Your first two weeks are on us.
Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling free for two weeks at Freeport Martial Arts. Every adult class, no experience needed.
No credit card needed. We’ll text you within one business day to pick your first class.
Classes are taught by Freeport’s only IBJJF-certified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
How your free two weeks work
- Claim your spot. Fill out the form above. It takes 30 seconds.
- Pick your first class. We’ll reach out to help you choose a time, or book any adult class on the schedule.
- Show up and train. Come to as many adult classes and Open Gym sessions as you want for two weeks, on us.
Nervous? Good. That means you care.
Everyone on our mats walked in for a first class once. Here’s exactly what yours looks like:
- Get there 10 minutes early. We’ll show you around, get you signed in, and introduce you to your coach and training partners.
- Learn the basics, step by step. Class starts with a warm-up, then technique you’ll drill with a partner at your pace. You’ll learn how to escape, control, and finish from the ground.
- Train at your level. You decide how hard to go. Take a break whenever you need one. Our members look out for new people.
What to wear: A fitted T-shirt or rashguard and athletic shorts or spandex with no zippers or pockets. For Tuesday and Thursday Gi classes, we’ll lend you a gi for your first week. Or, you can wear what you have. Bring a water bottle and flip-flops for off the mat.
Built for regular people, not tough guys.
Our members are students, working professionals, military veterans, and police officers, men and women from their late teens to their 40s and up. Most of them had never trained before they walked in. You don’t need to be in shape; this is how you get in shape.
Why Freeport Martial Arts
- Real credentials. Head instructor John Garvens is Freeport’s only IBJJF-certified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. His promotion was overseen by Carley Gracie, Clark Gracie, and Adem Redzovic.
- A workout that doesn’t feel like one. Every class is a full-body workout for strength, conditioning, and mobility, disguised as learning a skill.
- Self-defense that works. You’ll learn to control and escape from someone bigger and stronger, tested against resisting partners rather than air.
- No egos. Everyone here is a student and a teacher. Your training partners want you to get better.
- A place to leave the day behind. For an hour, the only thing on your mind is the person in front of you.
Evening classes that fit after work.
| Day | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Submission Wrestling (No-Gi) | Open Gym |
| Tuesday | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) | Open Gym |
| Wednesday | Submission Wrestling (No-Gi) | Open Gym |
| Thursday | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) | Open Gym |
| Friday | Open Mat (teens and adults) | – |
Monday to Thursday classes are for adults. Saturday and Sunday: closed. Kids classes run Monday to Thursday at 5:15 PM; see the kids program.
Open Gym: Monday to Thursday at 7:00 PM is for members, and trial members count. Stay after class to drill what you learned or get in extra rounds.
Find us: 107 W Main St, Freeport, IL 61032. Get directions · Call or text (815) 200-8818.
Don’t take our word for it.
Everybody is cool, classes are taught well, it’s easy to understand, and it’s a very beginner friendly environment.
Blake, Blue Belt
Jiu-jitsu is something I never knew I needed. . . . Freeport Martial Arts gives me the community and confidence to be fully myself. It’s given me an outlet to reduce stress from running a business, a community of relationships that have turned into extraordinary friendships, and way to move my body and mind keeping me both mentally and physically strong.
Kate, White Belt
I am a disabled veteran and I take advantage of the discount available to veterans. The gym is owned by John a black belt who is also a fellow veteran. The gym community is very friendly and welcoming. As soon as you walk through the front door you can tell this gym has a very positive atmosphere. . . . Stepping through these doors could change your life. It did for me.
Brandon, White Belt
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in shape?
No. Jiu-jitsu is how you get in shape. You set your own pace and take breaks whenever you need them.
I’ve never done martial arts or wrestling. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most of our members started with zero experience. Your coach and training partners will walk you through everything.
Will I get hurt?
Beginners learn technique first and spar only when they’re ready. You can tap at any time to stop, and our members are taught to look after their partners. We encourage new members to watch sparring for their first week or two before joining in, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
What’s the difference between Gi and No-Gi?
Gi classes are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the traditional uniform, which you can grab. No-Gi Submission Wrestling is in a T-shirt or rashguard and shorts. Your free two weeks cover both.
What happens after two weeks?
Nothing happens automatically. At the end of your free two weeks, you choose the membership that fits you, or you don’t. No credit card is needed to start. See membership options on our Pricing page.
Do I have to compete?
No. Most members train as a hobby. Some compete in regional tournaments, and we’ll help you prepare if you want to.
Do you offer a veterans discount?
Yes. Veterans train for $95 a month with a 12-month commitment. Thank you for your service.
Do you have classes for kids?
Yes. Kids Submission Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu run Monday to Thursday at 5:15 PM. See the kids program.
Stop scrolling. Start rolling.
Your first two weeks are free, with every adult class included. No credit card needed and nothing to cancel: at the end of the two weeks, you decide.
Questions first? Call or text (815) 200-8818.