Ages 8 to 13 · Countryside, ILKids jiu-jitsu
A room where your kid gets stronger, calmer and harder to push around, coached by a black belt who has taught children for over a decade.
What kids get out of it
Jiu-jitsu is the one martial art where a smaller kid can control a bigger one without hitting anyone. That's why it works so well for confidence and anti-bullying: your kid learns to stay calm under pressure, get out from underneath, and hold position, and they learn it by doing it, every class.
What a class looks like
- Warm-up and movement drills, ten minutes
- One or two techniques, broken down and drilled with a partner
- Controlled live rounds with a coach watching every pair
- Line up, bow out, done in an hour
Why Apex for kids
Coach Nick coached Kennedy Blades and Korina at an early age; Kennedy went on to win Olympic silver in 2024. Parents in our Google reviews mention a clean room, respectful kids and real progress. Your kid trains on the same mat as Division I wrestlers, and they notice.
Class times
Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Ages 8 to 13.
Your first class
Parents are welcome to watch from the side. Athletic clothes are fine for the first week. Tuesday or Thursday at 5 PM, whichever works for your family.
Questions people ask
Is jiu-jitsu safe for kids?
Kids classes are grappling only, no striking, and every live round has a coach watching. Kids learn to tap early and respect the tap.
My kid is shy. Will they be okay?
Most kids are on day one. Coach Nick pairs new kids with a patient partner and keeps the first class simple. Shy kids usually come out of their shell within a few weeks.
Do we need to buy a gi?
Not for the free week. Athletic clothes are fine to start, and we'll tell you what to pick up if your kid decides to keep training.
What age can they start?
Our kids program is for ages 8 to 13. Under 8, get in touch and we'll tell you honestly whether they're ready.
Your first week is free
Every class on the schedule, seven days, no card on file. Tell us you're coming and we'll point you at the right first class.
Start your free week