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$179/Month Unlimited Membership

MONDAY: 4PM = AGES 8-13, 5PM = AGES 4-7, 6PM = ADULT BJJ
TUESDAY: 4PM = AGES 4-7, 5PM = AGES 8-13, 6PM = ADULT GI BJJ, 7PM = ADULT BEGINNER BJJ
WEDNESDAY: 4PM = AGES 8-13, 5PM = AGES 4-7, 6PM = ADULT NO GI BJJ, 7PM = ADULT MUAY THAI
THURSDAY: 4PM = AGES 4-7, 5PM = AGES 8-13, 6PM = WOMEN ONLY BJJ, 7-8:30PM: ADULT BJJ
FRIDAY: 6AM = ADULT BJJ, 4PM = KIDS MUAY THAI, 5PM = KIDS BJJ, 6PM = ADULT NO GI BJJ, 7PM = ADULT MUAY THAI
SATURDAY: 9AM = ADVANCED KIDS BJJ, 10AM = ADULT BJJ, 11AM = OPEN MAT
SUNDAY:10AM-1PM = OPEN MAT, 10AM = AGES 4-7 BJJ, 11AM = AGES 8-13 BJJ, 12PM = ADULT MUAY THAI

or 5 Classes for $150!

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Our Story

Staley Martial Art, Carlson Gracie North Shore offers world class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai from top level athletes

Staley Martial Arts was founded by Laurie Jacobs in 2017 in a small space in Evanston, IL. She had a vision of empowering men, women, and children with self-defense skills. The program soon evolved into one of the largest kid’s Brazilian jiu jitsu programs in the Chicagoland area. Growing out of its boutique space in June 2018, Staley moved to its current location in Wilmette, IL. Staley continued to grow, adding judo, women-only programs, and Muay Thai in the spring 2019.

The Brazilian jiu jitsu and Muay Thai programs continued to grow until the pandemic shut down much of the world in March 2020. Staley continued offering classes to a loyal student base by pivoting to online classes. In September 2020, though, it seemed as if Staley would need to close its doors for good; however, through the generosity and kindness of Carlson Gracie Jr himself, Staley was given the support it needed to stay open. As the world began to reopen, so did Staley as it started to rebuild its community.

In April 2024, the Staley Martial Arts business was bought by Anne & Larry Frank. Larry (purple belt) has been a member at Staley since the gym moved to Wilmette in 2018. The new vision is much the same as Laurie’s initial dream: to build a supportive community for men, women and children to develop self-defense skills, discipline and focus. The rebranding of the gym as “Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore” emphasizes the importance of the Carlson Gracie mentality. The Carlson Gracie style focuses on the development of physical toughness, mental resilience, and a relentless, forward-moving mindset. Staley is proudly sponsored by Carlson Gracie Jr, the grandson of the creator of Brazilian jiu jitsu. All of our BJJ instructors are high level Carlson Gracie Team athletes and experienced teachers. Carlson Gracie Jr even comes by the gym to periodically teach seminars to our members at no additional cost.

Our Programs

Adult Programs

All of Staley’s programs are designed to teach every day people real self defense skills while getting in the best shape of their lives! Not sure which program is right for you? Click below for a free consultation!

Kids and Family Programs

Help your child build confidence, strength, coordination and real life self defense skills through fun martial arts classes! Staley welcomes kids 5 into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai (boxing/kickboxing). Looking for a family activity? Enjoy learning valuable self defense skills with your whole family in a safe and comfortable environment. Not sure which class would be best for your child or family? Click below to schedule a free trial class and consultation today!

Schedule Your Trial

Our Classes

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Staley is a Carlson Gracie Team Brazilian Jiu-jitsu School, proudly sponsored by Carlson Gracie Jr, the grandson of the creator of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. All of our BJJ instructors are high level Carlson Gracie Team athletes and experienced teachers. Carlson Gracie Jr stops in periodically to teach seminars at Staley at no additional cost.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, known as the gentle art, is the grappling martial art where a smaller individual can escape/subdue a much larger opponent by the use of leverage/angles rather than brute force. Students improve flexibility, strength, response time and deductive reasoning skills.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is currently the most popular striking martial art internationally. It involves Thai boxing, kickboxing and using elbows and knees as weapons/shields. The combination of BJJ, Judo and Muay Thai give students a well-rounded background for MMA and self-defense.

Self Defense and Circuit Training

Get in the best shape of your life while learning real self defense skills with our Self Defense & Circuit Training class! Each week you will learn new self defense skills combined with an incredible workout making you fit to defend yourself!

Testimonials from the Wolf Pack

Jules Amé

Staley’s teachers helped me overcome difficult situations and boosted my confidence. With Gustavo’s guidance, I got to know myself as I never had. I’ve managed to achieve inner calm and I feel all my martial arts training helped my judgment in real-life hard decision making. I am confident in saying training with him helped me be a better person as a whole.

Carla Scuffi

Staley’s teachers and families always make me feel at home. The instructors are very professional and dedicated. I recommend training here as they have various disciplines and classes for all ages.

Bob Vallaro

This cozy Wilmette’s dojo is a hidden gem. You feel the good vibes on day one.
I’ve been training with Arthur for years now, I knew him before he joined Staley’s staff, but now I feel at home training with him. I don’t even want to leave after the class is over!