Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore Introduce
In the bustling suburbs of the North Shore, finding a fitness center that goes beyond the typical gym experience can be a challenge. For residents of Illinois, a truly exceptional destination is Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore. This isn't just a place to lift weights or run on a treadmill; it's a community-driven fitness hub that specializes in martial arts, offering a comprehensive approach to physical and mental wellness. Located conveniently in Wilmette, it serves as a central point for those looking to build strength, learn self-defense, and join a supportive network. From absolute beginners to seasoned practitioners, Staley Martial Arts provides a welcoming environment where every individual can thrive.
Unlike a conventional gym, this facility is built on the rich legacy of martial arts, particularly the renowned Carlson Gracie lineage. This means every class is an opportunity for personal growth, taught by highly skilled instructors who are not only experts in their craft but are also dedicated to fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere. The focus here is on world-class instruction, ensuring that every student receives the guidance needed to succeed. Whether your goal is to get in shape, learn practical self-defense, or train for competition, Staley Martial Arts offers a dynamic and engaging path to achieving it. The fact that it is an identified women-owned business also adds a unique and inspiring dimension to its community focus, creating a space that is truly inclusive and empowering for all.
Location and Accessibility
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore is ideally situated for easy access by residents throughout the North Shore and Chicagoland area. The center's address is 123 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA. This prime location puts it within a short drive of many nearby communities, making it a convenient choice for your daily fitness routine. For those commuting, the center offers both free parking in its lot and free street parking, eliminating the hassle of finding a spot before a class. The facility is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensuring that everyone can participate comfortably.
Services Offered
The core of Staley Martial Arts' appeal lies in its diverse and specialized services. The programs are designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests, providing a holistic approach to fitness and martial arts. Here is a breakdown of the key offerings:
- Martial Arts Instruction: As a premier martial arts school, they provide a wide range of disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Wrestling. The instruction covers both fundamental techniques and advanced applications.
- Boxing and Kickboxing: For those interested in striking, the gym offers dedicated classes in Boxing and Kickboxing, focusing on technique, conditioning, and footwork. This is a great way to improve cardio and power.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Programs: BJJ is a major highlight, with classes for all ages and skill levels. These include specific beginner programs, BJJ classes for children and women, and a Fundamentals Program to build a strong foundation. The world-class instruction is central to their BJJ offerings.
- Fitness and Self-Defense: Beyond traditional martial arts, the center provides physical fitness programs and cardio fitness classes. They also host women's self-defense programs, empowering individuals with practical and effective self-protection skills.
- Specialized Classes: Staley Martial Arts offers programs tailored to specific demographics, such as children's classes, family programs, and dedicated women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. This ensures a comfortable and focused learning environment for everyone.
- Private Lessons: For those who prefer one-on-one attention, private lessons are available across all disciplines, offering a personalized training experience to meet individual goals.
- Online Classes: In an effort to make training more accessible, online classes are also part of their service options. This provides flexibility for students who may have scheduling conflicts.
Features and Highlights
What sets Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore apart is not just its impressive list of services, but also the unique features that define its community and culture. These highlights make the center a standout choice for fitness in the Illinois area.
- Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: Customers consistently praise the gym for its welcoming atmosphere. As noted in a customer review, it's a "very welcoming environment even for total beginner like myself." This is a key feature, as it can be intimidating to start a new physical activity, and the supportive community here helps ease that transition.
- Experienced and Knowledgeable Instructors: The instructors are a major highlight, described as "incredibly knowledgeable and experienced" by a student. They are dedicated to providing constructive tips and guidance, ensuring every student, regardless of skill level, feels supported and encouraged.
- Community and Support: More than just a gym, it is a "great gym with great people." The facility fosters a strong sense of community, with students and instructors alike being "encouraging and helpful." This camaraderie is a significant motivator for long-term participation and success.
- Accessibility and Amenities: The center is committed to being accessible to all. Beyond the wheelchair-accessible features, it also includes a restroom and offers onsite services. The commitment to a transgender safe space and being LGBTQ+ friendly further emphasizes its inclusive nature.
- Flexible Payment Options: For convenience, the center accepts a range of payment methods, including credit cards and debit cards. They also offer a family discount, making it more affordable for families to train together.
- Additional Programs and Benefits: The center offers a Free Trial Class, allowing prospective members to experience the environment before committing. This, combined with the comprehensive martial arts instruction and emphasis on physical fitness, makes it a valuable resource for the community.
