Gracie Barra Kids

Was in town on business and went to Gracie Barra Deerfield to train. Had a wonderful experience. The location was clean, sanitized, and had ample space to train. The team there were very welcoming and friendly. The academy also has showers, which is super convenient. I will definitely return if I am ever back in town. Thank you!

This is how Jiu Jitsu should be! Very professional and clean safe environment. My 3 kids love to learn and focus on the techniques. This gym has refocused and shaped my kids and their grades are better, they don't fight as much with each other and they seem to be very patient and humble!! Great for Adults too! Me and my wife go here and love to train and it has been wonderful for us! We have energy and we are allot less stressed and are much more happy outside of the gym. My work and home life has improved dramatically! I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield!

Marcelo, Coach Steve and Coach Rob are the best in the business. If you are thinking about joining a school, this is the one. They are kind individuals with a passion to see you succeed while maintaining your absolute safety and that of others. Gracie Berra is a gem of an organization and the future template of BJJ. My 6 yo son is also in the program of study and loves it. He asks when the next day to go. I have noticed that he's more calm at home and gets a ton of exercise twice a week. The coaches are so nice to them. Please call and make an appointment to talk with Steve the owner and come join the fun, get some great exercise and become part of something greater than yourself.

Came in for a couple morning classes while in the area for a work trip. Everyone was super welcoming and accommodating, coach and students alike. I feel like I learned a ton and everyone was fantastic. Will be dropping in again when I'm back in town!

Our journey began when I started taking a little girl to and from her Jiu-Jitsu class. I would bring my daughter along, and before I knew it, I saw that it sparked her interest. She started asking questions and then begging to join. I was hesitant at first because I wanted her to take it seriously and not ask to quit two weeks later. Well, one year later, the change in my daughter is undeniable. She loves training, and she loves the community that supports and guides her. She feels empowered, and her confidence has grown tremendously. Now, whenever we have to miss class, I’m met with disappointment. It’s her outlet, and she truly looks forward to learning new skills. The coaches are amazing with kids. They show patience and discipline while modeling kindness and acceptance. This is a wonderful investment if you’re looking to enroll your child in something that challenges them while empowering them. It might even be great for you, too!

My entire family and I go to this gym and we love it here! Professor Marcelo is an outstanding instructor who is so patient and caring with kids. He is super approachable and fun to be around. All of the coaches here are awesome and it is a great facility. I have been training in Jiu Jitsu for a few years and have been to other gyms. Everyone here is a pleasure to train with and their program is superb! I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield to everyone.

Gracie Barra Deerfield is a top notch facility that provides students a positive environment to develop their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Coach Marcelo is very approachable and is highly effective at communicating lesson material with students of all levels of experience. The training environment is very clean, safe, and the students and instructors are all very welcoming. I have personally trained at a number of facilities and have over 10 years of grappling experience and can say that Gracie Barra Deerfield has one of the best gym cultures I have ever been a part of. I would absolutely encourage anyone interested in trying out a class or looking for a new gym to pay Gracie Barra Deerfield a visit.

Gracie Barra is an impressive program to help children build Jiu Jitsu skills but also learn the importance of teamwork, respect towards others and maintaining a positive mental attitude. We highly recommend this training facility.

Jiu jitsu itself is an amazing art that teaches you not only how to defend yourself but to overcome obstacles in your life and continue pushing forward, but jiu-jitsu Barra Deerfield goes even beyond showing camaraderie and family ambience with all the support you would expect for a well known and professional gym. This is truly a place to enjoy learning self defense while working out and making friends, absolutely recommend it to everyone :)

