Uflacker Academy Reviews

Jimmy 2025.12.08

     

I’ve been training with Professor Christian for almost 20 years, and it’s been incredible to watch both his teaching and his academy grow over that time. What started as a small school has turned into a thriving business and community, and that’s a direct reflection of his dedication and passion for jiu-jitsu. His instruction is truly world-class. He has an eye for detail that makes all the difference; you’ll catch things in your technique you never realized were there until he points them out. That kind of precision is rare, and it’s what elevates his students to the next level. On top of that, he’s got an outgoing personality that makes training fun. He’s approachable, motivating, and knows how to keep the energy high on the mats. Whether you’re brand new or have been training for years, you’ll feel welcomed and challenged in the best way.

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Steve Rodriguez 2025.10.27

     

Highly recommend Uflacker Academy. The instruction is perfect for all skill levels. Everyone is friendly and helpful.

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Vincent 2025.10.20

     

These guys are the BEST if the best. True BJJ respectful instructors and community!

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Daniel Rollberg 2025.10.15

     

Started My journey here little over a year ago and have zero regrets. From great fellow students to awesome Staff. Just a great all-around place!!

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Carmen Hernandez 2025.10.13

     

Uflacker Academy has been an incredible place for my son to begin his Jiu-Jitsu journey. He started at just 5 years old, and from day one, the coaches made the experience both fun and educational. Their techniques for kids are outstanding—everything is taught in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging through play. Coach Crystal always greeted the kids with a big smile and motivated them to keep practicing. Coach Adam played a huge role in helping my son, master some of the more difficult positions with patience and care. And I have to give my deepest respect to Professor Christian—not only did he see potential in my son, but he also encouraged him to enter his first tournament, where he came out victorious. I highly recommend Uflacker Academy to any parent looking to introduce their child to Jiu-Jitsu. The coaching staff is skilled and supportive.

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Alex 2025.09.26

     

Echoing the other positive reviewers here. Uflacker Academy is a great place for your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu learning and growth. I had no prior grappling background, but have enjoyed the community and training. Would recommend to anyone looking for a BJJ gym in the Chicago area!

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Yadira Ortiz 2025.09.20

     

Took my 5 year old son (almost 6) to a free class today. I was a little nervous because my son has never done sports before and likes to goof around a lot. He jumped right into the warm up and even trained a little bit with his peers. I was surprised with how well he did and I believe it is because of he was watching how well disciplined and engaged the class and professor are. The professor was very patient and overall just great with the kids. My son liked it so we signed up for a membership.

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Alex Annes 2025.09.20

     

1st class was a success! Coach Crystal welcomed me and my son in and got us situated. Professor Christian made time to give my son 1 on 1 instruction in a group of 26 kids.

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Mohammed Hussein 2025.09.18

     

I’ve been training at Uflacker's for two years now, and it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. This gym has given me confidence, discipline, and resilience that spill over into every part of my day. The coaches are world-class, technical, patient, and motivating and they treat every student like an individual. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive no matter your level or background, you’ll feel like you belong here. Because of training here, I’m physically and mentally stronger, more focused, and far more adaptable. This gym isn’t just a place to roll, it’s a community that helps you grow as a person. I recommend it to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and find out what they’re capable of.

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Zachary Stevens 2025.09.18

     

Chicago’s finest! My son and I have been going for over five years! He started when he was three years old! It’s been very good for his overall development and given him the confidence and exercise he needs! I started in my 40s and would recommend it to anyone seeking a challenge. Just keep showing up and you’ll surprise yourself! Professor Christian and his instructors are top notch and will meet you where you’re at. Whether you’re just looking to get into shape, learn self defense or want to compete at the highest levels of BJJ or MMA, there’s something for everyone of all ages both male and female! 🤙🏻🔥

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Nam Nguyen 2025.09.18

     

I've started training at Uflacker Academy since 2024 since I moved into the South Side area. I'm a brown belt and have been training for +8 years in Brazilian Jiujitsu. I've had the opportunity to train under 4 other academies in my BJJ journey. I can honestly say "The U" tops the other 4 places I've trained at. Uflacker Academy offers you top notch instructors, top notch facility, and a friendly environment for everyone to learn and grow. Professor Christian Uflacker is well known in the martial arts community and has contributed his whole life to the betterment of the art and practitioners around the world. You can't go wrong to choose this place for training. Whether you're brand new, LEO, athletic, non-athletic, pro fighter; there's always something to learn from this academy and improve your life on & off the mat.

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Jesse Lopez 2025.09.17

     

I made the decision 9 months ago to start attending BJJ classes at Uflacker Academy and it's been absolutely tremendous. From beginning with zero experience to where my skillset currently is I'm very happy with my progress. All the techniques and exercises in a given class are demonstrated and broken down into simple and efficient methods. All the professors and students are great and everyone truly looks out for one another. And last but not least Professor Christian is world class in every sense. He is very knowledgeable and personable and dedicates himself each and every class to maximizing the growth of all his students. I recommend to anyone to sign up at Uflacker Academy!