Contact Information
To learn more or to schedule your first visit, you can contact Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore using the following information:
- Address: 123 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA
- Phone: (847) 242-1305
- Mobile Phone: +1 847-242-1305
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing a fitness center is an important decision, and for residents in Illinois, Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore stands out for several compelling reasons. Its foundation in the Carlson Gracie lineage brings a level of legitimacy and tradition that is rare to find. This isn't just about getting a good workout; it's about learning a disciplined and effective martial art from world-class instructors. The gym’s ability to cater to a wide range of needs—from children’s classes and women's self-defense to competitive BJJ training and private lessons—makes it a versatile and comprehensive choice for the entire family.
The supportive and welcoming community is arguably the most significant factor. As echoed in customer testimonials, the environment is one where even total beginners feel encouraged and motivated. The amentities, including free parking and accessibility features, ensure a seamless and stress-free experience from the moment you arrive. The blend of a professionally run institution with a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere creates a perfect balance that fosters personal growth and lasting friendships. Whether your journey is to become a high-level competitor, to build confidence through self-defense, or simply to find a new and exciting way to stay in shape, Staley Martial Arts is a "hidden gem in the suburbs" that provides a positive and rewarding path forward. It is more than just a place to train; it's a place to belong.
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore Services
Martial Arts School
- Boxing
- Jiu-jitsu
- Judo
- Karate
- Kickboxing
- Kung fu
- Mma
- Muay thai
- Taekwondo
- Tai chi
- Wrestling
- BJJ
- Beginner Programs
- Bjj Classes
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Cardio Fitness
- Children's Classes
- Family Classes
- Family Program
- Fitness Classes
- Free Trial Class
- Fundamentals Program
- Jiu Jitsu Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Kids Bjj Programs
- Kids Gi Bjj
- Martial Arts Instruction
- Online Classes
- Training Class
- Women's Self-Defense
- Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Women’s Programs
- World Class Instruction
- self defense
Physical Fitness Program
- Private lessons
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Onsite services
- Online classes
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Assistive hearing loop
Amenities
- Restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Family discount
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore Photos










Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore Location
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore
123 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I’ve been training here for the past year, and it’s truly a hidden gem in the suburbs. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, but the environment is also welcoming and supportive for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll find top-tier instruction and a great community. Highly recommend!
February 07 · Andrew GordonVery welcoming environment even for total beginner like myself. Instructors and students are all encouraging and helpful with constructive tips. Great gym with great people.
March 03 · Akiva UngarWe were able to attend Staley with my 3 year old daughter. We were very pleased with the treatment we received from the sensei and Laurie for our Little one's first Jiu Jitsu class. They were very patient and encouraging with my daughter. They were very good at getting her to engage and understand what they were teaching. She learned very fast and had a ton of FUN! They made us feel at home and welcomed which was very important. Because, as a black family it's terrifying having to worry about whether your child will be welcomed into certain spaces. At the end of the class Laurie laughed with us and explained the importance of martial arts and the unlimited benefits of having a young child learn it. Unfortunately their class schedule were being temporarily changed from Saturdays to Mon&Wed due to competitions, which was not good for our schedules :( ....we also will be moving shortly so could not continue with Staley. I would definitely recommend Staley to everyone and I truly wish we could take this whole school with us when we move.
May 25 · Jennifer RichardsI cross train and drop in at various schools when I’m traveling, which is fairly often. I also travel a lot to cross-train since I’m a woman and sometimes it’s difficult to find other female training partners or training partners that are closer to my size. It’s not always easy to find somewhere to train that 1. is open to people dropping in 2. are women-friendly, and 3. are a good fit in terms of vibe and culture.I was referred to Staley through a family member. It was a little further than I’d wanted to go from where I was staying but thought I’d give it a shot anyway. I am SO glad that I did! Before I even had my first class, I had another woman reach out to me to let me know what days she would be training so we could coordinate and try to train together. my first class was just me and the coach/owner who walked me through what they do for warmups and the drills they had been working on so I wouldn’t be caught off-guard in the bigger classes. Every person came up and introduced themselves to me to welcome me when I walked in to train with the bigger class. And I felt totally safe rolling with everyone, which is a very high bar since I’ve been injured a few times. And of course, the content of the classes were top notch - easy to follow but with enough details that even as a purple belt I was having “aha!!” moments.Could not have better things to say about this school, and I’m very excited to have a new home school to train at whenever I’m back in the Chicago area to see my fam!
January 04 · Nicole DeFranciscoI found Staley in 2018 when it was a small street corner gym near ETHS. They immediately got me interested in BJJ and trained me in the basics step-by-step. Since then, their family has grown into a wonderfully complex operation of learning for beginners and advanced students alike, with a handful of very experienced instructors. They won't just put anybody in that position and let them teach; each instructor that has taught me has a wealth of knowledge, competition experience, advice, and overall great personality and perspective on life. A great place to start learning self-defense and martial arts; it feels amazing to work hard here and see it pay off. Go Staley! :)
June 05 · Mattias V.
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