Gracie Barra Chicago is in the West Loop at 630 W Lake St, and it serves the Loop and River North as well. The instructor team is led by Carlos Lemos Jr., a 2002 IBJJF black belt world champion and Gracie Barra's regional director for the Midwest, who has been based in Chicago since 2008. Black belts Carlos Lopez and Mike Bayley also teach, with Mike Bayley running the kids program.

Classes follow the Gracie Barra curriculum, from all-levels fundamentals up to higher-level and advanced adult classes, with separate kids and teens programs. Private lessons are available by arrangement.

Visiting and first class

• Trial class: booked through the academy site.
• Schedule: updated monthly on the academy site.
• Other Gracie Barra schools nearby: Downers Grove (Lemos's flagship), Evanston, Deerfield, New Lenox and Aurora.

Details above were checked on the academy site in October 2026. Confirm the current schedule with the school before you go.