Gracie Barra Online
Enhance your training beyond the mats! Access GB Online for exclusive video instruction, techniques, and training resources anytime, anywhere.
Classes
Gracie Barra offers progressive Jiu-Jitsu training for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're just beginning your journey or already an experienced practitioner, our structured classes are designed to support your development every step of the way.
Gracie Barra Kids
Our GBK Program introduces children to Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and age-appropriate classes - building confidence, discipline, and respect through structured curriculum. It focuses on self-defence, takedowns, and ground techniques.
Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals
The GB1 Program is the foundation of Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra. Originally called the "Fundamental Program," it offers structured training in self-defence, core techniques, and the philosophy of Gracie Barra. Designed for beginners, GB1 builds strong technical skills and prepares students for progression to advanced levels.
Advanced Jiu-Jitsu
The GB2 Program builds on fundamentals with advanced techniques, complex drills, No-Gi training and live sessions - preparing students for GB3. Eligibility requires at least 3 stripes on a white belt, which requires a minimum of 4 months of training.
Expert Jiu-Jitsu
The GB3 Program is the ultimate level of training at a GB school and challenges students, increasing the complexity of the drills, and the intensity of the training session. It is open to blue belts and above.
Jiu-Jitsu for Women
The GBF Program offers a supportive and inclusive introduction to Jiu-Jitsu for women, focusing on core techniques while building confidence and preparing students to progress into more advanced classes like GB1, GB2 and GB3.
Private Classes
Private classes offer one-on-one training tailored to your goals - whether it's refining techniques, preparing for competition, or accelerating progress. With personalized training schedules and focused feedback, students of all levels gain deeper insight into their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Begin your Jiu-Jitsu Journey with Gracie Barra
Book Your Free ClassInstructors
At Gracie Barra, our instructors are more than coaches — they are mentors, role models, and passionate leaders committed to the personal growth of every student. Each certified instructor upholds the highest standards of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction, following a proven teaching methodology rooted in safety, discipline, and respect. With years of experience on the mats and a deep connection to the Gracie Barra values of brotherhood, integrity, and development, our team is dedicated to helping students of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals in a supportive and inspiring environment.
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David Landmeier
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Professor Marcelo De Souza
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Odysseas Lazarou
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Brazilian National Champion (1997, 1998, 1999)
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Member of the Brazilian National Team, Pan American Games Team Champions (2003)
David Landmeier
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
ICP
He grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and currently resides in Highland Park. David earned a Bachelor of Science in Analytical Geography from Eastern Illinois University and built a career in international freight logistics before transitioning into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Like many, he was first introduced to Jiu-Jitsu through the early days of the UFC. Although he had a long-standing interest in training, the demands of his career delayed his start.
In 2015, at the age of 42, David finally stepped onto the mats at Gracie Barra Deerfield. At the time, he was out of shape and looking for something that would keep his interest—and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu proved to be exactly that.
Under the guidance of Professor Marcelo De Souza, he progressed through the ranks and developed a deep passion for the art. His journey is a strong example that it’s never too late to start and that consistency over time leads to real progress.
Professor David is known for his sense of humor, positive energy, technical knowledge and approachable nature. He brings a contagious energy to the mats and creates an environment where students feel comfortable, motivated, and supported.
His classes emphasize strong fundamentals, attention to detail, and a positive learning environment, helping students of all levels build confidence and skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Marcelo De Souza
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
ICP
Head Instructor: Professor Marcelo De Souza is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over three decades of experience.
He began training in 1994 at the Gracie Barra headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under Master Carlos Gracie Jr.. As one of Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s early students, Prof. Marcelo has maintained a close relationship with him to this day.
In 2006, he was awarded his black belt by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and, in 2007, moved to the United States to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From 2007 to 2009, he was one of the original instructors at Gracie Barra Headquarters in California, working alongside Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and Prof. Marcio Feitosa.
Since 2014, Prof. Marcelo has been the Head Instructor at Gracie Barra Deerfield, playing a key role in building the school and shaping the strong culture and community it is known for today.
His competition achievements include:
Prof. Marcelo is known for his sense of humor and engaging, inspiring approach. He connects naturally with students of all ages and consistently challenges them to improve. His teaching blends technical precision with a structured, supportive environment.
He has built a culture of respect, family, and warmth—where students feel welcomed, supported, and motivated to grow. He takes pride in each student’s development and in creating a community people genuinely enjoy being part of.
Odysseas Lazarou
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
ICP
Coach Odysseas Lazarou is a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by a friend who encouraged him to try a class. In March 2022, he stepped onto the mats at Gracie Barra Deerfield and quickly developed a strong passion for the art and its values.
Since then, Coach Odysseas has dedicated himself to both his own training and to teaching. As a certified instructor, he has built a strong foundation in Jiu-Jitsu and an effective ability to communicate techniques to students of all levels.
As the Gracie Barra Kids (GBK) Lead Instructor, he is known for his patience, energy, and ability to connect with kids. He creates a structured, positive, and engaging environment where students build confidence, discipline, and respect while developing solid technical skills.
In addition to leading the kids program, Coach Odysseas also teaches adult classes, bringing the same level of structure, attention to detail, and supportive coaching style to students of all ages.
Under the guidance of Professor Marcelo De Souza, his classes emphasize strong fundamentals, consistency, and a positive team culture, helping students grow both on and off the mats.
Gracie Barra Online
Enhance your training beyond the mats! Access GB Online for exclusive video instruction, techniques, and training resources anytime, anywhere.
