Learn from the best Jiu Jitsu instructors in the Chicago area who are dedicated to providing a stable, friendly environment where you can excel in your personal goals and find a varied and supportive community. Whether your plan is to compete, lose weight, meet new like-minded people or increase your day-to-day life, we will help you get there faster than you ever thought possible while having fun doing it!
The benefits of our Martial Arts programs are endless. From confidence and self-esteem to discipline and empowerment, whether you're enjoying our Kids Martial Arts and Jiu Jitsu classes or our Adult programs, you'll start seeing improvement in mind, body, and spirit in only a few short classes. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr., Peter Letsos has become a well know figure in the jiu jitsu community.
The benefits of our Martial Arts programs are endless. From confidence and self-esteem to discipline and empowerment, whether you're enjoying our Kids Martial Arts and Jiu Jitsu classes or our Adult programs, you'll start seeing improvement in mind, body, and spirit in only a few short classes. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr., Peter Letsos has become a well know figure in the jiu jitsu community.
Reviews (27)
Austin Britts
Jun 14, 2021
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Brandon Gafford
Feb 15, 2021
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Rio is a great place to train. The instructors are knowledgeable and care about their students learning, not just filling classes. Many of the upper belts are willing to show you techniques, even during open rolling time, and there is a general atmosphere of everyone being on the same journey to improve.
Adam Beringer
Jan 04, 2021
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I’ve been training at Rio Jiu Jitsu in Chicago for the last 5 years, everyone on the team and the instructor, Pete The Greek, have made me feel like family since day one. I tell everyone that’s interested in learning a martial art or anyone interested in grappling and Jiu jitsu to try our school out, you will not be disappointed! I’ve learned a tremendous amount these last couple years and can’t see myself training anywhere else! Come give Rio a try and always wristlock the world!
Scuddy H.
Nov 03, 2020
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I recently contacted the owner, Pete, through their website to drop in and train while I was in Chicago for business. He was very open about the idea (some gym owners aren't) and told me to download the class schedule off their website as it was modified due to Covid.
After my visit I was pleasantly surprised by the level of Jiu Jitsu being taught by Pete as well as his students skill level. I was required to pay a small drop in fee, but it wasn't a big deal as I've been asked the same of several gyms I've visited.
Overall I would definitely suggest you check out Rio Jiu
After my visit I was pleasantly surprised by the level of Jiu Jitsu being taught by Pete as well as his students skill level. I was required to pay a small drop in fee, but it wasn't a big deal as I've been asked the same of several gyms I've visited.
Overall I would definitely suggest you check out Rio Jiu
Richard Ray
Sep 17, 2020
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Pete the Greek’s experience and knowledge has helped both my son and myself experience personal growth and betterment. Jiu jitsu offers a great practice of mindfulness and competence in controlling one’s own body—as well as someone else’s.
Pete the Greek’s experience and knowledge has helped both my son and myself experience personal growth and betterment. Jiu jitsu offers a great practice of mindfulness and competence in controlling one’s own body—as well as someone else’s.
Alex Martinez
Jul 26, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
Been training at RIO Jiu Jitsu for about a year and half and couldn’t be happier! Pete The Greek and the whole team are top notch instructors. It’s quickly become my second home and the team is like family now. I highly recommend this academy for any looking to learn and train BJJ! Wristlock The World!
Been training at RIO Jiu Jitsu for about a year and half and couldn’t be happier! Pete The Greek and the whole team are top notch instructors. It’s quickly become my second home and the team is like family now. I highly recommend this academy for any looking to learn and train BJJ! Wristlock The World!
Anthony Gianaras
Dec 28, 2019
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John T.
Jul 25, 2019
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Mike Bukar
Jun 05, 2019
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I train here along with my sons, aged 7 and 10. Pete The Greek is a black belt's black belt. If you really want to learn jiu jitsu, both with the gi and nogi, then this is the place. Pete has an encyclopedic knowledge of the art of grappling which he gladly shares with his students. Plus, the mats are very clean, which is important and not as common as it should be. If you are interested in getting good, then this is the place.
Keith Mercado
Dec 19, 2018
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Pauline M.
Jul 19, 2018
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The kids class is top notch! Coach Remi's style is one where the kids have lots of fun, they learn, and they come home tired! One year in, our kids still get excited for class. Their self confidence has grown, as well as their athleticism and abilities. I was so impressed, I decided to try the adults class! I'm learning so much and getting fit in my classes, and of course asking my kids for tips on the fundamentals.
Daniel R.
Aug 07, 2017
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I've been training here since December of last year and am proud to call Rio home. I've lost 30lbs since I started, my conditioning has improved tenfold and I'm continuing to make incremental progress in my BJJ journey all thanks to the team at Rio. Pete The Greek is very well known and respected around the world and his lineage speaks for itself. The instruction is top notch, and all the head coaches and senior belts are extremely experienced (many compete and place regularly), knowledgeable and most importantly dedicated to ensuring that we are receiving the very best training
Eric A.
Jul 25, 2015
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All children are unique, with different styles of learning. The owner Pete and all of his coaches not only understand this, they embrace it. I'm both a parent & a former early childhood educator. I know good teaching & learning when I see it.
My daughter is the beneficiary of all of her coaches decades of teaching & training.
