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!
Read morebest jiu-jitsu programs in Deerfield, IL
DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
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.