NEW CLASSES ADDED!!!

Additional class times for adults and children

  • Adults Monday Night Striking!!!
  • 6 am Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!!!
  • New 3+ year old Kids Class!!!
Sign up now!

Or...

Book your FREE TRIAL

Experience the world’s MOST EFFECTIVE martial art.
If you don’t receive a prompt reply, check your spam folder.
Select any and all interests
Tell us a bit about what you’re looking for

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Everyone

What we offer:

Two adults Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sparring

Adult BJJ

A program inclusive to everyone from the working professional who enjoys martial arts training, all the way to the hardcore Jiu Jitsu competitor.  Women, Men, and advanced teens are in this class. 

learn more
child in gi with Living Art Brazilian Jiu Jitsu logo

Kid's BJJ

Children stand to gain the most benefit from Jiu Jitsu in our technological age.  It is important that young people are presented with dynamic physical problems which will help them build strong bodies and sharp minds.

learn more
Text us your questions

Our Mission:

We aim to provide quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction that is inclusive to all people of any ability level.  Located in the city of Willowbrook, Living Art BJJ students can realize their physical potential, use the lessons learned on the mat as a tool for self defense, and for overcoming any adversity life presents.  Training with us will not only make you competent at Jiu Jitsu, but will also enrich your life off of the mat.

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that embodies the ideal that through proper technique (positioning, leverage, timing, use of strong muscles vs. opponents weak muscles) a smaller/weaker person can successfully defend themselves and dominate a larger and stronger opponent.  It is a grappling type martial art which means that we do not practice strikes.  The basic frame of the goals are to:

  • Bring your opponent to the ground
  • Get past their legs, otherwise known as "passing guard"
  • Pinning your opponent with dominant position
  • Applying a submission (choke or joint lock)

The Benefits

Jiu Jitsu is as cerebral as it is physical and is often compared to chess.  The benefits of any challenging discipline can be found through Jiu Jitsu including but not limited to:

  • All the gains of exercise. - Increased strength, Endurance, Mobility, etc...
  • Increased proprioception - (perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body). A useful skill on and off the mat for life's little emergencies i.e. slipping on an icy sidewalk or any other fast situation. Having better body awareness can keep you safe in instances like these.
  • Confidence. - Sounds cliche, but it's true. The self-esteem born of Jiu Jitsu training builds a sturdy and assertive mindset. Time on the mat empowers children, women, and men to stand up for themselves in a confident and healthy manner which is hard to cultivate elsewhere.
  • Community! - One of the main reasons BJJ practice is so rewarding is the friendships made on the mat. Jiu Jitsu attracts people from all walks of life and allows us to form the bonds of a team and family. As humans, we all have a need to belong, and at Living Art the aim is to create and maintain a healthy and inclusive environment for everyone in the Willowbrook community and beyond.

But I'm too (out of shape/inflexible/tired/old) to start Jiu Jitsu

Even if you are in “great shape”, Jiu Jitsu will likely make you feel like you are out of shape.  If you feel like you’re in terrible shape, Jiu Jitsu training will help make that better.  Your strength and mobility will make incremental improvements with the scaled challenges put forth by the coaches.  The best age to start training is whatever age you currently are.  Don’t have the energy? You’ll be surprised how invigorated you feel by adding this kind of exercise to your weekly routine. 

But it's too far!

Our academy brings students in from all the surrounding suburbs including: Burr Ridge, Darien, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Indian Head Park, and more… Try a class and see why it’s worth the commute!
- Free trial! -

Technique Conquers All

Child arm barring an adult

What Students Say:

Living Art BJJ is a great place to learn an amazing martial art, get into better shape and gain confidence. The instruction offered by both Jim and Ramses is second to none in my opinion. They do a great job making each lesson educational, challenging and extremely fun. I have never walked out of a lesson without a smile on my face. I have also met some great people at this academy and look forward to many more lessons with a group that has become family.
Man in black suit next to little girl
Joseph C.Banking VP
Coach Ramses & Coach Jim are amazing to work with! They are incredibly skilled and have put together an amazing program for adults and kids alike. My 7 year old daughter loves going to class and has learned so much!
woman in black dress smiling
Gianna G.Parent and Office Assistant
Ramses and Jim are passionate, knowledgeable, and inclusive instructors. Whether you want to be a world champ or have fun and get a workout in Living Art BJJ is the place to be!
Girl in blue shirt smiling
Rebecca K. Voice Captioner
Living Art Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an excellent academy. Professor Jim and Coach Ramses are excellent teachers. More importantly, they are good and honorable men. The academy has a lot of mat space, and there is an emphasis on cleanliness. The classes follow the classic BJJ format...Jiu Jitsu specific warm up, the teaching of techniques, positional drilling, free sparring, and a cool down. Both instructors are very approachable, and very patient with all their students. I would encourage you to try a class here...you will walk away with an experience that you will remember for a long time. 5 out of 5 stars!
Nikolas giving review of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu services at Living Art Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in WIllowbrook, IL 60527
Nikolas A.M.D.

We are proudly affiliated with:

Invictus Law Enforcement Jiu Jitsu Collective

Invictus Jiu Jitsu Collective Logo