you are starting or if you have experience training you will greatly benefit from Alex Molinaro and his extensive knowledge and experience competing all over the world. Everybody is very welcoming, great technique and good sparring.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Ryan G

I did a drop in class while I was vacation last week and I had a great time here. Alex and the rest of the crew were super cool and friendly. I had some really tough rolls there as everyone was rally good and I was very impressed! If I lived in Chicago I would train there for sure. Thanks again

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Yondon Fu

Dropped in for a class while visiting the city and had a great time training. Everyone was friendly and got some good rolls in. Will definitely come by again the next time I'm in town.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Casey Chan

Dropped in for a class recently at Alex’s gym. Alex is a great instructor. Very down to earth and supportive. His students were all very welcoming as well. Hopefully I can stop by again in the future. I would recommend any other jiu jitsu practitioners or anyone looking to try out the sport to give his gym a shot.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
David Herrera

Great place! Hands down the best jiu jitsu in the area! Can't wait to come back!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Oscar Ortiz

Molinaro is a very talented instructor, athlete and training partner! With many medals to back up his claims! If you’re looking to train with top tier talent and want to improve your jiu jitsu game or even just learn self discipline, this is the right place for you! Molinaro’s gym is going to make a big impact here in Chicago!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Sabina Santiago

Came in as a visitor and was warmly welcomed. Great class structure, attentive instructors and awesome students. 100% recommend!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
David Tharp

I was visiting from out of town and trained here for a couple days. The gym is great and everyone I met was very friendly!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Solomon (ADMIN) Dixon

I own a school on the Southside and pop in to train with Prof Molinaro occasionally. He’s been very welcoming and he is a very experienced competitor, champion and instructor. If you live in the area, this is a great room to be a part of.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
ADL

Good vibes, expert teaching. The community is very welcoming and supportive, also for girls/women!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Fernando Mazzoleni

This place is awesome! Alex is an amazing BJJ competitor and even great coach!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Siuly L

solid solid gym. molinaro is an absolutely great teacher & truly cares about the progress of his students. you'll definitely feel welcome coming into this gym & the music during sparring is great haha. definitely check out this gym if you're in the chicago-land area.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Alessandra Antunes

Amazing place, amazing team!!! My kids started 1 year ago and definitely love practicing jiujitsu. Since the beginning of classes, their behavior has improved a lot... increasing attention, improving physical and social skills. Thank you Molinaro for providing us with a friendly and respectful environment.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Stephanie Slepkanev

Molinaro Jiu Jitsu is without a doubt the best place to train at in the city of Chicago! Whether you are trying jiu jitsu for the first time or have some experience and you are visiting, Molinaro Jiu Jitsu really is welcoming to everyone and every person you encounter is respectful, friendly and will make you feel at home. Alex Molinaro is a very knowledgeable athlete and an amazing teacher, he explains and shows each technique with so much detail which makes all the difference when it comes to learning and doing the techniques right. He is incredibly passionate about Jiu Jitsu and about teaching his students. During each class he takes the time to answer quick questions on the technique and observes each student to be able to provide the feedback that each person needs. The entire facility is always clean (mats, bathroom, changing area, waiting space), the gym is easy to find, near to public transportation and for anyone driving, very easy to find inexpensive parking. Molinaro Jiu Jitsu truly has it all.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Justice Stanford

Great, clean gym space and atmosphere. Instructor Molinaro is great at explaining the technique and helping throughout drilling. Very welcoming environment and would recommend to any and everyone looking for a gym in Chicago!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Daniel Cubillos

