Pure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The Fellowship of the Mat: Pure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Guards the Realms of Body and Spirit Against the Shadow In the shadowed vales of this bustling Chicago sprawl, where the clamor of daily strife—nay, the unseen orcs of doubt and frailty—ever threatens the fragile peace of mortal resolve, there stands a haven forged in the ancient arts of the ground: Pure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, gleaming white as the towers of Minas Tirith, its doors opening wide at 6017 N Northwest Hwy, a beacon for those seeking to arm themselves with the subtle power of leverage and grace. Lo, I ventured there not in the haste of fleeting whim but in the grim knowledge that the Enemy's hosts—sloth, weakness, the petty tyrannies of the self—multiply beyond counting, and one must train accordingly. For the price of commitment (with a free week trial to test the waters, as generous as Bilbo's hospitality), this dojo unfolds like the hidden paths of Lothlórien: classes for kids and adults, strength and conditioning, women's only sessions, all arrayed in a schedule as reliable as the turning of the seasons—mornings for the early risers, evenings for the weary wanderers returning from toil. The instructors, ah, they are the true guardians, elven in their wisdom and dwarven in their unyielding craft. Catherine Fuhro Perret Mitria, owner and head instructor, a black belt forged in the fires of competition, stands as the Lady Galadriel herself—World No-Gi Champion in 2018, Pans No-Gi victor twice over, a bronze at Worlds, her colored belt triumphs a litany of golds from Pans and beyond. She weaves techniques with a competitor's fire, yet tempers them with a mother's gentle insight, guiding even the novice through the tangled webs of guard and pass without a hint of scorn. Nick Mitria, her fellow owner and black belt instructor, a master in the Master divisions, brings the stout heart of Gimli—practical, enduring, his own journey from brown to black a testament to perseverance, owner of BJJ Tees and a voice in the grappling podcasts, he drills the fundamentals with the precision of a Rohirrim charge. I have rolled upon those mats through the daily marches: from the forge of fundamentals to the fields of advanced sparring, the dim halls where partners grapple close, yet always in safety. One sweep—nay, a mere half-guard recovery, under their watchful eyes—dispels the shadow, conquering the common foes of imbalance and hesitation that would otherwise lay siege to body and confidence. The environment burns clean and swift with encouragement, yet leaves no desolation behind; instead, the spirit emerges soothed, strengthened, as though anointed by the waters of Nimrodel. No parched wasteland of ego or injury follows the training; only a safe, friendly, easy-going fellowship, where laughter mingles with the taps, clean and unoppressive, a whisper of renewal amid the long defeat of sedentary ills. These are no mere hobbyists' haunts; they are heirlooms of discipline, fit to pass from white belt to black, from quest to quest. In this age of returning shadows, when every unchecked impulse is a risk and every unchallenged fear a potential Morgul-blade, I commend Pure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to all free folk. It stands as a small but steadfast light—unpretentious, unbreakable, and wondrously transformative. Five stars, and may the Valar preserve your guard as they have preserved mine.

Great place! Detailed instruction always by a black belt with plenty of time to drill and live rolls. 6am class has great attendance with wide range of belt ranks including multiple black belt. Gym is spotless and cared for at all times. Great vibe and welcoming atmosphere creats an enjoyable place to train.

PURE Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an amazing place to train! Catherine and Nicholas are high level coaches with decades of experience, coaching, training, and competing in BJJ. They create a welcoming atmosphere for people to grow, challenge themselves, and come together as a community. I know when I travel and go train in other places, I have confidence in the skills that I have learned through them knowing that what I have been taught has been tested. It is TRUE and effective Jiu-Jitsu not only for sport but for self-defense. They have an awesome kids program that is developing high level youth athletes, but also young men and women of character. I look forward to training with my PURE family every week and am grateful to be a student of Catherine and Nicholas Mitria. Thanks PURE!

We can’t say enough great things about PURE, Professor Catherine, and Professor Nicholas. Our family has been part of the PURE community for about three years, and it’s truly been one of the best decisions we’ve made. Our kids have learned invaluable life lessons, and the Professors do an incredible job encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones while instilling respect and discipline. The sense of community here is second to none. If you have kids and are thinking about joining, don’t hesitate, do it! In addition to the Professors, they have outstanding coaches who connect so well with the kids. And if you’re an adult like me, give it a try, you might just love it!

Pure Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is absolutely outstanding! Professors Catherine and Nicholas are world-class trainers who bring incredible knowledge, passion, and care to every class. The gym itself is amazing—brand new, super clean, and well-equipped. What really sets this place apart is the community. The students and parents truly feel like a family, creating such a welcoming and positive environment. While they provide top-notch instruction for adults, they are especially incredible and stand out with the children. Their patience, dedication, and ability to teach and inspire kids are unmatched. A special shoutout to Efrain at the front desk—he is one of the most attentive people I’ve ever encountered. Extremely knowledgeable, accommodating, and always willing to go the extra mile to help.