Kids martial arts + ages 7 to 12
Kids Grappling.
Gi and no gi.
Gi and no gi classes, Monday to Thursday at 4:15 PM in West Town, Chicago. Competition classes will be added to the schedule after we open. Presale spots are open now.
Gi + No gi
The method
Two ways to train. One program.
Gi classes use the traditional uniform. Kids learn grips, throws and control with the jacket, the way judo and jiu jitsu have always been taught. No gi classes are the same ideas without the uniform: wrestling, takedowns and grappling that works in a rash guard and shorts.
Your child can train one or both. The curriculum is shared, so what they learn in one carries into the other. As the program grows, we will add competition classes for kids who want to test themselves.
01 + Gi
Gi classes
The traditional uniform. Kids learn grips, throws, pins and submissions with the jacket, drawing on judo and jiu jitsu.
02 + No gi
No gi classes
Rash guard and shorts. Faster and more athletic, built on wrestling and no gi jiu jitsu. The same positions, without the grips.
03 + Coming later
Competition classes
For kids who want to compete. Dedicated classes focused on preparation, matched rounds and tournament rules. Added to the schedule after we open.
How we coach kids
Respect. Discipline. Problem solving.
Technique matters. What kids keep for life matters more. Every class is built around three things.Safety comes first
- Safety comes first
Falling, rolling and tapping are taught before anything else. Live rounds are supervised and matched by size and experience. - Respect
For coaches, for training partners and for themselves. Kids learn to listen, to look after the person they are training with, and to tap and be tapped without ego. - Discipline
Show up, line up, do the work. Every class has the same structure and the same expectations, so kids know what is asked of them and learn to hold themselves to it. - Problem solving
Grappling is a puzzle. Kids learn to stay calm under pressure, think through a position and find a way out. That habit carries off the mat.
Schedule
Four afternoons a week.
Right after school, before dinner. Gi on some days, no gi on others. Come to one class or all four. The membership is unlimited.
| Day | Class | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Kids no gi | 4:15 PM |
| Tuesday | Kids gi | 4:15 PM |
| Wednesday | Kids no gi | 4:15 PM |
| Thursday | Kids gi | 4:15 PM |
| Coming later | Kids competition class | [TBD] |
Classes run [45] minutes. Ages [6 to 12]. [Gi and no gi days to be confirmed before opening.]
Kids membership + presale
$175 / month
Regular rate $200 per month after opening.
- Unlimited gi and no gi classes, Monday to Thursday
- Competition classes included once they are added
- Your presale payment holds the spot and is credited as the first month of training
- No monthly billing until we open
Sibling rate available: info@modograppling.com
Does my child need any experience?
No. Most kids start with none. Every class is built so a first-timer and a kid with a year on the mat can train together.
What is the difference between gi and no gi?
Gi classes use the traditional jacket and pants, and kids learn to use the grips. No gi classes are done in a rash guard and shorts, with more wrestling and movement. The positions are the same. Most kids end up enjoying both.
What should they wear?
No gi days: a rash guard or fitted athletic shirt and athletic shorts with no zippers or pockets. Gi days: a kids gi.
When do competition classes start?
After we open and the regular classes are running. They will be for kids who want to compete and are ready for it. We will announce the schedule to members first.
Is it safe?
Falling and tapping are the first things we teach. Kids are paired by size and experience, and every live round is coached.
Can parents watch?
Yes, There is seating on site. Though we do have a strict no coaching from the sideline policy.
What does the presale actually get me?
A held spot and the presale rate. Your payment is credited as the first month of training when we open. Nothing else is billed until then.
A way forward, for kids.
Hold your child’s spot before we open.