Chicago Cop Opens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym In Oak Lawn

OAK LAWN, IL — Matt Giancarlo is about to get everyone’s cardio racing when his new Brazilian Jui Jitsu gym celebrates its grand opening Saturday in Oak Lawn.

Crimson Guard Brazilian Jui Jitsu, 4640 W. 103rd St., in the Jewel-anchored shopping center at 103rd Street and Cicero, will offer classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for children and adults, and kickboxing for women. The gym provideds high-quality training instruction for those who want to compete in BJJ tournaments, mixed martial arts, learn self-defense, or simply get in shape. Classes are led by instructors who have successfully competed in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu differs from Japanese Jiu Jitsu (Judo), which practices the art of grappling that emphasizes the use of leverage and timing over strength and speed.

“The goal is to keep fighting to get a submission, either a joint lock or a chokehold,” Giancarlo said. “It’s very similar to wrestling. In Brazilian Jui Jitsu and real life, there is no referee to come in and to tap the wrestler.”

Giancarlo, a 33-year-old Chicago police officer from Mount Greenwood, has trained all over the country with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Matt Lindland, UFC/USA Olympic wrestling coach, Chael Sonnen, one of the UFC’s most famous fighters, and Vinny Magalhaes, UFC/BJJ world champion.

He got hooked on BJJ while on the wrestling team at Marist High School in 2003, with an early intention to pursue mixed martial arts.

“I started watching the UFC in the 1990s,” Giancarlo said. “I rented a UFC 6 VHS tape from Your Video Station in Alsip.”

Giancarlo began his BJJ journey 2006. When he was 20, Giancarlo fought his first cage match at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. He has compiled an MMA 7-1 cage match record, competing at the Hammond Civic Center and the Tinley Park Convention Center.

A ribbon cutting is planned for Saturday, April 30, with the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, immediately followed by a 9 a.m. kickboxing class for women; a children’s BJJ class (age 6 through 15) at 10 a.m., and an adult BJJ class (16 and over) at 11 a.m.

Anyone who signs up for membership on Saturday will receive a complimentary gi, which is required for all BJJ classes (except for wrestling submission), or a set of boxing gloves. For the unsure, Crimson Guard offers a free 3-day trial, which includes three BJJ classes during one calendar week. The gym also offers discounts to first responders, and to siblings for children’s classes.

Classes are held mornings and afternoons Monday through Thursday, and Saturday mornings, with some evening classes. The gym is closed Sunday and Friday, but does off private instruction by appointment. More information is available on the website or by calling 708-566-0169. Keep up with Crimson Guard happenings on Facebook and Instagram.