On Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, Brazil 021 Arlington Heights opened the mats for a free parents and kids class. Instead of watching from the side, parents stepped on the mat and trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu alongside their children. Our Arlington Heights BJJ academy welcomes complete beginners, and your first class is free.
The class was built for families who wanted to learn basic grappling together, get moving and share something their kids already love. Here is how it was set up, and why a parent and child jiu-jitsu class is worth doing.
A Family-Friendly Jiu-Jitsu Class
For kids, jiu-jitsu builds focus, coordination and resilience. When a parent joins in, it becomes something you share. The class was designed for beginners, so no martial arts experience was needed. The hour was planned so families could:
- Step on the mat together
- Learn beginner-friendly techniques
- Practice drills designed for a parent and child
- Build confidence and teamwork
How the Parents Class Was Structured
The class was structured so parents and kids could both learn the basics comfortably:
- A warm-up for all fitness levels
- Simple Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques
- Partner drills between parents and children
- Guidance from experienced instructors
It gave parents a feel for the same training environment their children enjoy in our regular kids jiu-jitsu classes.
No Uniform Needed
Parents did not need a Brazil 021 uniform. Comfortable athletic clothes were all it took. Kids who already train at the academy could wear their gi, and new kids joined in regular athletic clothes.
Why Jiu-Jitsu Is Great for Families
Training together builds a stronger connection and healthy habits. Many families find:
- Better fitness for parents and kids
- Stronger communication
- More confidence in children
- A shared activity that builds discipline
Want to know more about what training does for kids? Read about the benefits of Brazilian jiu-jitsu for kids.
Getting Your Child Started
We share family events like this on our blog and Facebook page. The easiest way to get your child started in the meantime is a free trial class. Kids Class 1 (ages 3–6) and Kids Class 2 (ages 7–11) meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons, and Kids Class 2 also has a Saturday no-gi class from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. The kids class schedule has every time.
Book a free trial class and see how your child takes to the mat.
