In the sprawling landscape of Illinois, where the bustling city of Chicago stands tall, and the vast prairie lands stretch out endlessly, exists a secret society of brave and clever kids. The Illinois Jiu Jitsu Jamboree (IJJJ for short), as this secret society is known, is filled with kids who feel super-charged when they practice the art of Jiu Jitsu. Now, let me introduce you to their fearless leader, Sir Squiggles McMuffin, a lovable yet eccentric teddy bear with a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and a floppy chef's hat. Squiggles, with his fluffy fur and squishy muffin-shaped belly, is not just your ordinary teddy bear. He is a master of sneaky moves, swift breaks, and unexpected giggles. Every afternoon, in the mystical halls of the IJJJ clubhouse (which might look suspiciously like your average community center to the untrained eye), Squiggles and his band of Jiu Jitsu journeyers gather. From Belleville to Champaign, Peoria to Rockford, these kids are as different and diverse as the state itself. But they all share the same love for Jiu Jitsu and their zany mascot, Squiggles. With a "hi-ya" here and a "watch-out-for-my-ninja-roll" there, these kids flip, twist, and tumble, laughing all the while. These Jiu Jitsu kids aren't just learning self-defense; they're building strength, courage, and a sense of teamwork that makes them more formidable than the fiercest of Illinois winds. The kids from the IJJJ are a funny bunch, with their secret handshakes and Squiggles-inspired jokes. But they're also the coolest kids you could meet in the Land of Lincoln, proving every day that in the world of Jiu Jitsu, there's always room for fun, laughter, and a teddy bear mascot who knows his way around a tasty muffin recipe!

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best jiu-jitsu programs in Chicago, IL

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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

Antioch, CA 94513
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With over 20 years of experience, Redzovic Jiu-Jitsu is one of the original Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense Academy’s in Chicago. Professor Eddie Redzovic is a 4th-degree blackbelt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and is the first American Rep for Carlos Gracie Jr. in America, certified by IBJJF. We provide world-class instruction in a clean, family-like atmosphere that focuses on self-defense, sport, no-gi, MMA, and other classes. Students graduating from our academy benefit from a direct lineage to the founders of the martial art, Carlos/Helio Gracie – Carlos Gracie Jr. – Prof. Eddie Redzovic. At Redzovic Jiu-Jitsu, we are dedicated to helping you and/or your children become the best versions of themselves. Our expert instructors understand your goals and are here to support you in a fun, exciting, and welcoming environment. Our website can give you more information about our facility, programs, and community, and we can’t wait to see you soon!

Chicago, IL 60625