07/15/09

"ole school" Judo School

by Judoka

I was looking for "real" Judo practice, not the fake hapkido-judo or bjj-judo stuff! This place fits the bill. No frills tatami and a locker dojo, in your face tell it like it is instructor, sensei Hollis & strong randori (fights) practice. I gave it 4 stars because of that lame excuse for an assistant called Sammy, my dog knows more Judo than he does! He should be in Gitmo somewhere. I heard he is no longer there so I'll be going back soon.

• Pros: Strong workouts
• Cons: bad assistant

05/07/09

Oldest in Chicago

by Carla6

JJI is in the Top 10 as far as Martial Arts are concerned! Any person of any background would do well to study here. They even have Judo classes for the visually impaired!

• Pros: Awesome School
• Cons: Dont Know of any

05/03/09

JJI all the way

by LarryXT

JJI is The best school in Chicago to learn Judo, The Judo Professor Hollis Barnett is a 6th Dan in Kodokan Judo and is One of the very best Judo teachers out there. He's Also very genuine and sharing and that's what's important.

• Pros: Good School & Fantastic Instruction
• Cons: None that i know

05/01/09

Great Instructor

by Willie316

I know the instructor that teaches the MMA class. I haven't saw him in a good while but he's a good guy, very knowlegable about martial arts. I used to train with him when he was teaching Jujutsu back in 1997 at another school. I learned a lot of good self defense from him, very useable stuff! I was a bodyguard at the time. A lot of Cops used to train under him as well so he had to be doing something right. MMA? Wow. Glad to see he's stll in the mix. if you're reading this Stefan, What's up man!!!! "You Have To Be Tough To Do Jujutsu"

• Pros: Very good instructor
• Cons: Not a one

01/18/09

AWESOME SCHOOL

by choker12

This school is one of the best martial arts schools in the country..well known also. these guys with the negative reviews below are in no way connected to JJI, they've probably never even been there because if they had they would have more respect. all of these knuckleheads are more than welcome to meet me on the mat anytime and anyplace in friendly competition in judo or mma..especially kid357. JJI is a great place.

• Pros: the best
• Cons: none at all

01/11/09

TRUTH HURTS

by KID357

I RESPONSE TO "CHOKER12" I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THERE WAS NO DISRESPECT INTENDED ONLY A FACTUAL OBSERVATION, AND ONCE AGIAN WITH THAT BEING SAID I CHOOSE "CLASS" IN NOT RESPONDING TO YOUR CHALLANGE. INSTEAD I OFFER YOU ADVICE " A JUDOKA / WANNA BE MMA GUY LIKE YOURSELF CANT BEAT A SOCK IN THE MOUTH WITH KUMI KATA". SO, I RECOMMEND YOU TAKE THAT MMA CLASS OFFERED AT JJI BEFORE ISSUING ANOTHER LAME CHALLANGE.

• Pros: REAL JUJUTSU CLASSES OFFERED SENSEI SANDERS
• Cons: SENSEI BARNETT HIKE RYU JUJITSU??? WHAT THE HECK IS THAT???

12/28/08

All around Quality Martial Arts

by Juman

Jiu-Jitsu Institute, Inc. is historical like a landmark. It is the oldest martial arts school in the midwest and has not closed its doors since its opening in 1938. That alone is enough to prove it's quality! A lot of people made tremendous sacrifices for JJI to remain open & Anyone of any nationality is welcome there. You will not meet a finer group of people than the staff There. Namba Sensei, Professor Barnett, & Coach Stefan are all good men with big hearts who care about JJI and its students (all of them). they are true professionals and are only concerned with providing the best service possible to their students. Their only wish is to pass on the rich heritage of Judo & Jiu-Jitsu and to create strong positive minds and strong bodies. Anyone wishing to experience the Martial Arts in its raw Essence would do well to study at JJI, you will not be dissatisfied in the least! A great place all around.

• Pros: All Around Quality Instruction
• Cons: None

12/08/08

Best in the City

by bigcitylawyer

Don't let the Judo vs. MMA debate in the earlier comments deter you--this place deserves 5-star ratings for both disciplines. I've been attending for 5 years, and have found nothing but authentic and committed instruction at the highest level. Family atmosphere is also a plus, and the students really take care of each other. Jiu-Jitsu Institute has produced champions in tournaments at every level, but is also accommodating enough for disciplined students who are looking for better fitness or self-defense.

Can't recommend this place enough, and haven't found anything else comparable in the city or suburbs.

• Pros: Top instruction in multiple disciplines, teachers have integrity; family atmosphere
• Cons: Back-to-basics facility is not for the pampered luxury gym crowd

11/05/08

Pure Pettiness

by Cedrick236

I must agree with drjji, that Sensei Barnett is a great instructor, and that Judo is not for everybody. but so is the MMA instructor (his name is Stefan) . I've known them both for years and neither of them would condone the negative reviews written below by whoever those people are and i know if either of them knew who wrote those negative things, they would kick them out on their a@S!!. but i must disagree with drjji in that he says that the MMA instructor Stefan hasn't been with them long...Actually he started at the the Jiu-Jitsu Institute waaaaaay back in 1992 and erned his black belt there, and he and Sensei Barnett are Like Family, and that's what its all about. the persons who wrote the negative reviews should grow up. Jiu-Jitsu Institute is a great place with a Great Heritage, Great instructors AND Great students!

• Pros: Great place
• Cons: None

11/04/08

Real Judo

by drjji

JJI teaches traditional judo, and follows the Kodokan and Olympic spirits. Judo's not for everyone. The workout is intense, and the progress comes slowly at first. In judo, the senior belts help the novices learn and improve. If you want to beat some drunk in a bar fight, go somewhere else; in judo you quickly learn to be modest. Sensei Barnett has been in judo for some 35 years, and has won two silver medals at the judo nationals. I've trained with him for six years, as have another ten or so of the regulars; a few have been there a dozen years at least. That's evidence of his quality and our loyalty. I'm uncertain what drew complaints from the negative reviewers, but whatever their problems are, they're likely their own. (The MMA instructor hasn't been with us very long, and I don't know him.)

• Pros: Great instructor, quality students
• Cons: no frills old school facility; just tatami and a locker room