Wrecking Ball MMA

Fantastic experience: I have trained brazilian jiu jitsu ("BJJ") here for the last couple of years, and all of my kids study BJJ here as well. The school offers classes in: BJJ, No Gi/submission grappling, Muay Thai, Western Boxing, and MMA. The school also offers personal training. I can't speak highly enough of the owners/instructors, Scott Goddard and Brian Blackburn. Scott (A BJJ and Judo Black Belt) teaches BJJ/Submision Grappling and MMA, and Brian teaches Muay Thai and MMA. Both have extensive training and experience as both competitors, trainers, and coaches. Though I am primarily a BJJ practitioner, I have taken every class at Wrecking Ball, and they are all great. Students learn excellent technique in a motivating environment. Though injuries may sometimes occur in any martial arts academy, the classes are taught and run in a very safe manner. There are men, women, and kids from all sorts of backgrounds who train and work out at Wrecking Ball. There are kids as young as 5, teenagers, and adults (20's to 50's). Although there are amateur and professional MMA and Thai fighters who train at the Academy, the majority of people are ordinary folks from all different walks of life. The school is very friendly, and bad (i.e., unsafe and inappropriate) behavior is not tolerated. My entire family has trained at Wrecking Ball, and I can say truthfully that it is a family-oriented place. The facilities are spacious, and the equipment is in great shape and meticulously maintained. The grappling mats (where I spend most of my time) are sanitized daily. The trainers are experienced and emphasize stellar technique. What I like about the place is that it offers something for just about anybody looking to practice martial arts. If you want to just do something different and get in shape, you can certainly do that here. If you want to compete every once in a while like I do, the instructors and students can help you there as well. If you have the guts and determination to be an amateur or professional MMA fighter, there is a place for you here. Of special note for parents, the school has a great program for kids and teenagers. There is a BJJ class for 5-8 yr olds on Saturday, and there are BJJ classes and Muay Thai classes for 8-13 yr olds during the week. My wife and I really love the kids instructors. They teach solid fundamentals in a fun, safe way. In sum, Wrecking Ball has become a pretty big part of our lives, and I give the place my unqualified and highest recommendation as a place to learn the above-referenced martial arts.

Fantastic experience: Wrecking Ball MMA is a great gym! The people that attend are friendly and welcoming, and the space is clean and well organized.

Fantastic experience: Great for all ages and very friendly environment! Highly informed and experienced instructors. You won't regret it!

Fantastic experience: Great place to train or get a real good workout. The coaches work with all skill levels and try to make you feel comfortable if you're new to everything. It's a friendly environment. Love going here.

Fantastic experience: Best staff for teaching EFFECTIVE martial arts. From training for a professional fight (Western boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ/no-GI grappling, MMA) to child classes. You need no prior experience to join.

Fantastic experience: The coaches are approachable, skilled and give excellent instruction. The classes are diverse, so you can cross-train with all sizes and skill levels. A true team environment for both pro and amateur to grow in! I really love going here!

Fantastic experience: An absolutely top notch, world class place to train! I've trained other martial arts in my life and always wanted to learn Muay Thai. It was amazing to work with Coach Clint, Coach Carlos, Coach Sean, and the rest of the Wreck Squad. Unfortunately school and other life commitments forced me to take some time off. However, I would highly recommend this gym for anyone interested in muay thai, boxing, MMA, or BJJ. There is a great mix of beginners, hobbyists, and seasoned veterans. Really good people, no egos, and all dedication. Sawadee krap!

Fantastic experience: This gym is fantastic. Best Muay Thai classes I've been a part of, the people there are nice, and it offers all of the best martial arts disciplines (in my opinion). Great selection, great flexibility with scheduling, great instructing, great value. 10/10 recommend

Fantastic experience: 100% recommend anyone that wants to learn the martial arts. Great environment, great place to learn. Trainers are friendly and knowledgeable. Clint Blackburn shares his vast knowledge, experience and passion that is unparalleled.

Fantastic experience: From the staff to the participants everyone and everything about the class was amazing. I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: Great place to train. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Better than disneyland.

Fantastic experience: Great place to be rather you want to just get in shape or build up skill enough to step into the cage.

Fantastic experience: The best gym I've ever been to! Clint is very knowledgeable, everyone is friendly! Clint lives mma. He's always looking out for your best interests. If you're ever around give it try, you won't be disappointed!!!!

Fantastic experience: The best Muay Thai and MMA training around. Hands down!

Fantastic experience: This place is awesome! Clint and Josh are both excellent and knowledgeable instructors. They are encouraging and approachable. They've cultivated a great environment....the community of students are friendly, patient, and competitive. Whether you're looking to get into BJJ, Muay Thai, or MMA this is a great place!

Fantastic experience: Clint Blackburn is the heart and soul of this place. He is a well thought out, articulate instructor. His gift to convey instructions cannot be understated. I have tried many "MMA gyms" They lack the gentle kindness and good hearted nature that Clint possesses. It is refreshing and a pleasure to learn from him. He has travelled to Thailand repeatedly to learn and train Thai Boxing; as such his knowledge of the art is unparalleled for Northern Illinois. He also really excels and has a deep knowledge at Jiu-jitsu. In addition to standing out at those two art forms, he shows a love and knowledge for Judo, boxing, and wrestling. You may find a single coach in each of those disciplines who might know more, but at that point you are really getting to the upper echelons of each of those. Clint loves them all, and has a great understanding of them each, and their intricacies. He also teaches them all under one roof. Anyways, this is a good place to learn. Clint is a good person hearted person, has acquired a ridiculous amount of knowledge, and is a great instructor, who can somehow make what could be considered hard work into a lot of fun and learning experience. I would definitely recommend it, in comparison to the other MMA gyms I tried