Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu

Welcome to Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu

Located in Downers Grove, IL

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Unlimited Classes

Classes offered 6 days a week

$125/Month

Month to Month Memberships

Adults & Kids

4 and up

Free Fuji Gi

With New Memberships

Welcome and thank you for visiting Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu.

   We are an Army OIF veteran owned and operated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school located in Downers Grove, IL. My family and I would love the chance to introduce you to the wonderful martial art commonly referred to as BJJ. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and positive environment for the study of what can be an extremely challenging martial art to learn, but one which the benefits are truly life-changing. Our curriculum focuses on both the self-defense as well as the sport aspects of BJJ. We offer classes for children as young as 4 and create an environment where practitioners of all ages can train safely.

   We believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just a martial art, but a way of life that promotes discipline, focus, confidence, and physical fitness. Our team of experienced and dedicated instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping students reach their full potential on and off the mats.

Why should I train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Self-Defense: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a highly effective martial art that focuses on ground fighting and grappling techniques, making it a practical form of self-defense in real-life situations. After extensive research the U.S. Army selected BJJ as the core of it's hand-to-hand combat system.

Fitness: Practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to improve your physical fitness. It helps in building strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

Stress Relief: Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be a great way to relieve stress and improve mental well-being. It can help you focus and clear your mind, promoting overall mental health.

Discipline and Focus: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires a high level of discipline and focus to master the techniques and strategies involved. Training in this martial art can help you develop these valuable traits that can be applied to other areas of your life.

Community and Camaraderie: Joining a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy can provide you with a sense of community and camaraderie. You will have the opportunity to train and learn alongside like-minded individuals who share your passion for martial arts.

Personal Growth: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a challenging martial art that requires dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning. Training in this discipline can help you grow as an individual, both physically and mentally.


Why Choose Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu?

Whether you're just starting your martial arts journey or looking to enhance your routine, Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu provides a supportive and motivating environment.

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your personal goals, ensuring you have the best experience possible.

Trusted By Our Members

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the most frequently asked questions about Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu.


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What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and grappling techniques. You will learn how to take down, control, and submit a larger opponent.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, we offer a free trial period for 7 days. During this period, a clean loaner uniform will be provided to you before each class.

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu safe?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is generally considered to be a safe martial art when practiced under proper supervision and with respect for training partners. Injuries can occur, as with any physical activity, but our school prioritizes safety and injury prevention. To ensure we’re providing the safest environment for our training, we’ve invested in top-of-the-line mats and a spring floor from Fuji Mats. If you’ve never trained on a spring floor before, you’re in for a real treat—there’s nothing quite like it for comfort and injury prevention!

Can women practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Absolutely! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for anyone interested in learning effective self-defense techniques and improving their physical fitness. Many women train and compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and find it to be empowering and rewarding. Both my wife and daughter train with me.

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu effective for self-defense?

Yes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is often praised for its effectiveness in real-life self-defense situations. Self-defense techniques are an integral part of our curriculum.

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu an effective martial art for smaller people?

Yes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an effective martial art for smaller people because it focuses on leverage and technique rather than strength and size. This allows individuals of all sizes to effectively defend themselves and overcome larger opponents. Additionally, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds, which can neutralize the strength advantage of a bigger opponent. With proper training and practice, smaller individuals can become skilled and confident practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Do I need to be in shape to begin training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

While being in good physical condition can be helpful, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. With practice and dedication, you can improve your physical fitness through training.

Can I just come and watch?

Yes, you can. For some folks stepping on the mats for the first time can be a bit intimidating. If you or your child don’t feel like you are ready to participate in the lesson, come and watch a class.

Remember, don't let anxiety prevent you from trying something that can actually help you manage it in the long run. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Schedule

Schedule

07/06/2025 - 07/12/2025
Sun
6
Mon
7
Tue
8
Wed
9
Thu
10
Fri
11
Sat
12

6
Sunday

No sessions

7
Monday

4:00pm - 4:50pm

Kids 1

Devon McKeown

Kids 1

Begin 7 day trial.

Book
5:00pm - 5:50pm

Kids 2

Devon McKeown

Kids 2

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Adults

Devon McKeown

Adults

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book

8
Tuesday

4:00pm - 4:50pm

Kids 2

Devon McKeown

Kids 2

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
5:00pm - 5:50pm

Kids 1

Devon McKeown

Kids 1

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Adults

Devon McKeown

Adults

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book

9
Wednesday

4:00pm - 4:50pm

Kids 1

Devon McKeown

Kids 1

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
5:00pm - 5:50pm

Kids 2

Devon McKeown

Kids 2

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Adults

Devon McKeown

Adults

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book

10
Thursday

4:00pm - 4:50pm

Kids 2

Devon McKeown

Kids 2

Begin 7 day Trial.

1/2 Book
5:00pm - 5:50pm

Kids 1

Devon McKeown

Kids 1

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Adults

Devon McKeown

Adults

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book

11
Friday

5:00pm - 5:50pm

Study Hall Kids

Devon McKeown
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Study Hall Adults

Devon McKeown

12
Saturday

9:00am - 9:50am

Kids 1

Devon McKeown

Kids 1

Begin 7 day trial.