Great gym to train at either if your goals are to compete or just for fitness purposes . Alex , the head instructor is a highly qualified black belt instructor. His technique is impressive, one of the best I've seen , and we have visited the best gyms around the US specially California and Florida. As a black belt in jiujitsu he's top notch. As an instructor he's extremely good. Very detail oriented , if you are a white belt just exploring jiu jitsu he will help you and guide you throughout your journey. If you are an advanced or colored belt he will always tell you, correct you and assist you in order to help your game evolve. ( it's astonishing the way he goes around checking everybody's work and making sure everyone is doing the technique correctly . Before moving to the next step) GI OR NOGI. The community of Molinaro's gym is very welcoming , very smooth rolls and zero egos . Everybody is very nice to work with , everyone wears clean ruashguards and kimonos. You will find many good training partners there. The place is pristine, clean mats , Clean always smelling good restroom, changing room etc . customer service is quick, easy, personalized and emphatetic. Kids class: I took my son to do a class and he enjoyed it very much, again the technique For the little ones is prompt and alex looks for ways to have the kiddos enjoy their time while doing and learning jiujitsu but also having a blast . The class Is well structured and kids love it. I rate it 5 out of 5 , in every possible aspect. Go on an open mat on Saturdays to check it for yourself. Highly recommended.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Preston Nichols

Had a great time visiting the Open mat here. Friendly guys, and a good solid time rolling with surprisingly good jiujitsu athletes. Highly recommend this school to others, because Alex seems to be training them quite well. Alex himself was actually pretty helpful to roll with as well.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Brad Mattan

This is a great place to train as a student or even drop in if you’re visiting. Alex’s gym is that ideal combination of top-notch technique and welcoming atmosphere. See for yourself by checking out their Saturday morning open mats. I’m always impressed (and humbled) by the level of jiu jitsu demonstrated by the folks who show up, from white to black belt. I always look forward to it.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Justin Cartwright

Molinaro Jiu Jitsu does an incredible job of making new people feel right at home. Alex's attention to detail and management of the gym creates an inviting atmosphere and attracts a great crowd of friendly and knowledgeable members. I'm happy to have found such a great gym!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Juan José Restrepo

Excellent Jiu Jitsu, attention to detail and overall amazing learning experience, Alex is the guy

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
RicKky Zanabria

Molinaro Academy is a welcoming, friendly, clean facility with a safe and respectful environment. Brazilian world Jiu-Jitsu champion professor, Alex, is fully vested in his students whether you are a beginner or aspire to compete at world class level. Alex is committed to take you there if you are equally committed to his individualized attention. Trauma from my childhood made me reluctant to step into the Molinaro Academy as I knew I would be confronted by my past. However, I decided to give it a try. I barely completed my first class as my emotions built and manifested in tears. This catharsis marked the start of a healing process I didn’t realize I needed. Alex is a supportive and compassionate listener whose kind words of encouragement and professionalism provided a comfort for me to embrace my trauma and spin it into something positive in my life. I consider myself very lucky to have found not only a high-level academy but a place that makes me feel more confident as the time goes by; a brotherhood that supports me every time I see them and most importantly, to have found a family. Thank you, Alex.

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Posted 3 years ago
Eloisa Wahl

Eu sou a fã número 1 deste atleta e campeão, meu neto Alexandre. Ele dedica sua vida a transmitir o que faz de melhor Jiu-jítsu ! é uma arte, que desenvolve personalidades e faz transformações na vida de crianças e adultos!! Sua academia é limpa, agradável e segura!!! OSS

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Kenneth

✨👌🏻💪🏻

Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Matheus Ferreira

Best ACADEMY to training, improving your bjj and make news friends.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Leonardo Escalante

Beautiful place also Is great for somebody who want to lean BJJ for all ages. Molinaro is an excellent teacher highly recommended.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Leigh Besanger

Alex is an exceptional instructor and the gym environment is amazing! If you’re looking to try something new for you or your kid, or if you’re already an avid practitioner/competitor, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better gym in the mid-west.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
SEP Eduardo CH

Amazing environment to practice bjj. Learn from a world class teacher and competitor like Alex. Molinaro. Great Location

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Michael Kent

Alex is an amazing BJJ competitor and even better coach! Definitely visit this academy if you are in Chicago.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Pedro Lott

Alex is an world class instructor and competitor, his international experience teaching and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu makes him one of the best coaches in the game. With a good mix of old and new school he will bring your game to the next level. He is great with kids and make the learning experience fun for the little ones. You can't go wrong training at Molinaro Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors
Posted 3 years ago
Ighor Horta

Always clean and fresh whit one of the beast instructors I have been seeing in my life definitely world class level school

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Celso Reis

The Molinaro Jiu Jitsu gym offers an excellent structure of training,with a really clean space and a very nice environment. Professor Alex Molinaro is a high level Jiu Jitsu competitor and also a really good instructor. I always have a great time training with him.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Carson Loofe

Alex is a fantastic coach, and such a passionate and fun person! Happy to train with him and be a part of his gym!

