Bender Martial Arts and Fitness

Beginner friendly, fun atmosphere, tons of classes, great community. Bender Martial Arts and Fitness is an outstanding place to learn and practice combat sports in a judgement free community. Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Judo, Wresting, Functional Fitness and more. Go to as many classes as you want. Definitely worth a visit.

I have no complaints about this gym. The students and coaches are all very friendly and the coaches have a wealth of knowledge to share from years of experience in competition, and traveling around the world. As someone who is legally blind and living with severe hearing loss, I had no issue learning and keeping up in the Judo and BJJ classes. Instructors were quick to show me where to best see the moves and even other students chimed in to give me the best places to see and hear with what little sensory input I had. I walked out of each class feeling like I learned a lot. I've been to other gyms before I had vision and hearing problems, for years. The gym’s culture and business model is superb.

I was in town for a couple of days and reached out to several BJJ gyms in the Chicago area. Coach Jason was the only one who responded promptly and went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. From the moment we walked in, the community made us feel not just welcomed, but truly part of their family. The gym is clean and well organized, and the classes are well structured. My 9-year-old son and I both had an amazing experience and a lot of fun training here.

I was lucky to attend a workshop at BMAF and I was welcomed with open arms into this clean and accommodating space. Coach Jason and his team is laid back and super friendly. Highly recommend dropping in for class—especially for the cool “city vibe” artwork and cushy sprung mat spaces, and convenient changing areas, shower/restrooms…and for those of us from the ‘burbs, complimentary off-street parking with direct access adjacent to the building! Definitely a huge perk! Can’t wait to head back for an open mat sometime. Don’t think twice—go train there.

I’ve been training at Bender Martial Arts and Fitness for a little over a year now, and I can’t recommend it enough. I mainly train in jiu jitsu but I’ve also spent a few months taking Muay Thai classes and both experiences have been excellent. Even though I’m usually one of the youngest people in the jiu jitsu classes, I’ve always felt extremely welcome. The community here is truly special. Everyone is friendly, supportive, and great to be around. Jiu Jitsu is a sport for all ages. I recommend that more young people give it a try since it’s an incredible way to build confidence, stay active, and connect with great people. If you’re younger and trying to find a friendly, supportive place to start training, you’ll feel right at home here. Coach Jason Bender is a fantastic instructor. As a beginner, I really appreciated how patient he was with me, and I’ve seen firsthand how well he coaches people at all skill levels. His teaching style is encouraging and effective. The gym itself is top-notch. There’s plenty of mat space, the facility is always clean, and everything is very well maintained. Whether you’re looking for a great workout, a new hobby, or a welcoming community, I highly recommend checking out Bender Martial Arts and Fitness.