This school has a real sense € feel of community. Give it a try (first one is free) you won't be disappointed.
My daughter is the beneficiary of all of her coaches decades of teaching & training.
This school has a real sense € feel of community. Give it a try (first one is free) you won't be disappointed.
Fran A.
Jul 09, 2015
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So, to be completely honest I wanted my child to do martial arts but I didn't know the difference between them all. Rio Jiu Jitsu opened up behind my house & I was still reluctant despite my husbands excitement to enroll our daughter there. Probably because I didn't know a lot about Jiu Jitsu. Well the first day we brought my daughter I fell in love with this place! Changed my mind in a second! They are so great there! Their kids classes are awesome! My daughter has grown so much in the short time she's been doing this! The coaches are so great with the kids! Firm but gentle
Matthew M.
Jun 22, 2015
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The same great instruction, the same great training partners, now with a huge mat space, plenty of parking and anything else you could need. It's one of the nicest gyms out there, we have visitors from all over the country and they say the same thing. Pete is awesome and is always adding new things to our game, he really makes an effort to keep us on the cutting edge of jiu jitsiu and self defense. Still the best place to train.
Josh A.
Jun 17, 2015
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John T.
Dec 01, 2014
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Dan Loman
Nov 28, 2014
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Pete and his bjj community at Rio are a great bunch of guys and girls. I started about 8 months ago with no experience of any kind, and it's been a fantastic experience. Pete is a great teacher who always explaining things in an easy way to see and understand, but I also learn so much from the other students who are always eager to help. The culture is a lot of fun, and I'm really glad to have found them. I highly recommend checking it out.
Cesar C.
Nov 07, 2014
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If your looking for top notch Jiu Jitsu instruction in Chicago this is the place to go. They just moved to a very clean brand new facility near Irving Park and California where they will be able to meet the needs of the person looking for fitness, self-defense, and/or sport jiu-jitsu. This place has produced results for me and that is what you want when you are spending your hard earned money to train somewhere. I also noticed when I started that there was no ego here. The higher belts always took time to show me things and answer questions and this is also very important. Safe learning environment
Mary A.
Jun 30, 2014
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Rodolfo C.
Jan 30, 2013
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I started taking my kids here a couple of months ago and they love going to class. I raised my kids to be respectful young gentlemen but I wanted to make sure they had the self confidence that can only come from the martial arts. What I really like about Rio JJ is that Pete and his older students build the kids self confidence through positive reinforcement. This makes them less likely to get bullied and hopefully less likely to ever get in a fight. They also get the skills needed to defend themselves without punching and kicking. That means that if they can't walk away from a fight, at least
Brandon H. Bohlen
Nov 18, 2012
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I have trained at a handful of different MMA schools and Jiu Jitsu Academies throughout the country and I have to say that Rio Jiu Jitsu is one of the best schools I've been to. Pete (the owner and head instructor) has a very unique teaching style and it reflects in his students. He has a great group of people who are talented and welcoming to newcomers. From beginners to advanced athletes, this is a great school.
Eliza N.
Sep 28, 2012
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Nick T.
Apr 26, 2011
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My kid loves it here. Pete is extremely good with all the kids and invites parents to stick around and watch. It very organized and the kids are not only learning a great self defense but they are also learning respect for others.
Rio is doing a great job for such a new program. I can't wait to see the kids grow up here! I would recommend this program for not only kids but teens and adults.
Rio is doing a great job for such a new program. I can't wait to see the kids grow up here! I would recommend this program for not only kids but teens and adults.
Scott N.
Aug 19, 2010
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I have traveled around going to many BJJ schools and i can tell you this one is top notch. Maybe it doesnt have all the fancy stuff but if you want to learn from a true great Black Belt that studied the art in brazil with the gracies this guy is one of the best. I was impressed with how helpful Pete, the instructor there, was with everyone. Even me the new guy there he spent a lot of time with me. Thanks Pete!
I really suggest trying this place out.
I really suggest trying this place out.
Britni K.
Apr 03, 2010
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I was looking to get into some sort of self-defense-ish training and my fiancee suggested that we both take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He had former MMA training but other than watching UFC, I was completely clueless. Rio Jiu Jitsu is close to our house and we decided to check out the school. I was a little apprehensive that I was going to be surrounded by a whole lot of meat heads trying to break my arms.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that Pete and the rest of the students there were all very nice, very respectful and very welcoming to both me and my fiancee. As one of the ladies there, this
However, I was pleasantly surprised that Pete and the rest of the students there were all very nice, very respectful and very welcoming to both me and my fiancee. As one of the ladies there, this
Derick E.
Mar 31, 2009
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I started coming here about a month or so ago. I have taken classes at 2 other jiu jitsu schools and knew right after taking my first class at Rio that this was the place for me. Pete is an excellent instructor and takes great pride in providing the best Jiu Jitsu education you can get. I've taken a few years of boxing/kickboxing/jkd with different instructors and would rank the instruction at Rio in the top tier.
There is a great deal of camaraderie amoungst the students. The guys are friendly and willing to help out anyway possible. The price is very reasonable in comparison to other
There is a great deal of camaraderie amoungst the students. The guys are friendly and willing to help out anyway possible. The price is very reasonable in comparison to other
