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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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


At CMA, our classes are tailored to the individual student's pace of learning. We understand that not all students learn at the same speed, and we recognize that everyone has different needs. Therefore, our classes progress with each student's individual speed. This means that if a student is dedicated and catches on quickly, their progress will be accelerated. On the other hand, if a student prefers a more casual pace, their martial arts experience will reflect that. We also offer a variety of classes for both children and adults. Our classes run at different times throughout the day and week, so it's easy to find a time that works for you. Whether you're looking for a fast-paced class or a more relaxed one, we have something for everyone at Chicago Martial Arts & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Our Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy is proud to be part of the Deerfield community. We are delighted to be part of the growing Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu legacy in the northern Chicago suburbs. Our academy offers world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for individuals, families, and Law Enforcement personnel. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a reference for fitness, wellness, character development, self-defense, martial art, and brotherhood. At Gracie Barra, we offer classes for kids, teens, and adults so the entire family can benefit from the powerful lessons taught by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our goal is to foster the development of a strong, healthy, and confident community.