Aries Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Aries Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is led by Malik Elliott, a 3rd degree black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. who brings a deep background in wrestling and submission grappling to Evergreen Park. Elliott began wrestling as a teen with the Harvey Twisters before competing at Mount Carmel High School and Boston University, where he was a four-year starter and NCAA qualifier. His BJJ journey started at Carlson Gracie Jr.’s original Chicago academy, where he earned two IBJJF gold medals and competed extensively across the Midwest. Alongside his wife Evangelina, a blue belt training toward purple, Elliott runs Aries with a focus on blending wrestling, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The academy’s curriculum centers on technical drills, targeted conditioning, and controlled sparring designed to develop grappling skills for both self-defense and competition. Classes cover gi and no-gi formats, with programs for adults and youth starting at age eight. Training emphasizes multiple attack options and reaction time, helping students build a broad grappling foundation while preparing competitors for the gi and no-gi circuits. The schedule includes wrestling, judo, kickboxing fundamentals, and open mat sessions, reflecting Elliott’s integrated approach to martial arts. Located near 103rd and Kedzie Avenue, Aries BJJ serves Evergreen Park and surrounding communities with wheelchair-accessible facilities. The gym accommodates grapplers aiming to improve their technique, conditioning, and competitive edge, offering drop-in options across most classes. This combination of Carlson Gracie lineage, collegiate wrestling experience, and a diverse class structure shapes Aries Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into a place where grappling skills are developed with both tradition and versatility in mind.

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