Great school, amazing professors and coaches, and very friendly students of all ages! Our family of four goes to Gracie Barra Deerfield. On day one, we were warmly welcomed by Coach Phuong and Professor Marcelo. I immediately appreciated how Coach Phuong asked for the correct pronunciation of my name, and she has never forgotten it! She is very welcoming, attentive, and patiently answers all questions and concerns. Professor Marcelo is one of the most pleasant people I have ever met! He is firm but very kind, considerate, and explains all the movements very well. His passion for Jiu Jitsu is evident in his teaching and in the way he cares about all the students in the class. My sons, 10 and 12, also trained in both regular and private classes with Coach Luis. He is excellent with younger children, patiently correcting their movements. What I really appreciate is the coaches' approach, especially with kids; they always ask if they can offer a tip! Similarly, Coach Odysseas is an amazing trainer as well. He is very attentive and always kindly guides myself and my sons to correct our forms or improve our technique. He very patiently explains the move as many time as needed to myself :) After class, people often enjoy rolling on the open mat, having a great time and practicing the moves. This speaks volumes about the culture that Professor Marcelo and his team have nurtured at this location. They truly embody the motto "Organized Like a Team, Fighting Like Family". I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield and cannot say enough good things about the team.

I live in Minnesota and I did a drop in class. I was so impressed!! Everyone there is super nice, a great culture and they really know their stuff! Was an awesome experience and I learned a ton. If I'm ever back in town for any reason, it's a priority to go back. One of the instructors Mike was showing me a really cool combination of what to do in different situations and how to react based on how your opponent does. I asked him if I could take a video and he said absolutely.

Gracie Barra Deerfield is amazing. Me and my wife and our 2 children are students here. Professor Marcelo is genuinely kind, patient and respectful. I feel like from day one we were welcome with open arms to the Gracie Barra family. My 6 year old daughter loves Gracie Barra. My 10 year old son is so mature and humble and his ability to learn and focus is all due to Jiu Jitsu at Gracie Barra. I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield for kids and adults! What are you waiting for? Try a class for free!

After six months of attending, I am confident in saying all of these 5 star reviews are legit. The owner is professional and straightforward. The instructor is knowledge and patient--he's pretty funny, too. The guys (and girls) training there are all friendly and eager to learn. The facility is kept very clean. And, the curriculum builds systematically, which means after a few months things start clicking, and you really feel the improvement. If you're considering BJJ, I strongly urge you to set up a free class. You won't be disappointed.

Great place for all ages! My kids can't wait to go to each class. I was not expecting to have many female training partners but was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is pleasant and welcoming. Always feels like home! Stop by and give it a try. :)

Our family’s journey with Gracie Barra Deerfield started after my kids had originally begun training at the Gracie Barra Evanston location in October 2024. When we moved to the Deerfield location, we weren’t sure what to expect, but the welcome we received was incredible. The environment was so warm and positive that my kids were instantly hooked. They’ve been training here since January 2025 and have truly found a home — not just a gym. They’ve built close friendships and feel genuinely supported by their coaches and professors, who clearly care about them not only as students but as people. Coach Odysseus is phenomenal with kids — patient, encouraging, and skilled at meeting them at their level while still challenging them to grow. Professor Marcelo is an outstanding mentor who leads by example and creates a culture of respect, discipline, and kindness. After seeing how amazing the community was for my children, I decided to try a class myself on June 21, 2025 — and I’ve been hooked ever since. Jiu-jitsu has become a grounding force in my life. I’ve met some truly incredible people and built meaningful friendships. I often find myself reflecting on how special the community at GB Deerfield really is. Yes, the instruction is top-notch, but what keeps me coming back 4–5 times a week are the relationships — the sense of belonging, encouragement, and shared growth. I only wish I had found GB Deerfield years ago.

I've been able to train at a few different gyms, but hands down Gracie Barra takes the lead. Not only do you have a high level Professor walking you through each technique, but you have a true family-style community that trains hard!!

I started my son at Gracie Barra Deerfield when he was 7. He was excited and had issues staying focused and paying attention (as most 7 yr olds would). Professor Marcello did a wonderful job engaging him and the other children to create an atmosphere of growth, personal development, and fun. Seeing how well my boy was progressing I ended up joining myself. 6 months in I am thinner, stronger, smarter, and more confident. The GB Deerfiled team is supportive and provide and ego-free experience. I highly recommend trying it out.

