2778 North Milwaukee AVE., Chicago, IL
Carlson Gracie Brazilian BJJ in Chicago traces its roots directly to Grand Master Carlson Gracie Senior and his son, Carlson Gracie Junior. In 1997, Junior became the first to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Chicago, establishing an academy that would shape the city’s BJJ landscape for decades to come. As an IBJJF-ranked 6th degree black belt, Carlson Gracie Junior is the highest-ranking BJJ instructor in the region and the only member of the Gracie family teaching full-time in Chicagoland. Many of the city’s black belts, now instructors themselves, began their journeys under his guidance. The academy’s instruction is grounded in the traditional Carlson Gracie approach, focusing on practical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals and strong team values. Classes are structured for adults of all experience levels, with dedicated sessions for kids starting at age four. Training is primarily in the gi, reflecting the school’s deep roots in classic BJJ. Open mat sessions are held regularly, and drop-ins are welcome, making it possible for visitors and traveling practitioners to experience the headquarters firsthand. Located on North Milwaukee Avenue, the school remains a mainstay for both new students and longtime practitioners. With a lineage that runs straight to the origins of the art, Carlson Gracie Headquarters continues to produce skilled practitioners and instructors, maintaining a direct connection to the history and evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Chicago.
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Part of Carlson Gracie — the affiliation currently ranks #12 on the IBJJF gi academy ranking.
Team affiliation ranking — reflects the competition results of the wider Carlson Gracie team across all its academies, not this location alone.
From public IBJJF & ADCC 2025–26 season rankings (data as of Jun 2, 2026). ADCC figures reflect this gym's own competitors; the IBJJF rank is its affiliation's standing, shared across all its academies.
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