Jiu-Jitsu Institute

JJI is the longest surviving martial arts school in Chicago. I trained Judo there for years. This place is the real deal. Every class is taught by Sensei Hollis Barnett, an advanced jodoka with a lot of positive energy. He cares about Judo and pays attenton to the progress of beginners just as much as the advanced practitioners. This place is about integrity — no contract, no bs. Pipes sticking out of the wall and bring your own towel to shower. These students are good people who are tough as nails. They teach real Judo, not Tae-​Bo! Highly recommend!

I love JJI. Sense Barnett knows very well what he is doing. He is extremely experienced and is a fantastic teacher for not only martial arts but life as well. I have been training with him as my Sense for just five months and my progress is rapid and rich. If you are interested in learning Judo in addition to much Jiu-​Jitsu this is the place to go.
The only thing that might detract a visitor is the fact that the dojo is bare bones. It is a white room with mats. There are a couple of showers in the back. But don’t be fooled by the superficial, the dojo need not be more than what it is. The mats are clean. The students are kind, good at heart, and hard working. The teaching is superb. The judo here is as good as it gets.