This is a great place. My kids and I all train here. None of us had any experience with BJJ and kind of found this place. The professor is great and his instructors are great. They teach according to the program. It’s great for my kids as well. I would highly recommend for any person looking to explore BJJ.

My son has been going here for 3 years or so. He has made many friends and has competed in a few competitions. He absolutely loves it. The coaches are great and the professor there is amazing. All of the staff are kind, friendly, responsible, and accepting. It’s simply a wonderful place.

I was a bit nervous to try this at first being a woman and having no experience with Jiu Jitsu but I have felt welcome every step of the way. A core tenant of Gracie Barra is Jiu Jitsu for everyone and they do a great job practicing this principle by welcoming all skill levels and people. The instructors and even other students are invested in the progress of all the students and I can really feel they want me to succeed. If you are thinking of giving it a try I would definitely recommend Gracie Barra!

My daughter has been taking classes here for almost a year. When you walk in the door you are welcomed like family and made to feel like you are a part of a community. The professors care so much about the children. Every interaction is with deep interest, kindness and patience. I feel so grateful that my daughter found this academy. She is not only learning self-defense. She is learning confidence, problem-solving, calm under pressure and teamwork.

Professor Marcelo and the entire coaching staff are absolutely fantastic! Such a great community and place to learn BJJ. I highly recommend Gracie Barra in Deerfield to all!

I took 2 years off from training and really wanted to get started again. Since I started my journey at Gracie Barra I chose to stop in here and check it out. The classes are top notch.. fellow students welcomed me with open arms. The Professor is very good at explaining techniques. I found my home on the mat again! Thanks!

What a great school! If you're looking to try out a BJJ gym, you can't go wrong with the Gracie Barra Deerfield location. Professor Marcelo and the entire coaching staff are nothing short of fantastic and are incredibly dedicated to the sport. 10/10 recommendation for this gym. If I could rate it higher, I would!

Great first experience. Newly navy enlisted hoping to go far with Martial Arts and hopefully this school will be part of that long journey there. The atmosphere from my experience has a great welcoming feeling there are mixed classes and I'm pretty sure most of the ladies there could easily man handle me....for now. Can't wait for my next class.

Really great school. Marcelo is a great instructor and clearly passionate about teaching. I'm very new to BJJ but everybody has been so friendly and patient with me. Great place to learn.

Recently made the decision to join - it's a great place with friendly coaches and an awesome professor. The atmosphere is really supportive for beginners and I'm learning a ton! Everyone I've met over the last few weeks is very friendly and so far zero bad attitudes or stereotypical "tough guys" (in case that's something that worries you about potential martial arts schools). It's a pretty good workout as well, great way to break a sweat. If you have any interest in BJJ go ahead and call/email to set up a free class!

I have never been to any other BJJ schools but I don't think it can get better than this. I signed up my 4 and 1/2-year-old son 3 months ago and the amount of progress that he has made in past 3 months is amazing. The coaching staff and the front desk are very professional, helpful and patient. They'll go out of their way to help you. If you are reading this review and thinking about signing up your kid at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Deerfield, Don't think twice do it! And the gym is super clean

I give Gracie Barra the highest of recommendations. Once you walk in the door, you will immediately feel like family -- any nervousness you may have will wash away quickly. Professor Marcelo brings unbelievable insights both in terms of technical jiu jitsu and how jiu jitsu can better your life. I would encourage everyone to give it a try!

An absolutely fantastic place. Every instructor is kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable. The culture is built on community, partnership and support. Kudos to Professor Marcelo and his team. I highly recommend Gracie Barra of Deerfield.

I just started this program, and even with an athletic background, I was a bit apprehensive about starting because of never doing this sport before. But After 3 weeks I’ve fallen in love with this sport, the environment, you really feel the support from coaches and teammates. It feels like a team and family at Gracie Barra , everyone is there to help you improve and your there to help them improve. In just a few weeks I can say I have a lot more confidence, and I’m excited for this journey and learning all I can.

