Valko Jiu Jitsu Studio
Gym Stats
Contact Information
Reviews
About the Gym
- Gi, Nogi, Mixed gi/nogi classes available for adults.
- Kids' program offered for ages 4-12 with age-appropriate techniques.- Beginner-friendly and advanced classes are available.
- Private lessons available for individuals or small groups.- Skill Levels and Training Intensity
- Welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners.- Technique-focused training emphasized across programs.
- Facilities and Amenities
- Two locations in Chicago: Ravenswood (2748 W Montrose Ave) and St. Olaf/North Center (820 N Orleans St).- State-of-the-art equipment and mats.
- Clean, well-maintained facilities.- Online scheduling system available for convenience.
- Small parking lot shared with neighboring business; free street parking around studios.- Pricing and Membership Options
- Jiu Jitsu Unlimited: $100/month (no commitment, no hidden fees).- 10 Pack Class Pass: $185.
- Valko All Access: $150/month (train unlimited at both locations).- Drop-in fee is free for adults; gis available for purchase or found online for children.
- Unique Aspects and Special Features
- Emphasizes community-oriented atmosphere with regular social events.- Experienced instructors holding high-level black belt certifications.
- Loaner gis provided for first-time students.- Free trial classes offered.
- Open Mat sessions available for practice.- Encourages parents to watch and engage during kids' classes.
- Other Information
- No membership initiation or cancellation fees.- No obligation to purchase gear; team gis, rashguards, shorts not required.
- Parents are encouraged to observe and support their children's progress.- Nearby Horner Park offers recreational options for parents during class.
Class Schedule
No Schedule Available
This gym hasn't added their class schedule yet. Check back later or contact them directly for class times.
What Reddit says about Valko Jiu Jitsu Studio
8 verbatim community mentions from r/bjj and city subreddits, unedited, positives and negatives alike.
Lots of good gyms in Chicago and luckily lots of them cross train so you can check out lots of spots. Closest too you is probably Vianna Brothers which is a good gym with good people. A bit farther in the city you have Valko, Taylor Biaggi, Redzovic, so lots of good options to try. My gym is pretty far from you but if you ever are north in the city you are welcome to stop by and train with us at Serafin Jiu Jitsu source, 2025 ↗
positive
Lots of good gyms in the area. There is u/serafin, there is new breed, valko, double five, uflacker, Southside, any of the redzovics, comprido, 10p chicago, 10p lombard, team kuma, vuk, pica pao, 3d mma, pure bjj. I've had experiences with almost all these gym or have friends that train there. Chicago really is a great city for bjj. source, 2024 ↗
positive
Try both. Valko is great. Misho at Chicago mma integrates a lot of self defense and wrestling probably a less modern sport Jiu Jitsu game and more old school. Plus he’s an awesome person. source, 2024 ↗
positive
These are probably nearest to Old Town Chicago MMA (Halsted & North Ave) Valko’s BJJ (Ontario & Chicago) Team Fumaca Academy (Clybourn & North) These are also easily accessible via public transportations Downtown Jiu-Jitsu Club (Adem Redzovic) Chicago School of Grappling (by UIC) Carlson Gracie Jr / HQ (Logan Square, Milwaukee Ave) Vianna Brothers (also on Milwaukee Ave near CG) Brazil-021 (Chicago Ave, west of Ashland) Double Five Jiu-Jitsu (Andre Maneco, Chicago Ave East of Ashland) Molinaro Jiu-Jitsu (Lakeview) Lakeside BJJ (also Lakeview inside of Quad’s gym) source, 2024 ↗
neutral
Can't recommend andre manecos (double five Chicago) enough. Also; valko, Carlson hq, movemento (izzy rayes is a G), redzovic are Chicago bjj pioneers!!! All in the west loop area. Brazil 021 moved, fwiw. source, 2024 ↗
positive
You can get injured in any martial art where there's some jackass that goes overboard. While it happens in jiu jitsu, I wouldn't say it's the norm. Also you get to decide if you want to spar or not. No jiu jitsu school is going to force you to do that against your will. Also not sure which one blew you off, but generally the schools I know of are typically nice. I was a part of Valko BJJ in the river north for a long time and I suggest that school. Everyone is chill, you learn a lot, many options for classes, located near the brown line. Also pricing is up front and there's no contract source, 2024 ↗
positive
Friday open mat at Serafin BJJ in Evanston is one of the best. Saturday downtown Chi Valko has 11am open mat with all color belts. As far for school it’s up to you. source, 2019 ↗
positive
5:15 till 7 at Serafin, Valko is 11:15-1:15 or something. And I know for sure: I don’t miss Friday open mats there at all. A lot of people, great rolls! This week it’s gi, next one is no-gi source, 2019 ↗
positive
Quotes collected from public Reddit threads; opinions belong to their authors. Data updates as new threads appear.