Balance Point Jiu Jitsu
About
Balance Point Jiu Jitsu offers training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, catering to both MMA and BJJ enthusiasts. The gym is led by Head Coach Ed Serra, who brings 20 years of experience in both disciplines, and co-founder Lawrence Scott, a competitive powerlifter and gym owner. This combination of expertise creates a training environment where technical skill and physical conditioning are equally valued. Members appreciate the patient, thoughtful, and attentive coaching style that adapts to individual needs, whether they seek intense workouts or more relaxed sessions without compromising on quality or enjoyment. The gym's small but growing community is frequently highlighted as a key part of the experience, with a strong sense of camaraderie evident in every class. Reviewers consistently note that the academy reflects the owners' genuine love for martial arts, making it a place where passion and professionalism intersect. The welcoming atmosphere extends to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, ensuring everyone feels included and supported in their training journey. This focus on servant leadership, as demonstrated by Professor Ed, fosters an environment where knowledge is generously shared and personal growth is prioritized alongside technical development.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the knowledgeable and patient coaching, particularly highlighting Head Coach Ed Serra's generous teaching style and servant leadership approach. Reviewers describe a warm, welcoming community that feels like family, with instructors and fellow members being both highly skilled and exceptionally friendly. The training is noted for being adaptable to individual preferences, offering intensity when desired while maintaining quality and fun for all levels. Specific coaches like Ed and Alex receive direct commendation for their teaching abilities, and the strong sense of community is repeatedly mentioned as a defining characteristic of the gym experience.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (4)
Apinya L
2 years ago
Warm, welcoming place to train with top notch, patient, thoughtful, and particularly attentive coaching. The team are like giant bear men but as friendly as can be. Small but growing, the training can be as intense or as relaxed as you'd like it to be without compromising on quality and fun. Stop by and give it a try!
Clayton Davis
a year ago
Great place to train. Knowledgeable instructors and great community. Welcoming to all levels from beginner to advanced.
Ozzy Gonzalez
2 years ago
I know the owners/partners of the academy really well and have trained there a few times (I live in Los Angeles). Professor Ed is generous with his knowledge and is a great example of servant leadership. The academy is the product of the owners' love of the BJJ and Muay Thai and that's evident in each class. The sense of community is also really strong. If you're looking for somewhere to train I can't recommend this place and the professor enough.
Trenton Richardson
2 years ago
Great gym - Ed and Alex are super good teachers and everyone is welcoming. Highly recommend for those starting out as well as more experienced practitioners
Contact
2857 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 2:00 – 7:30 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Ed Serra
Head Coach / BJJ Instructor / Muay Thai Instructor
20 years experience in BJJ and Muay Thai
Co-founder of Balance Point Jiu Jitsu with 20 years experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Boxing.
Lawrence Scott
Co-founder / Gym Owner
Competitive powerlifter, gym owner
Co-founder, a competitive powerlifter and gym owner turned BJJ fanatic.