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Posted 3 years ago
Rana Muratoglu

Molinaro Jiu Jitsu offers an incredibly welcoming, supportive, and intelligent method of jiu jitsu instruction that I’ve been unable to find anywhere else. Alex is able to tailor his coaching and curriculum to anybody he is working with—beginners, hobbyists, or competitors—and he can provide nuanced insight for each technique and strategy he teaches. The gym is super clean, and I always feel safe and respected by everyone I train with. The training environment is always fun and friendly, with great music that makes it feel like it's party time! I’m very lucky to have found such a great gym! Thank you to Alex, Chris, Kim and Louise for all of your hard work!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Jeffrey Cen

Molinaro Jiu-Jitsu is a very friendly and welcoming environment led by Alex who is super personable, knowledgeable, and always brings a high energy. Alex's commitment, dedication, and investment to his students is truly admirable. It is evident that he deeply cares about each individual who steps into the gym, regardless of whether they pursue jiu-jitsu as a hobby or aspire to be competitive athletes. He is always ready to assist and encourage students in achieving their personal goals. His attention to detail, coupled with his outstanding ability to structure techniques and interconnect them, makes learning from him a valuable experience. The gym itself is very beautiful and clean, making it a very friendly and inviting environment to become friends with other people while also learning jiu-jitsu and self-defense. I truly feel like home every time I step onto the mats. Chicago is very lucky to have Molinaro Jiu-Jitsu and Alex in this community! Trying a class at this exceptional academy is an absolute must!

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Posted 3 years ago
Shane Steinl

Great instruction. Super friendly. Can’t recommend this place enough if you want to learn Jiu Jitsu.

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Posted 3 years ago
Jack Tu

Alex is an amazing instructor who pays individual attention to each student to help maximize their growth. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, this is the best place to train!

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Posted 3 years ago
Mario Gomez

As the owner of an MMA gym, I’m always looking to stay on top of the best practices in all martial arts. As for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you won’t find a better place. The team at Molinaro Jiu Jitsu is world class in instructing students from all skill levels. Alex has a passion for teaching that I’ve seen in few others in my 15 years of training. He’s a vibrant and enthusiastic instructor that can not only explain but also SHOW how it’s done. Do yourself a favor and check it out! Oss!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Alexandre Truong

Alex is fully invested in taking his students to the next level. His well-thought-out curriculum, class format and drive to share key details make a big difference. Small group classes, individualized attention, friendly community, clean and safe environment for beginners to competitors. Highly recommended.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
John Gonzalez

Alex is a great instructor and friend who is passionate about his craft and developing the skills of his students. The gym is clean and welcoming to all people - I highly recommend everyone checks it out.

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Posted 3 years ago
Mike a

This place is phenomenal! Alex is a great Brazilian jiu-jitsu teacher. Everyone here is really friendly and welcoming. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or looking to do competition-level jiu-jitsu. This is a great school, and the place is super clean.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Andrew Kim

Alex is a high level jiujitsu competitor, and his passion for jiujitsu bleeds into all aspects of his academy. 1:1 attention to whoever needs it, and makes sure to cater/adjust what he's teaching based on what he thinks your needs are and feedback you have for him. Jiujitsu isn't easy, but Alex and Chris do a great job making everyone feel welcome and learn the ropes. They're also awesome with kids.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Kim Ferizi

Alex is a world-class competitor who has a passion to share his knowledge in a kind, supportive and welcoming way. Good vibes only. The school is clean and everyone I met there has been super nice.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Guillaume Allaux (CobraKai87)

Great Jiu-Jitsu academy, conveniently located near the Belmont L stop. The place just opened and already has a solid community of welcoming instructors and students of all levels. You can probably find good academies anywhere in the area but if you want to learn world class Jiu-Jitsu come and train with prof Alex.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
mike zagorski

Alexandre Molinaro has been my main coach since I started jiu jitsu!!! I love training with him and the gym has such a welcoming vibe. Everyone is trying to get better together!!!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago