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Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in North Riverside, Illinois
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Drop-ins drop-ins run around $16 — many gyms also offer monthly memberships and a discounted first session, so ask about new-member rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 14–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule tutajbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 708-689-9680
Hours
| Monday | 5:45–8:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:15 am–1 pm, 5:45–8:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:45–8:45 pm |
| Thursday | 11:15 am–1 pm, 5:45–8:45 pm |
| Friday | 5:45–7 pm |
| Saturday | 10:45 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This personal approach separates Tutaj from other schools and creates an environment in which beginners are not overwhelmed, and can make rapid progress.”
“Tutaj offers kids classes, gi/no bjj, takedowns and even fundamentals if you're just getting started.”
“Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a place that is non-judgmental, encouraging, and yes- there are women who spar there!”
“Highly recommend here for any parent looking to give their child more than just a sport — it’s a foundation for confidence, respect, and resilience.”
“I've been attending for a year and two months now and I've become more confident in not only my self-defense but in my self-confidence as well.”
Other martial arts here
“If you want to learn bjj, get in shape, relieve stress, and be in a better mood all day long Tutaj BJJ is the place for you.”
What members say
“Clean mats, friendly students, and knowledgeable instructors.”
“This personal approach separates Tutaj from other schools and creates an environment in which beginners are not overwhelmed, and can make rapid progress.”
“I learned from Jon at Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for several months where there were women and supportive men to start my try at BJJ, no matter my shape or level.”
“He is very thorough in his explanations and spends extra time to ensure that you get the technique right, and understand the principles.”
“Directness and critical feedback when you're sparring is fundamental and not a judgement on the individual.”
“I just stopped in to see the place (which is clean and the equipment is well-cared for) and got to meet Jon, who is so kind and personable.”
From the reviews
My son Aidan has been coming here for close to 6 months and the experience has been great! Jon is an amazing instructor. He teaches the kids great discipline and ensures that his students are learning how to perform moves accurately and safely.
Jon is a great instructor. He is very thorough in his explanations and spends extra time to ensure that you get the technique right, and understand the principles. This personal approach separates Tutaj from other schools and creates an environment in which beginners are not overwhelmed, and can make rapid progress.
It's never too late to start. I just started 3 weeks ago at 48 years old. Everyone at Tutaj is very welcoming. I feel great after each class. If you want to learn bjj, get in shape, relieve stress, and be in a better mood all day long Tutaj BJJ is the place for you. Jon Tutaj is an excellent instructor!
Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a place that is non-judgmental, encouraging, and yes- there are women who spar there! I was interested in BJJ for self-defense techniques as a shorter and smaller woman. After the pandemic and after my mom passed, I was eager to get back into shape, but also regain some resilience.
New to muay thai? Start at Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Tutaj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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