Crimson Guard Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
About
Crimson Guard Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, with a coaching team that brings both technical expertise and high-level competitive experience. The gym features a clean, spacious facility with diverse class options suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Instructors like owner Matt Giancarlo, a 1st degree BJJ black belt, and UFC veteran Joey Gilbert provide expert guidance across disciplines including no-gi wrestling, catch wrestling, and MMA, ensuring students receive well-rounded martial arts education.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Crimson Guard as the best jiu jitsu academy around, with reviewers highlighting Matt Giancarlo's excellent teaching for both new and advanced students. They describe a clean, spacious facility with plenty of class options where everyone seems happy to train. Multiple parents specifically mention how skilled and patient the instructors are with children, helping kids improve not just technically but also in self-confidence while maintaining a supportive environment. Reviewers emphasize the strong sense of community and the perfect balance of challenge and support that allows students of all ages and skill levels to thrive.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
S Sullivan
a month ago
Best jiu jitsu academy around. Love it here, always something new to learn each day and plenty of people to train with for all experience levels. Great for beginners to learn and get good quickly.
vanesa reyes
a year ago
My son has been attending classes at Crimson Guard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and we couldn’t be happier. The facility is clean and the instructors are skilled and great with kids. My son has improved so much since starting—not just in his techniques and coordination but also in his self-confidence.The instructor pushes the kids to reach the next level while maintaining a supportive and encouraging environment. We also love the strong sense of community here. Highly recommend.
Phil Parker
a month ago
This sure is a good place to learn real jiu jitsu at. Matt is a great guy and does a really good job with new students and advanced students. If you want to be serious and have a serious instructor that will really teach you look no further. 5 stars.
Rick W
a month ago
If you are looking for a solid place for jiu jitsu either for kids or adults this is your spot. Big and clean facility. Really good classes. Everyone is happy there and lots of class options.
Alejandra Saenz
a year ago
Crimson Guard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent gym that combines expert instruction with a welcoming, family-friendly environment. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and know exactly how to push kids like my 10-year-old son to reach their full potential while building confidence and discipline. The perfect balance of challenge and support creates a space where students of all ages and skill levels can thrive. If you’re looking for a place that values personal growth and community, Crimson Guard is the perfect choice.
Contact
4640 W 103rd St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:15 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Matt Giancarlo
Owner & Lead Instructor
1st degree BJJ black belt, 7-1 MMA record
Owner & lead instructor. Began BJJ in 2006, awarded black belt by Marc Laimon. 7-1 MMA record with 7 finishes. Trained with notable fighters and coaches.
Joey Gilbert
No Gi / Wrestling Instructor
4x IL state wrestling champion, UFC veteran, ADCC 3rd place
First 4x Illinois state wrestling champion (161-1 HS record). UFC veteran, ADCC 3rd place finisher. Teaches no gi submission grappling and wrestling.
Erick Bucio
BJJ & MMA Instructor
BJJ purple belt, 3-1 MMA record
BJJ purple belt, 3-1 MMA record. Instructor for Cook County Sheriff's academy. Assistant coaches competition team.
Eddie Zepeda
BJJ Instructor
BJJ brown belt
Brown belt from Team Fumaca Academy. Teaches Monday BJJ class. Over a decade of BJJ experience in competition and coaching.
Dan Stittgen
Catch Wrestling / MMA Instructor
UFC & Bellator veteran, former UCL Welterweight Champion
UFC & Bellator veteran, former UCL Welterweight Champion. Teaches catch wrestling on alternating Thursdays. Over 20 professional MMA fights.