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Ronin Jiu Jitsu & Judo Academy

5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Orland Park, Illinois

Judo dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule ronin-academy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (708) 629-1800

Hours

Monday 7:30–9:30 PM
Tuesday 7–9:30 PM
Wednesday 7:30–9:30 PM
Thursday 7–9:30 PM
Friday 7–9:30 PM
Saturday 12–1:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at Ronin Jiu Jitsu & Judo Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a great place for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.”

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🧒 Kids Judo 5 mentions

“For perspective, I am a blue belt and my daughter is a solid gray belt.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“If you’re looking for self defense, lose some weight or compete in any grappling art, Ronin is the place for you.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🥇 Olympic Judo

“He’s well known in the Midwest and even around the world after his recent wrestling world championship.”

All dojos that run olympic judo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“You can not only improve your self defense, physical strength and flexibility but also learn valuable life skills like discipline and perseverance.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Ronin Jiu Jitsu & Judo Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 8 mentions

“I absolutely recommend it to anyone trying to start your BJJ path or even if you are advanced, you will definitely enhance your skills here!”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🤸 Wrestling 2 mentions

“The wrestling ran but Tom Higgins is outstanding.”

Other dojos that also teach wrestling →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“You can not only improve your self defense, physical strength and flexibility but also learn valuable life skills like discipline and perseverance.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 10 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a great place for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 4 mentions

“The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a great place for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“You can not only improve your self defense, physical strength and flexibility but also learn valuable life skills like discipline and perseverance.”

From the reviews

I’ve been training since 2011, been to gyms in Wisconsin, Indiana and mainly Illinois. The level of training provided by the instructors at ronin is amongst the best. Angelo and Cole have high level Jiu Jitsu. They both care about their students and make sure you’re drilling things the right way.

★★★★★ — Paul, Jan 2024

We dropped in to Ronin Jiu Jitsu and Judo during a family vacation. For perspective, I am a blue belt and my daughter is a solid gray belt. The professor and coaches were incredibly gracious, welcoming, and offered detailed Jiu Jitsu.

★★★★★ — Howard, Nov 2023

I found Rōnin through a Facebook group after months of searching for a school and couldn’t be happier to have waited to find the perfect school. After a 2 week trial, my little guy was so excited that I was going to sign him up.

★★★★★ — Venessa, May 2024

Ronin jujitsu and judo is truly exceptional. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a great place for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The instructors go above and beyond to ensure that every student progresses and reaches their goals.

★★★★★ — Tomek, Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Ronin Jiu Jitsu & Judo Academy

Ronin Jiu Jitsu & Judo Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at Ronin Jiu Jitsu & Judo Academy

Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Ronin Jiu Jitsu & Judo Academy

15545 71st Ct, Orland Park, IL60462

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.