Our journey began when I started taking a little girl to and from her Jiu-Jitsu class. I would bring my daughter along, and before I knew it, I saw that it sparked her interest. She started asking questions and then begging to join. I was hesitant at first because I wanted her to take it seriously and not ask to quit two weeks later. Well, one year later, the change in my daughter is undeniable. She loves training, and she loves the community that supports and guides her. She feels empowered, and her confidence has grown tremendously. Now, whenever we have to miss class, I’m met with disappointment. It’s her outlet, and she truly looks forward to learning new skills. The coaches are amazing with kids. They show patience and discipline while modeling kindness and acceptance. This is a wonderful investment if you’re looking to enroll your child in something that challenges them while empowering them. It might even be great for you, too!

Great place for all ages! My kids can't wait to go to each class. I was not expecting to have many female training partners but was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is pleasant and welcoming. Always feels like home! Stop by and give it a try. :)

I started my son at Gracie Barra Deerfield when he was 7. He was excited and had issues staying focused and paying attention (as most 7 yr olds would). Professor Marcello did a wonderful job engaging him and the other children to create an atmosphere of growth, personal development, and fun. Seeing how well my boy was progressing I ended up joining myself. 6 months in I am thinner, stronger, smarter, and more confident. The GB Deerfiled team is supportive and provide and ego-free experience. I highly recommend trying it out.

Was in town on business and went to Gracie Barra Deerfield to train. Had a wonderful experience. The location was clean, sanitized, and had ample space to train. The team there were very welcoming and friendly. The academy also has showers, which is super convenient. I will definitely return if I am ever back in town. Thank you!

What a great school! If you're looking to try out a BJJ gym, you can't go wrong with the Gracie Barra Deerfield location. Professor Marcelo and the entire coaching staff are nothing short of fantastic and are incredibly dedicated to the sport. 10/10 recommendation for this gym. If I could rate it higher, I would!

I was a bit nervous to try this at first being a woman and having no experience with Jiu Jitsu but I have felt welcome every step of the way. A core tenant of Gracie Barra is Jiu Jitsu for everyone and they do a great job practicing this principle by welcoming all skill levels and people. The instructors and even other students are invested in the progress of all the students and I can really feel they want me to succeed. If you are thinking of giving it a try I would definitely recommend Gracie Barra!

My entire family and I go to this gym and we love it here! Professor Marcelo is an outstanding instructor who is so patient and caring with kids. He is super approachable and fun to be around. All of the coaches here are awesome and it is a great facility. I have been training in Jiu Jitsu for a few years and have been to other gyms. Everyone here is a pleasure to train with and their program is superb! I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield to everyone.

I took 2 years off from training and really wanted to get started again. Since I started my journey at Gracie Barra I chose to stop in here and check it out. The classes are top notch.. fellow students welcomed me with open arms. The Professor is very good at explaining techniques. I found my home on the mat again! Thanks!

I have never been to any other BJJ schools but I don't think it can get better than this. I signed up my 4 and 1/2-year-old son 3 months ago and the amount of progress that he has made in past 3 months is amazing. The coaching staff and the front desk are very professional, helpful and patient. They'll go out of their way to help you. If you are reading this review and thinking about signing up your kid at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Deerfield, Don't think twice do it! And the gym is super clean

Great first experience. Newly navy enlisted hoping to go far with Martial Arts and hopefully this school will be part of that long journey there. The atmosphere from my experience has a great welcoming feeling there are mixed classes and I'm pretty sure most of the ladies there could easily man handle me....for now. Can't wait for my next class.

I've been able to train at a few different gyms, but hands down Gracie Barra takes the lead. Not only do you have a high level Professor walking you through each technique, but you have a true family-style community that trains hard!!

After six months of attending, I am confident in saying all of these 5 star reviews are legit. The owner is professional and straightforward. The instructor is knowledge and patient--he's pretty funny, too. The guys (and girls) training there are all friendly and eager to learn. The facility is kept very clean. And, the curriculum builds systematically, which means after a few months things start clicking, and you really feel the improvement. If you're considering BJJ, I strongly urge you to set up a free class. You won't be disappointed.

