Clients reviews about Evolution MMA Chicago

My boys and I have been training bjj in Alliance and we are privileged to be part of this gym. All the coaches are not only experienced and knowledgeable but inspiration to us all. Everyone knows how great the adult classes and programs are but the new kids’ program that recently started in the Schaumburg’s location needs special recognition and kudos due to the commitment and dedication of the kids’ coach Michael Shawn. I want to share how grateful I am for all he does, as not only my boys were afraid to compete, but thanks to the self-confidence he instilled in them - my older son competed last weekend and got his first gold medal. This was one of the best experiences according to him. Thank you, coach Mike, for working with the kids so hard!!! ~ Galina B

*Update* I've made life long friends here. This is one of few places in the world that you can train and no one judges you. When you walk in the door it doesn't matter what your skin color is, the kind of car you drive or how much money you make. I started training three years ago. I thought learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu would be a fun little hobby but it has turned into a complete life style transformation. I've lost 20lbs, I'm eating right and exercising almost everyday. The instructors are the best in the area. The BJJ classes are taught by legit black belt instructors and they take the time to answer you're questions and help you perfect your technique. The members are friendly and everyone leaves any egos at the door and helps each other out. A great atmosphere to train in! ~ Krystal

I started out as a cage fighter but after an injury I started focusing on BJJ. That was a little over 3 years ago and I've never looked back. I have trained under Jason Sullins from the beginning and now train under both Jason and Isaac Riggs. When you come to this gym, you get top notch instruction from these two top notch Black Belts. With the help of their instruction and the support I receive in class from the other members, getting me ready for my competitions, I've won multiple IBJJF Championships including the Pan Ams, Nationals & Worlds and was recently promoted to Brown Belt. I have found my calling and I can't imagine my life without this gym. ~ Ryan H

This gym is by far the best training experience I have had to date. The coaches are all top notch (BJJ black belts and pro fighters). No pretenders here. Some MMA gyms can be a little intimidating but ... DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED !!! Come in, work hard, be humble and you will see great results. From Boxing and Muay Thai to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Gi or No Gi, this place offers a great place and environment to train and simply get in shape and meet like minded people or learn to fight and defend yourself. I'm 35, married with kids and I love the time I get to spend training whenever I can break away. It's time well spent away frome home. The management/owners are up front and polite unlike other gyms that pressure you to join or tie you down to very long term contracts at outrageous rates. I highly recommend this place to anyone willing to train hard. No BS....this is a well run gym ! ~ Dan F

I had to leave Evolution MMA because I am moving states which leaves me bummed out to have to cancel my membership at this MMA gym. This is a truly great facility. Great culture and amazing coaches. As a white belt in BJJ I found the fundamental classes to be extraordinarily beneficial. The beginner classes are focused purely on the fundamentals and are taught and broken down in a way that makes so much sense. You spend a lot of time drilling the most rudimentary fundamentals, however, gradually you see how those constituent moves build-up to a flow of higher-level moves. In addition the coaches are diligent in watching every student drill and are sure to correct you if you are doing it wrong. The culture at this gym is amazing as well. Everyone I've met and drilled with have always been super cool and helpful in pointing out where I can improve. I hope to find an MMA gym that is half as good as this one! ~ Collin H

Dropped in for a Gi class while on a business trip and had a great experience. Actually did 2 classes: fundamentals and advanced (I am a blue belt… felt a bitlike newbie in advanced with only white belt and me. The rest were purple and up, but my partner, brown, was very supportive) The gym was clean, well-organized, and welcoming to visitors. The coach ran a structured class with solid technical details. Training partners were respectful, skilled, and supportive—perfect mix of intensity and safety. Definitely a spot I’d return to if I’m back in the area. ~ Rodion D

This is simply the best gym in Chicagoland for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA. There are great training partners for beginners and advanced people of all ages and sizes. Jason and Isaac are both BJJ blackbelts, former high-level competitors and fantastic teachers. Our senior level belts are also well seasoned in competition including one 2013 World Champion purple belt. The MMA team includes lots of successful amateur fighters and a couple of guys on deck to go pro with successful win streaks. Whether you just want to lose weight, get in shape, learn to defend yourself or become a serious competitor, this place is fantastic. It has literally changed my life, having gone from an overweight office-bound, lazy person to someone who competes a few times a year after losing about 70lbs, and I can't recommend it enough. Kids classes look fun too and they all look up to Tom who is a great teacher too! Seriously, just come in and meet us. If you leave your ego at the door, you'll fit right in!! ~ Karl W

Jiu Jitsu will make you crazy. If you really get into it you will find yourself doing squats while you brush your teeth in the shower, running to the gym in -5 degree weather, day dreaming about the proper technique to choke another person, secretly stretching while in meetings at work and possibly even putting on a little make-up to cover a black eye before you go into a board of directors meeting at work. You will also likely end up being crazy healthy, crazy in-shape and maybe even crazy ripped. There are all sorts of crazy in life. Sitting on the couch eating chips and watching TV is a different kind of crazy as is scores of other unhealthy habits. What kind of crazy are you? Over the past 6 months I have embraced this mental disorder. And I think if you dedicate yourself to it – you can be crazy too. Jason Sullins, Isaac Riggs, Jeremy Penney and countless of others at Aliance Schaumburg and Naperville have been invaluable teachers in this endeavor. Thank you. This is the crazy I prefer. Mark Andeer 44 ~ Mark A

