Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling and MMA in Countryside, IllinoisGood vibes. Even better training.
Learn from black belt Nick Spacek: 22 years on the mat and more than a decade coaching everyone from first-day beginners to Division I national champions. Kids and adults, gi and no-gi.
- BJJ black beltHead instructor Nick Spacek
- 9× championIBJJF Chicago Open
- 2× medalistIBJJF No-Gi Worlds
- Judo black beltUSA Judo, Shodan
- 12× Fight To WinPro grappling veteran
- 5.0 on Google98 reviews
- Est. 2017Countryside, IL
- UFC veteran on staffShonie Carter
- BJJ black beltHead instructor Nick Spacek
- 9× championIBJJF Chicago Open
- 2× medalistIBJJF No-Gi Worlds
- Judo black beltUSA Judo, Shodan
- 12× Fight To WinPro grappling veteran
- 5.0 on Google98 reviews
- Est. 2017Countryside, IL
- UFC veteran on staffShonie Carter
Four ways onto the mat
Fitness, self-defense, confidence, anti-bullying, competition. Tell us the goal and we'll point you at the right class.
Adult jiu-jitsu
Gi and no-gi, four nights a week plus a lunchtime no-gi class. Fundamentals is open to every level.
- When
- Mon to Thu at 12, 6 and 7 PM. Sat 10:30 AM.
Kids jiu-jitsu
Ages 8 to 13. Discipline, respect and the kind of confidence that makes a kid hard to bully.
- When
- Two afternoons a week, 5 to 6 PM
Intro to MMA
Grappling that holds up when strikes are involved, plus kickboxing with UFC veteran Shonie Carter.
- When
- Tue and Thu at 11 AM and 6 PM
For wrestlers
State champs and D1 national champions spend their off-season here. Sunday wrestling practice, then open mat.
- When
- Sun 9:30 AM. Open mat Fri and Sun.
Your first week is free
Claim your weekTell us you're coming
Fill out the 30-second form or text (773) 707-5191. We'll reply with the best first class for you or your kid.
Show up to a class
Anything marked All levels works. Coach Nick pairs you with the right training partners so day one feels safe.
Train all week, then decide
Try every class on the schedule for seven days. No pressure on the way out the door.
This week at Apex
The full 2026 schedule, right on the page. Nothing to download.
Trained by the best, so he can teach you
Nick has spent 22 years learning from some of the best grapplers in the world, from Marcelo Garcia's academy in New York to ranked UFC fighters at Valle Flow Striking. He opened Apex in 2017 and still competes, so what he teaches on Monday is what works on Saturday.
Wall of fame
Some of the best wrestlers in the country seek out Coach Nick for their jiu-jitsu. You'll be drilling on the same mat.
98 Google reviews and counting.
“My nerves as a girl were instantly calmed.”From a Google review by a first-time MMA and no-gi student
- Beginners feel looked afterReviewers say Nick personally welcomes new people and matches them with the right partners.
- Parents trust the kids classFamilies mention a clean room, respectful kids and real progress.
- Experienced grapplers come to go deeperOne reviewer describes moving to Apex to sharpen wrestling, jiu-jitsu and judo for tournaments.
Before your first class
Do I need any experience to start?
No. Every class marked All levels is built so a first-day beginner can train safely next to experienced students. Fundamentals runs Monday through Thursday at 6 PM.
How old do kids need to be?
Kids Jiu-Jitsu is for ages 8 to 13 and runs 5 to 6 PM. Text us your kid's age and we'll confirm the best day.
What's the difference between gi and no-gi?
Gi classes are trained in the traditional uniform, which you can grip. No-gi is trained in shorts and a rash guard and moves faster. We teach both every week.
What do I wear to my first class?
For no-gi or MMA: athletic shorts with no pockets or zippers and a fitted shirt or rash guard. For a gi class, [LOANER GI POLICY]. Bring water and flip-flops for off the mat.
Come train
51 E. Plainfield RoadCountryside, IL 60525(773) 707-5191Get directions
Minutes from La Grange, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Indian Head Park, Hodgkins and Burr Ridge, and steps from The Functional Athlete.