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Amy Garcia 2025.09.09

     

This is in regards to the Youth programs Pros: clean space and classes everyday. Cons: The classes are about 30 minutes and can be chaotic due to large class sizes. The instructions are quick and vague. Many students are not performing movements correctly and are ignored due to instructor/ student ratio. I recently moved to another facility and my child learned more in a month than they had in a year at this location.

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Reply from Uflacker Academy 2025.09.15

Hi Amy, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding our youth program. We are pleased to know you valued our clean facility and the consistency of our class schedule. We are, however, sorry to hear that aspects of the class structure did not meet your expectations.

With over 30 years of experience in Jiu Jitsu, our mission has always been to help students develop not only technical skills but also confidence, discipline, and resilience. We were proud to see the growth your son achieved during his time with us, and we are glad to hear that he continues to enjoy training.

We continuously evaluate our programs and class formats to ensure that every student receives quality instruction and the attention they need. Feedback such as yours is invaluable in guiding these improvements. Should you wish, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly and learn more about your experience.

Thank you again for your input, and we wish your son continued progress and success in his martial arts journey.

Diego 2025.08.26

     

This place is really great. Coach Crystal is really on top of it, she got me into a trial class and signed up the same day I requested it. I have been going for about 3 months and I am enjoying learning jujitsu. Professors and coaches are all great at demonstrating techniques and helping us when drilling!

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Adrian Gasca 2025.08.13

     

I’ve been training for a little under a year now, and the only regret I have was not having joined sooner. Since day one, Professor Cristian and all the staff have been extremely knowledgeable and courteous. If you’re looking for a great environment, a good workout, and a tough challenge, then I would highly recommend this academy.

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Michael Siller 2025.08.09

     

Great academy! Professor Christian and his team are extremely knowledgeable. It’s ran very professionally and it’s overall a great atmosphere. I appreciate that individuals just starting out have to build a base knowledge before being able to attend open mat which reduces the chance of injury and gives you time to learn how to control your movements. Professor is involved in the community and supports first responders. Couldn’t be happier joining just wish I had done it sooner.

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- Shaun - 2025.08.08

     

From my very first email to my most recent class, the staff at Uflacker Academy have been nothing short of amazing. I’m a 41-year-old guy who’s not in the best shape, and starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a little intimidating for me. Coach Crystal was incredible — she answered all my questions and made me feel welcome from the start. When I showed up for my first class, I was nervous because I had no idea what I was doing. I was paired with a purple belt who couldn’t have been more patient. He took his time to explain not just what to do, but why we do it, and what happens if you do it differently. What really stood out to me is the culture here — it’s not an ego-driven environment where higher belts try to dominate lower belts. Instead, the upper belts are super supportive, eager to help, and genuinely happy to teach. The professors and coaches are top-notch, and the students are some of the nicest people I’ve met. Training here is hard — and that’s exactly what I want. You get out what you put in, and I know that every skill I earn will be the result of real work. I feel confident I’ll continue to grow and learn at Uflacker Academy, and I’m completely hooked.

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Tony Lapsansky 2025.07.23

     

Uflacker Academy has it all: top quality instruction, welcoming atmosphere and culture, well maintained and clean facility. If you're an adult, sign up for jiu jitsu here. If you have KIDS, sign them all up for jiu jitsu here. You won't regret it!

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Lisette Sanchez 2025.07.13

     

I started Uflacker Academy December 2024. 4 months in, I received my second stripe on Saturday, 03/22/25, 8 months later I received my third stripe 07/11/2025. Isn’t it funny, how our perception of time works? I can feel both the “speed” at which time has passed since starting jiu-jitsu and I feel the “sluggishness” at which that same time seems to have passed as I chase after my goals. There have been a lot of reps, sweat, soreness, bumps, bruises, fun and frustration since I received my first, second, and now third stripe. I know I’m not the only one to invest this way. I know the actions I’ve taken are only a few drops in the bucket of the overall journey that is known as jiu-jitsu; I have a long way to go on this journey. I’m still a beginner and I take a healthy portion of humble pie every time I train. I will say that while I might not be the “best” by any stretch. I am continually bettering myself compared to the last time I trained. Professor and coaches are excellent!

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Michael Oshea 2025.07.12

     

I began my journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6 months ago at age 55, after a friend convinced me to join Uflacker Academy. Professor Christian, as well as all of the instructors and coaches at Uflacker, have made this start to my BJJ journey nothing but exciting and safe. The instructors are thorough, extremely knowledgeable, and make all participants of all ages feel like they are part of a community, a Jiu Jitsu family. No matter your age or skill level, Uflacker Academy is the place to become your best at BJJ hands down.

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