Jiu jitsu itself is an amazing art that teaches you not only how to defend yourself but to overcome obstacles in your life and continue pushing forward, but jiu-jitsu Barra Deerfield goes even beyond showing camaraderie and family ambience with all the support you would expect for a well known and professional gym. This is truly a place to enjoy learning self defense while working out and making friends, absolutely recommend it to everyone :)

Our family’s journey with Gracie Barra Deerfield started after my kids had originally begun training at the Gracie Barra Evanston location in October 2024. When we moved to the Deerfield location, we weren’t sure what to expect, but the welcome we received was incredible. The environment was so warm and positive that my kids were instantly hooked. They’ve been training here since January 2025 and have truly found a home — not just a gym. They’ve built close friendships and feel genuinely supported by their coaches and professors, who clearly care about them not only as students but as people. Coach Odysseus is phenomenal with kids — patient, encouraging, and skilled at meeting them at their level while still challenging them to grow. Professor Marcelo is an outstanding mentor who leads by example and creates a culture of respect, discipline, and kindness. After seeing how amazing the community was for my children, I decided to try a class myself on June 21, 2025 — and I’ve been hooked ever since. Jiu-jitsu has become a grounding force in my life. I’ve met some truly incredible people and built meaningful friendships. I often find myself reflecting on how special the community at GB Deerfield really is. Yes, the instruction is top-notch, but what keeps me coming back 4–5 times a week are the relationships — the sense of belonging, encouragement, and shared growth. I only wish I had found GB Deerfield years ago.

Marcelo, Coach Steve and Coach Rob are the best in the business. If you are thinking about joining a school, this is the one. They are kind individuals with a passion to see you succeed while maintaining your absolute safety and that of others. Gracie Berra is a gem of an organization and the future template of BJJ. My 6 yo son is also in the program of study and loves it. He asks when the next day to go. I have noticed that he's more calm at home and gets a ton of exercise twice a week. The coaches are so nice to them. Please call and make an appointment to talk with Steve the owner and come join the fun, get some great exercise and become part of something greater than yourself.

Great school, amazing professors and coaches, and very friendly students of all ages! Our family of four goes to Gracie Barra Deerfield. On day one, we were warmly welcomed by Coach Phuong and Professor Marcelo. I immediately appreciated how Coach Phuong asked for the correct pronunciation of my name, and she has never forgotten it! She is very welcoming, attentive, and patiently answers all questions and concerns. Professor Marcelo is one of the most pleasant people I have ever met! He is firm but very kind, considerate, and explains all the movements very well. His passion for Jiu Jitsu is evident in his teaching and in the way he cares about all the students in the class. My sons, 10 and 12, also trained in both regular and private classes with Coach Luis. He is excellent with younger children, patiently correcting their movements. What I really appreciate is the coaches' approach, especially with kids; they always ask if they can offer a tip! Similarly, Coach Odysseas is an amazing trainer as well. He is very attentive and always kindly guides myself and my sons to correct our forms or improve our technique. He very patiently explains the move as many time as needed to myself :) After class, people often enjoy rolling on the open mat, having a great time and practicing the moves. This speaks volumes about the culture that Professor Marcelo and his team have nurtured at this location. They truly embody the motto "Organized Like a Team, Fighting Like Family". I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield and cannot say enough good things about the team.

Came in for a couple morning classes while in the area for a work trip. Everyone was super welcoming and accommodating, coach and students alike. I feel like I learned a ton and everyone was fantastic. Will be dropping in again when I'm back in town!

Really great school. Marcelo is a great instructor and clearly passionate about teaching. I'm very new to BJJ but everybody has been so friendly and patient with me. Great place to learn.

