In the sprawling landscape of Illinois, where the bustling city of Chicago stands tall, and the vast prairie lands stretch out endlessly, exists a secret society of brave and clever kids. The Illinois Jiu Jitsu Jamboree (IJJJ for short), as this secret society is known, is filled with kids who feel super-charged when they practice the art of Jiu Jitsu. Now, let me introduce you to their fearless leader, Sir Squiggles McMuffin, a lovable yet eccentric teddy bear with a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and a floppy chef's hat. Squiggles, with his fluffy fur and squishy muffin-shaped belly, is not just your ordinary teddy bear. He is a master of sneaky moves, swift breaks, and unexpected giggles. Every afternoon, in the mystical halls of the IJJJ clubhouse (which might look suspiciously like your average community center to the untrained eye), Squiggles and his band of Jiu Jitsu journeyers gather. From Belleville to Champaign, Peoria to Rockford, these kids are as different and diverse as the state itself. But they all share the same love for Jiu Jitsu and their zany mascot, Squiggles. With a "hi-ya" here and a "watch-out-for-my-ninja-roll" there, these kids flip, twist, and tumble, laughing all the while. These Jiu Jitsu kids aren't just learning self-defense; they're building strength, courage, and a sense of teamwork that makes them more formidable than the fiercest of Illinois winds. The kids from the IJJJ are a funny bunch, with their secret handshakes and Squiggles-inspired jokes. But they're also the coolest kids you could meet in the Land of Lincoln, proving every day that in the world of Jiu Jitsu, there's always room for fun, laughter, and a teddy bear mascot who knows his way around a tasty muffin recipe!

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best jiu-jitsu programs in Chicago, IL

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Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

Minong, WI 54859
4.5(4 reviews)
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With over 20 years of experience, Redzovic Jiu-Jitsu is one of the original Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense Academy’s in Chicago. Professor Eddie Redzovic is a 4th-degree blackbelt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and is the first American Rep for Carlos Gracie Jr. in America, certified by IBJJF. We provide world-class instruction in a clean, family-like atmosphere that focuses on self-defense, sport, no-gi, MMA, and other classes. Students graduating from our academy benefit from a direct lineage to the founders of the martial art, Carlos/Helio Gracie – Carlos Gracie Jr. – Prof. Eddie Redzovic. At Redzovic Jiu-Jitsu, we are dedicated to helping you and/or your children become the best versions of themselves. Our expert instructors understand your goals and are here to support you in a fun, exciting, and welcoming environment. Our website can give you more information about our facility, programs, and community, and we can’t wait to see you soon!

Chicago, IL 60625