ABOUT

Grappling House offers classes in jiu-jitsu, we have one of the newest jiu-jitsu competition teams in the Chicagoland area. Whether you want to get in shape, learn something new, Grappling House is the place for you! Come check us out.

KIDS

First and Foremost our kids experience tremendous physical benefits. Increases flexibility, increases balance, and coordination, burns calories, improves fitness, and learning a healthy lifestyle by staying active while learning how to defend yourself!!!

Bullyproof

Bullying in this day and age is a well known problem, and a very sad realization that most children will encounter in their lifetime. Training with us will give your children the tools and self-esteem they will need to better deal with bullies and bullying situations. With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu preventing bullying does not mean resorting to violence, it means having the self-esteem/confidence to stand up for what is just and right.

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is developed in BJJ by allowing children to set goals and work to reach them. Some children in BJJ in early stages overcome fear of the first time stepping on the mat and joining class. To trying new moves and getting a feeling of what BJJ really is. Then in a few short months working toward getting stripes on their belts and new belt colors. By this they can realize and feel that the work, and effort they put in pays off. So along the way their self-esteem and confidence is growing.

Mental health

Martial arts is mentally challenging which will help develop children's frame of mind. The ability to deal with obstacles in a safe and controlled environment works the strength of the mind in not quitting when things get rough. This mentality is imperative in developing young leaders and successful adults. Children will start to learn how to maneuver and navigate through challenges.

Adults

General Benefits

First and Foremost you will experience the physical benefits. Increases flexibility, increases balance, and coordination, burns calories, improves fitness, and learning a healthy lifestyle by staying active while learning how to defend yourself!!!

Competitions
Is this a good place to train for competitions?

Yes! Although we don't require you to compete the option is still available with the full support of the staff and Gideon "The Gladiator" Ray. He has a lifetime of experience that will benefit you. He has participated in over 50 professional bouts/contests including UFC, King of the Cage, The Ultimate Fighter, IFL and many more. He knows what it takes to be successful in these competitions and he can get you there! We are having success with students competing in various competitions for both children and adults.What if I don't want to be in competitions?
Is BJJ right for me?

Yes! Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is referred to as the Gentle art (hence the name of our school). As outlined within the general benefits above, there are huge benefits in regards to physical fitness, stress relief, confidence and the ability to defend one's self against a larger attacker. We have both male and female staff available to assist with coaching and direction during training. Last but not least, it really is a lot of fun and you will meet some great people! What if I don't want to be in competitions?

CLASS RULES STUDIO DRESS CODE:

  1. Sandals MUST be worn in the studio at all times when not on the mat. No exceptions.

  2. Shoes must NOT be placed next to the mats. Please store shoes on the shoe rack or in the locker rooms.

  3. Jewelry, watches and fitbit devices may not be warn on the mat during practice.

  4. If possible, we ask that parents have their child dressed and ready prior to class.

  5. T-Shirts or rash-guards must be worn underneath the Gi at all times.

  6. Due to discomfort and overheating, collared shirts and sweaters must NOT be worn under Gi tops as an undershirt.

  7. Due to discomfort and overheating, jeans and sweat pants must NOT be worn under Gi pants.

  8. Students must wash their Gi after every practice. 

  9. Fingernails and toenails must be cleaned and trimmed prior to each class.

  10. Prescription glasses may be worn on the mat while watching techniques; however, they must be removed prior to drill or sparring.

  11. Athletic tops and shorts must be worn for No-Gi class. Street clothing is NOT acceptable.

STUDIO SAFETY:

  1. Any physical or verbal threats between parents or students will lead to permanent removal from the studio. No exceptions. 

  2. For the safety and concentration of our youth students, we ask that parents refrain from talking to their child while class is in progress.

  3. Due to the height and possible fall risk, we ask that no children sit on the parent bleachers.​

  4. No running, screaming or loud noises in the lobby.

  5. To prevent tripping hazards, we ask that parents and guests please refrain from sitting on the hallway floors to watch classes.

  6. To prevent tripping hazards, all gym bags and shoes must be kept off of the studio floor.

  7. Absolutely no slamming your partner on the mats.

  8. Due to the possibility for neck injuries, absolutely no neck cranking. 

  9. Due to the possibility for back injuries, absolutely no applying spinal pressure.

  10. If your partner taps, you must release from your submission immediately. 

  11. For safety and concentration purposes, unless you are the Professor, no coaching amongst students while sparring.

MAT ETIQUETTE:

  1. Bow before stepping on and off the mats.

  2. All students must line up with attendance card in hand.

  3. All students must line up in descending order of belt rank.

  4. Refer to black belt instructor as “Professor” and non-black belt instructor as “Coach.”

  5. Please count as a team during warm ups and at the end, during sit-ups. You may talk quietly during stretching.

  6. All students must sit or stand in a good posture, in a circle, when instructor is demonstrating technique.

  7. No talking when instructor is demonstrating technique.

  8. Bow to your partner before and after practice.

  9. Talking should be kept to a minimum level and pertain to class subject.

  10. This is a family atmosphere, no foul language in academy.

  11. If you are late to class and technique has started, please stand by sideline and ask instructor’s permission.

  12. If you need to leave early, please approach instructor.

  13. If you are taking advanced class, you must stay until end of class to bow out, even if you are not participating in sparring.

  14. The belt represents your progress; keep it on during class.

  15. When tying your belt in line, please face away from instructor.

VISITOR ETIQUETTE:

  1. Any question or concerns must be addressed the Professor or assistant coaches.

  2. If you bring non-attending siblings or friends with your child during a class, please make sure they remain in the lobby.

  3. Any toys or electronic devices brought with a small child must be cleaned up prior to leaving.

  4. While in the studio, absolutely NO negative comments about other students, the studio or the Professor to other visitors or parents.

PROMOTIONS & COMPETITIONS:

  1. Promotions are received through discipline, hard work and attendance. Please do not approach the Professor about a promotion.​

  2. Parents will be approached about their child's eligibility to receive a promotion. Please do not approach the Professor about a promotion.

  3. Students must approach the Professor prior to any competition registration.

  4. Strict competition schedules must be followed by all students who are competing.