Aries Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Aries Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial arts school in Evergreen Park, Illinois, offering structured training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo. The school serves individuals seeking physical conditioning, self-defense awareness, and competition training, with classes designed to develop technical skill, cardiovascular endurance, and controlled sparring experience. Instruction is led by Head Coach Malik Elliott, a third-degree black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr., and his wife Evangelina “Nina,” a blue belt under Black Belt Armando Reyna. The academy welcomes students of all levels and is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, instructive environment focused on grappling disciplines. It serves Evergreen Park and surrounding communities from its location at 10200 S Kedzie Ave Suite B. The school maintains a perfect 5.00 rating based on customer reviews.

Malik Elliott, the school’s head coach, brings extensive experience from his background as a D1 collegiate wrestler and NCAA qualifier, with multiple All-State honors in Illinois. He competed for four years at Boston University, where he earned a dual degree, before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the original Carlson Gracie Jr. academy in Old Town Chicago. There, he became a two-time IBJJF gold medalist and competed in numerous Midwest tournaments. He also trained in mixed martial arts, winning both of his fights via submission. His coaching philosophy emphasizes optimizing technique, cardio capacity, and competitive performance. The academy is owned and operated by Malik and Evangelina, who together cultivate a disciplined yet inclusive training culture rooted in technical mastery and personal development.

Aries Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stands out for its strong leadership, authentic training methodology, and deep roots in the regional grappling community. The school’s consistent presence in local martial arts circles and its focus on high-level technical instruction contribute to its reputation as a trusted training ground. Its location near the corner of 103rd and Kedzie Avenue makes it accessible to residents across Evergreen Park and neighboring areas.