Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

So I went to my first class (boxing) at Serafin MMA today after a somewhat extended break. I went in thinking I’d be alright considering my prior training but I was sorely mistaken. The boxing class had the right mix of technique and cardio such that I learned a few new things while getting an insanely good workout. Furthermore, Jeff, the head instructor, was amazing and instrumental in encouraging me to keep my pace up. My gi is on the way from Amazon and I cannot wait to see what the BJJ classes are like!

I’ve been to other local BJJ schools before and none have been as professional and knowledgeable as Serafin BJJ. Jeff is an an amazing instructor who is patient, helpful and always has a smile on his face. The other instructors are equally as knowledgable and approachable.
What I like most is that Serafin BJJ allows you to take BJJ as far as you want. If it’s simply a hobby for you they don’t push you into becoming a UFC fighter. If you want to compete they have the knowledge, technique, training, and strategy to help you do so.
Jeff is extremely well respected in the BJJ community and I couldn’t be happier with Serafin BJJ.

Great facility! Lot’s of mat space! Jeff is an excellent instructor able to breakdown technique and explain things perfectly, definitely none intimidating. The students who train there are really great people of all ages, ethnicity, men/​women and backgrounds who love to train. I definitely recommend this place to anybody who wants to try it out!

I have been coming to Jeff’s classes for very long time now, this is my second family I would say. His is a great instructor and coach and brings together great people that have excellent personalities and diverse backgrounds.

Serafin BJJ is a top notch school and Jeff is an excellent black belt instructor with over a decade of experience. Jeff’s knowledge of the BJJ, grappling and MMA industry is remarkable.
When he is training, Jeff is very hands on and demonstrates each move several times, he is also very descriptive when he goes over the moves, or transitions through the different positions. Best of all, Jeff is a patient and down to earth guy, he treats everyone equally regardless of their belt level, and he also remembers and refers to every student by their name!
If you want to learn or improve your Jiu Jitsu while also being a part of a great group of people — Serafin BJJ is the place where you want to be!

I started training with Jeff Serafin in 2009. I was living in Rogers Park at the time, and Jeff just happened to be the closest Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu instructor to me. It’s six years later, and I’m still thankful for this fortunate happenstance.
Jeff has cultivated a great team and culture. The team is a great mix of people. Some train primarily to compete. Others for fitness. Others for self defense. You’ll find young college students and middle-​aged office types. One thing everyone has in common: a laid-​back and inclusive demeanor.
New students should expect to feel welcomed into class with great care. Jeff runs a great class: he teaches three-​to-​four techniques that take 40 – 45 minutes of time. The remaining 15 minutes is spent drilling the techniques live. Around tournament season, the last 5 – 10 minutes may be spent doing conditioning.

I have been training at Serafin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for approximately 4 years. Having trained at other academies prior to this, I’d like to say that everything at Serafin’s is top notch. Starting with Jeff himself, whether it’s your first day or you have trained elsewhere before, he makes you feel comfortable immediately.
The facilities are top notch, and the schedule is set up so that you have many different options of attending class no matter your work/​school schedule. Jeff’s knowledge, patience, and attention to detail is also second to none. This was apparent to me from my first day. Classes are fun but challenging. You ALWAYS feel a sense of accomplishment and that you’ve learned something after every class.
The rates are very reasonable and no matter the class size, Jeff finds a way to give everyone individualized attention. No question is a «dumb» question.
Ron

The best place to learn Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu in the Evanston area. Friendly atmosphere and top notch instruction.

Walking into a new gym can be intimidating, no matter your experience level. From the moment I entered Serafin Jiu Jitsu, however, I was welcomed and made to feel at home. Beyond being an excellent instructor with a vast wealth of knowledge, Jeff has worked to cultivate an incredibly friendly and positive team environment. No matter your goals — to get in shape, to compete at the highest levels, or even just to get out of the house and do something active with friends — this is a great place to achieve them.

With the popularity of the UFC and MMA, a lot of athletes are running to their local gyms or martial arts shops to learn Brazilian jiu jitsu. Well let me explain why I think Serafin BJJ is the best jiu jitsu in Chicago + the suburbs. While a lot of other schools have top notch instructors locally and we all have a respect for all martial arts, I think what makes Jeff Serafin’s instruction superior is his high level of instruction and his own personal credentials as a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt and pro MMA fighter, the vibe of his classes, and the over environment inside
.
The classes themselves are set up in such a way where they are geared towards anyone and everyone. men, women, teens, weekend warriors, UFC wannabe fighters in the making.
There a lot of students who do compete in things like NAGA, Chicago Open, Pan-​Ams, and amateur and pro MMA fights but if they are in class, no one is sticking their chests out and treats everyone regardless of their experience level with a high degree of camaraderie and helping each other.
The core of the classes involve working different attack and defense techniques followed by some «rolling» and sometimes the class ends with some of the best conditioning workouts I ever had. and that includes my own personal adventures in Muay Thai, crossfit, power yoga, kettlebells, etc.
As an instructor Jeff is very low key without a pompous attitude and teaches the classes in such a way where there is a sense of real synergy and harmony between beginners and more advanced students who help each other out. Even though some of the classes may seem more technically difficult, especially if you have ADD like me, it makes you want to come back for more and improve while literally just having a lot of fun.
Personally, I can say that the health, strength, conditioning, cardio, and overall emotional balancing that you get from his classes makes me feel like I can use Jiu jitsu outside the class and I don’t mean in a street fight way. But having a more relaxed, patient, and strategic thought process in both business and personal situations.
I always like to say that for me personal (and for any fitness aficionado that wants to explore Brazilian jiu jitsu), BJJ is a cross between the ultimate in self defense, functional strength and conditioning, power yoga, gymnastics, judo, wrestling, learning a new language to increase brain power, overall anti-​aging, spiritual growth with a peaceful warrior attitude, and just having a lot of fun for anyone and everyone!