I just started this program, and even with an athletic background, I was a bit apprehensive about starting because of never doing this sport before. But After 3 weeks I’ve fallen in love with this sport, the environment, you really feel the support from coaches and teammates. It feels like a team and family at Gracie Barra , everyone is there to help you improve and your there to help them improve. In just a few weeks I can say I have a lot more confidence, and I’m excited for this journey and learning all I can.

An absolutely fantastic place. Every instructor is kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable. The culture is built on community, partnership and support. Kudos to Professor Marcelo and his team. I highly recommend Gracie Barra of Deerfield.

My daughter has been taking classes here for almost a year. When you walk in the door you are welcomed like family and made to feel like you are a part of a community. The professors care so much about the children. Every interaction is with deep interest, kindness and patience. I feel so grateful that my daughter found this academy. She is not only learning self-defense. She is learning confidence, problem-solving, calm under pressure and teamwork.

I give Gracie Barra the highest of recommendations. Once you walk in the door, you will immediately feel like family -- any nervousness you may have will wash away quickly. Professor Marcelo brings unbelievable insights both in terms of technical jiu jitsu and how jiu jitsu can better your life. I would encourage everyone to give it a try!

Gracie Barra Deerfield is a top notch facility that provides students a positive environment to develop their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Coach Marcelo is very approachable and is highly effective at communicating lesson material with students of all levels of experience. The training environment is very clean, safe, and the students and instructors are all very welcoming. I have personally trained at a number of facilities and have over 10 years of grappling experience and can say that Gracie Barra Deerfield has one of the best gym cultures I have ever been a part of. I would absolutely encourage anyone interested in trying out a class or looking for a new gym to pay Gracie Barra Deerfield a visit.

Professor Marcelo and the entire coaching staff are absolutely fantastic! Such a great community and place to learn BJJ. I highly recommend Gracie Barra in Deerfield to all!

Recently made the decision to join - it's a great place with friendly coaches and an awesome professor. The atmosphere is really supportive for beginners and I'm learning a ton! Everyone I've met over the last few weeks is very friendly and so far zero bad attitudes or stereotypical "tough guys" (in case that's something that worries you about potential martial arts schools). It's a pretty good workout as well, great way to break a sweat. If you have any interest in BJJ go ahead and call/email to set up a free class!

Gracie Barra is an impressive program to help children build Jiu Jitsu skills but also learn the importance of teamwork, respect towards others and maintaining a positive mental attitude. We highly recommend this training facility.

This is a great place. My kids and I all train here. None of us had any experience with BJJ and kind of found this place. The professor is great and his instructors are great. They teach according to the program. It’s great for my kids as well. I would highly recommend for any person looking to explore BJJ.

Gracie Barra Deerfield is amazing. Me and my wife and our 2 children are students here. Professor Marcelo is genuinely kind, patient and respectful. I feel like from day one we were welcome with open arms to the Gracie Barra family. My 6 year old daughter loves Gracie Barra. My 10 year old son is so mature and humble and his ability to learn and focus is all due to Jiu Jitsu at Gracie Barra. I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield for kids and adults! What are you waiting for? Try a class for free!

This is how Jiu Jitsu should be! Very professional and clean safe environment. My 3 kids love to learn and focus on the techniques. This gym has refocused and shaped my kids and their grades are better, they don't fight as much with each other and they seem to be very patient and humble!! Great for Adults too! Me and my wife go here and love to train and it has been wonderful for us! We have energy and we are allot less stressed and are much more happy outside of the gym. My work and home life has improved dramatically! I highly recommend Gracie Barra Deerfield!

My son has been going here for 3 years or so. He has made many friends and has competed in a few competitions. He absolutely loves it. The coaches are great and the professor there is amazing. All of the staff are kind, friendly, responsible, and accepting. It’s simply a wonderful place.

I live in Minnesota and I did a drop in class. I was so impressed!! Everyone there is super nice, a great culture and they really know their stuff! Was an awesome experience and I learned a ton. If I'm ever back in town for any reason, it's a priority to go back. One of the instructors Mike was showing me a really cool combination of what to do in different situations and how to react based on how your opponent does. I asked him if I could take a video and he said absolutely.