I recommend Evolution MMA to just about anyone. The combination of friendly environment, great instruction, and intense workout makes it a great place to learn. There are lots of classes throughout the week and you get plenty of individual instruction. The instructors are always happy to answer as many questions as you have and everyone is extremely knowledgeable. Plus the workout itself is a great challenge! You will definitely get to a while new level of fitness. ~ Anne C

Evolution MMA is a true MMA school! They have first class instruction in all of the aspects of MMA, and the camaraderie is the best! When you start training here, you become part of the family. Whether you want to improve your fitness, gain confidence, learn to defend yourself, compete, or all of the above, you cannot find a better place to do it!! Plus, they are part of the Alliance jiu-jistu team, which is #1 in the world! ~ Dave S

Evolution MMA is an amazing facility. From coaching staff to members. Top to bottom. All around amazing. They do an exceptional job in making all feel welcome and comfortable. The level of training and professionalism is top notch. They show respect and value in each member. They take pride in the physical and mental development of everyone. Proud to be part of this family! A MUST JOIN GYM! ~ Kelly S

I have been at Evolution MMA roughly for about a year and I absolutely love the coaches and atmosphere. They really do put an emphasis on caring for your wellbeing, making training fun and encouraging. I mostly did the boxing sessions and absolutely appreciated coach Dean and TJ, They are really good teachers and even greater humans. Highly recommend this place!!! ~ Bryan A

Evolution MMA Schaumburg is great place to sign up to learn different martial arts style of fighting. The trainers are very knowledgeable, and everyone is very welcoming and just good peeps. Guaranteed that you will be challenged and trained well no matter what type of martial arts you decide to do! I’m so glad I became a part of the evolution family! ~ Maureen B

Evolution MMA is a first class MMA Gym with world class instructors who are there to motivate you and help you get the most of each and every class. The gym itself is very clean and is family orientated. The members of Evolution MMA are very welcoming and push each other to get better. If you join Evolution MMA it will change your life in a positive way like it did to my life. ~ Mark “

I would highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to learn jiu jitsu, or basic self defense. I have trained at several gyms before coming here, and was amazed at level of talent. Unfortunately I had to leave town and end my membership. I had some issues with the gym on the cancellation process and they were very accommodating, and more than willing to work with me. A++++++ SERVICE!!!! ~ Justin B

We are not a "team", we are family. All Are Welcome! definition: fam·i·lyˈfam(ə)lē/ -all the descendants of a common ancestor. Our progenitor is Jiu-Jitsu. Through this lineage, in unity, we endure to develop the champion spirit within each of us. ALL ARE WELCOME! How could not want to belong to this family. ~ Jeremy P

Great gym - experienced and helpful coaches, friendly teammates, big and clean facility. Good vibes during competition season. I've been involved in both grappling and striking classes for last year and everything here is legit, if you're looking for place to train, do yourself a favor and check it out ~ Przemysław M

Easily the best decision of my life. If you're looking to train hard, smart, and effectively, you won't find a better place in the area. I've lost 40 pounds over the course of a year, and had a blast doing it. I've been welcomed and mentored by not just INSANELY talented professors, but by an amazing team as well. ~ Art A

Evolution is one of a kind it’s not a super fancy gym, but it is a gym with good people dedicated instructors and where you actually learn . I can’t speak highly enough of my experience training with Evolution. I gained so much knowledge and strength while training there. Thank you Jason , TJ, Dean! ~ Kelly K

Great School for all Levels and plenty of available classes through the week. Kurt is a great coach and does a fantastic job of teaching the fundamentals class and the Black Belts do a great job in their own classes as well. No Egos and no BS, everyone is very welcoming and helpful. If you want to learn from the best come try out a class ~ Ricky P

I came to visit while here in Chicago for work. The instruction was excellent and the environment was friendly and very welcoming. Had a great time and look forward to coming back the next time I am in town. I would recommend this gym to anyone who is looking to start training BJJ or Muay Thai. ~ Samuel S

I called in to train here when on a work trip from the UK. What a fantastic bunch of people! Very welcoming and superb instruction. Lots of skilled and experienced athletes here who are happy to roll with you and make you feel at home. Highly recommended. ~ Simon F

There's a culture of "a rising tide lifts all boats", Instructors are approachable and super knowledgeable. People stay after class to hang out and get extra work in. Fun way to get in shape and not to mention tough workouts! ~ Kane H

Dropped in from out of town on the Monday night advanced gi class with Issac. World class training. Made me feel at home right away! Great people! Would highly recommend checking it out. Will definitely be back if im ever in town again. ~ Kyle

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