Book
10:00am - 10:50am

Kids 2

Devon McKeown

Kids 2

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
11:00am - 12:00pm

Adults

Devon McKeown

Adults

Begin 7 day Trial.

Book
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Private Lesson

Devon McKeown

Private Lesson

Private Lesson/Semi-Private Lesson. 

Book
3:15pm - 4:15pm

Private Lesson

Devon McKeown

Private Lesson

Private Lesson/Semi-Private Lesson. 

Book
4:30pm - 5:30pm

Private Lesson

Devon McKeown

Private Lesson

Private Lesson/Semi-Private Lesson. 

Book
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 Release, Liability WAIVER & Indemnity Agreement 

(Read Carefully Before Signing)

In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in the Martial Arts Program, as defined below, by Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu, currently located at 2750 Maple Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (the “Premises”), I, or, if a minor, the parent(s) and/or legal guardian of the minor participant named below (hereinafter, collectively, “I,” “me” or “my”), enter into this Release, Liability Waiver and Indemnity Agreement (“Agreement”) and hereby agree:

1. I am voluntarily seeking and consenting to participate in Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Program, which is defined to include, but not be limited to, martial arts instruction and related training in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which involves body contact with the ground as well as techniques such as chokes and joint locks; physical, strength and/or cardio conditioning.

2. I represent and warrant that I am either of proper physical condition to participate in the Martial Arts Program, understanding the demands and nature of the activities provided above, or accept full responsibility for my participation therein in my current physical state. I agree to disclose all medical conditions, ailments and other issues to Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu prior to my participation in the Martial Arts Program and understand that my failure to do so further waives Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu liability from any and all injuries or other outcomes related to my continued participation in the Martial Arts Program.

3. I fully understand and acknowledge that THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS, such that:

A.There are risks and dangers associated with my participation in the Martial Arts Program that could result in bodily injury, partial and/or total disability, paralysis or death.

B. The social and economic losses and/or injuries that could result from these risks and dangers described above could be severe.

C. These risks and dangers may be caused by the action or inaction of myself or others, including, but not limited to, Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu and/or other participants in the Martial Arts Program; the rules and regulations of the Martial Arts Program; or the nature of the facilities or equipment used.

D.There may be other risks and dangers not known to us or are not reasonably foreseeable at this time.

4. I understand, accept and assume the above risks and dangers, both known and unknown, and I assume full responsibility for the injuries, maladies, losses and/or damages resulting therefrom, however caused and whether caused in whole or in part by Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu.

5. I understand and accept that I use any and all equipment and facilities “as-is” and at my own risk and peril, and I hold Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu harmless from any and all consequences resulting therefrom, including, but not limited to, injury, malady, loss and death, regardless of the cause. I further understand that said use is voluntary and by my own choice, and I may refuse said use and/or request the use or application of alternative equipment and facilities, although Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu is not obligated either to provide alternate accommodations or to compensate me for its refusal to do so.

6. From time to time, Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu may host, organize or sponsor social and other extracurricular activities and events in, outside of, around and off of the Premises that may or may not be directly related to the Martial Arts Program. I understand that my involvement and/or participation in them is completely voluntary and agree that the terms of this Agreement shall extend to, and include, such events and activities.

7. In the event that Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu provides transportation to the Premises or any other location where Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu is conducting any activity, event or gathering, I understand that my consent to be transported is completely voluntary and hereby agree that Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu shall not bear any liability for any injury, loss, destruction, death or any other similar or related consequence either to my person or my property during or as a result of such transportation, whether or not foreseeable and regardless of the cause. I further understand that Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu is not obligated to provide any transportation whatsoever on any occasion, and I assume full responsibility for any injury, loss, destruction, death or other similar or related consequence either to my person or my property during or as a result of my choice of transportation.

8.I HEREBY FOREVER RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu, its affiliates, owners, managers, promoters, lessees, directors, officers, agents or employees, from all liability for any and all claims, demands, losses or damages arising out of or relating to the Martial Arts Program or any events or activities hosted, organized or sponsored by Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu; any action or non-action undertaken by Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu; all acts of negligence on the part of Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu; or any rescue/emergency actions or medical treatment undertaken by Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu, if any. This Agreement shall extend to my personal representatives, assigns, executors, heirs and next of kin.

9. I further expressly agree that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law. Any portion that is uncertain or challenged as to its validity or enforceability shall be interpreted so that it most closely reflects the intent of the parties in entering into this Agreement, to the greatest extent permitted by law. Otherwise, if any portion herein is held invalid or otherwise legally unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, both Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu and I agree that the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

10. Should any legal dispute arise out of this Agreement, or regarding any subject matter contained herein, I agree to pay for all attorney’s fees and costs reasonably incurred by Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu in defense of any such dispute.

11. I agree to hold Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu harmless and reimburse Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu for any and all costs incurred on my behalf.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I GIVE UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY COERCION, INDUCEMENT, ASSURANCE, OR GUARANTEE BEING MADE TO ME AND INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY FROM Blackhorse Jiu-Jitsu TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

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