Get in shape. Learn to handle yourself. Train with a crew that has your back. No experience needed.
Start Your 30-Day Free Trial
Unlimited adult classes, gi and no-gi. Beginners welcome. ★★★★★ 5.0 from 61 Google reviews. Questions? Text John at (815) 200-8818.
Enter your name, phone number, email address, and any comments or questions to claim your 30-day free trial membership.
Built for Regular People with Busy Lives
You don’t need to be in shape to start. You don’t need to have fought before. Most of our members started as complete beginners with full-time jobs, families, and a lot on their plate.
- Tired of the boring gym? Every class is a workout you’ll actually look forward to.
- Wrestled in high school? Get back on the mat. Your takedowns and scrambles still count here.
- Want to know you could handle yourself? Learn real skills you practice against real, resisting partners.
- Need a release after work? Nothing clears your head like an hour on the mat.
Become a Founding Member: $75/Month, Only 25 Spots
We’re building the core of our academy. Founders commit to 12 months at $75/month, then keep that rate locked in for as long as they remain members. That’s unlimited adult classes, gi and no-gi, at about half our regular rate. Only 25 Founders spots are available, and the offer ends December 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
22 of 25 Founders spots left. Learn more about the Freeport Martial Arts Founder membership.
What Happens at Your First Class
- Text or book online and pick an evening that works.
- Show up 10 minutes early in athletic shorts and a T-shirt. No gear to buy.
- John meets you at the door, shows you around, and pairs you with a patient, experienced partner.
- You’ll learn a warm-up and two or three techniques. Nobody throws you into hard sparring.
- After class, we sit down for five minutes to talk about your goals.
Evening Classes That Fit a Work Schedule
Click “Book” on any class to register and start a free 30-day trial membership. Bring a friend to get a free Freeport Martial Arts T-shirt. Questions? Contact us.
From the Mat
I’ve been a member of several gyms over the years, and FMA is absolutely top tier. If you’re looking for a Jiu-Jitsu family in the Freeport area, this is home.
— Derek, Freeport
Everything is broken down in an easy-to-learn manner. If you’re on the fence about it, definitely give it a try.
— Adam, Freeport
As a wrestler I was in for a humble experience that I learned so much from, and I loved it!
— Derreck, Freeport
Instructors
John Garvens, Owner & Head Instructor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlson Gracie > Carley Gracie > Clark Gracie / Adem Redzovic > John Garvens
Professor John Garvens is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and the owner and head instructor of Freeport Martial Arts. He is Freeport’s only IBJJF-certified black belt, promoted by Carley Gracie, Clark Gracie and Adem Redzovic.
Professor Adem Redzovic is a Fourth-Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and the owner and head instructor of the Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club in Chicago, Illinois; Professor Clark Gracie is a Fourth-Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, son of Ninth-Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Red Belt Carley Gracie, the founder of the Gracie Allegiance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team, and the owner and head instructor of the Clark Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in San Diego, California.
John grew up in Freeport, graduated from Freeport High School in May 2003, and graduated from Illinois State University in May 2007. A military veteran, John served in the United States Army Reserve from March 2004 through March 2016.
John lives in Freeport, Illinois, with his dogs, Summer and Winston, and owns and serves as principal architect at Garvens Consulting, a Salesforce consulting firm. Outside of running his businesses and training, he enjoys reading, writing, and performing music in regional concert bands and jazz bands.
Thomas, Assistant Instructor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Thomas is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt who instructs and trains at Freeport Martial Arts. Thomas has been training in jiu-jitsu since 2018 and has also trained in boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and MMA.
About Freeport Martial Arts
Freeport Martial Arts Academy, a 5,000-square-foot martial arts training facility, opened in Freeport, Illinois, in October 2022, bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling to the Freeport community.
Since then, our crew has grown to include men, women, and kids, who love training together and growing as individuals and as a team.
Freeport Martial Arts is a Gracie Allegiance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu affiliate and offers a variety of martial arts programs in Freeport for adults, teens, and kids ages 5-12, including:
- Adults Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) & Submission Wrestling
- Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) & Submission Wrestling
- Women’s Self-Defense
Since its founding in October 2022, Freeport Martial Arts has become Freeport’s grappling headquarters and the largest martial arts academy in Stephenson County.
Address
Freeport Martial Arts is located at 107 W Main St in Freeport, Illinois, near the intersection of Galena Avenue and Main Street.
Try Us Free for 30 Days
30-Day Free Trial
Train as much as you want for 30 days. If it’s not for you, no hard feelings and no pressure. Bring a friend, family member, significant other, or someone else to double the fun.
Under 18? Your parent or legal guardian must: (1) complete your member application; and (2) attend your first day of training.
Questions? Please contact us and ask!
107 W Main St, Freeport · Call or text (815) 200-8818 · Military, police, fire and first responder discounts available