Dan HartJiu Jitsu
Pressure-focused Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rooted in self-defense and core fundamentals. Taught by black belts under Henry Akins. Built for all ages and all levels.
Built on
Real Jiu Jitsu
Founded in 2015 in Woodstock, Illinois, Dan Hart Jiu Jitsu is built on a simple principle: jiu jitsu is for everyone.
At its core, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is about leverage, timing, and technique — not strength or athleticism. Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or sharpening your skills for competition, you'll learn how to defend yourself, move with confidence, and grow through disciplined training.
More than a gym, this is a community. We push each other to improve on and off the mat — jiu jitsu is a lifestyle that makes you stronger, calmer, and more capable in every area of life.
Our
Programs
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Technique and leverage over strength — learn to control, submit, and defend regardless of your size or background. Open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced grapplers.
Explore Adult BJJ
Kids Jiu Jitsu
More than self-defense — we build discipline, confidence, and character. Kids learn to handle themselves while developing respect and resilience that shows up in school and in life.
Explore Kids Classes
Women's Self Defense
Practical, effective self-defense drawn from BJJ principles. Designed for women who want real skills and the confidence to use them in the real world.
Learn More
Kickboxing
High-energy striking classes combining punches, kicks, and movement. A great workout and a real foundation in stand-up fighting for all experience levels.
Explore KickboxingLooking for Private Lessons?
Work directly with Dan or one of our coaches. Accelerate your development, fix specific problems in your game, or get a head start before joining group classes.
What Sets
Us Apart
Technique Over Athleticism
Our system is built on core concepts from Henry Akins including angles, leverage, timing, and hidden pressure. Jiu jitsu should work for anyone willing to learn it. Strength and size may help in many sports, but here precision and understanding matter more.
A Real Community
Hart Jiu Jitsu is a place people want to be. Training partners become friends. Teammates hold each other accountable. The atmosphere is focused and welcoming at the same time. We are serious about improvement, but never about ego. People show up consistently because they feel supported, challenged, and part of something real.
A Structured, Consistent Curriculum
Our curriculum is developed by Dan Hart and Mark Millare and rooted in the technical framework they learned under Henry Akins. Every instructor teaches from the same core system, creating consistency across all classes — from kids to adults, from beginners to advanced. You are progressing through a structured path designed to build real understanding.
All Levels Welcome
From your very first class to competition preparation, our program meets you where you are and grows with you. No experience is required. All you need is a willingness to learn and a little courage to step on the mat. Everyone starts somewhere, and we take that seriously.
A World Class Kids Program
Our kids program is built with intention and structure, designed to develop discipline, confidence, coordination, and respect alongside real jiu jitsu skill. Parents consistently notice the difference not just in their child's performance on the mat, but in their focus and behavior off of it.
Train Hard. Recover Smart.
Students have access to recovery and conditioning tools that support long-term progress — sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, cardio equipment, and strength training. This is more than just a place to roll. It is a place to build resilience.
Real Stories,
Real Results
See Where
You'll Train
Step inside Dan Hart Jiu Jitsu. A premium facility built for focused training, real growth, and proper recovery.
Questions
Answered
No experience is needed at all. Most of our students at Dan Hart Jiu Jitsu in Woodstock start with zero background in martial arts. Our classes are structured to help beginners learn safely and build confidence step by step. You don't need to be in shape or know anything about jiu jitsu to begin — just show up ready to learn.
Not at all. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is built on leverage, timing, and technique — not strength or athleticism. We have students of all ages and fitness levels training here in Woodstock. Many people start in their 30s, 40s, or even later. You'll improve your conditioning naturally as you train, and you'll go at a pace that works for you.
Kids can typically start training around age 4 or 5, depending on maturity and focus level. Our kids program at Dan Hart Jiu Jitsu in Woodstock helps children build confidence, discipline, coordination, and respect in a structured and positive environment. Jiu jitsu is one of the best activities for developing both physical skills and mental resilience.
Yes. At its core, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective self-defense systems in the world. It teaches you how to control and neutralize a larger or stronger opponent using leverage and technique. Our instruction stays true to the fundamentals of real self-defense while also helping students build confidence and awareness.
For your first class, comfortable workout clothes are perfectly fine — such as a t-shirt and athletic shorts without zippers. If you decide to continue training, we'll help you get set up with the proper uniform. The most important thing is just coming in and getting started.
Dan Hart Jiu Jitsu focuses on technical precision, self-defense fundamentals, and a supportive community environment. Led by Black Belts Dan Hart and Mark Millare under the lineage of Henry Akins, our instruction emphasizes leverage and efficiency over athleticism. We're committed to helping every student grow on and off the mat, whether their goal is self-defense, competition, or personal development.
Dan Hart Jiu Jitsu is located in Woodstock, Illinois at 1108 N Seminary Dr, 60098. The best way to get started is by scheduling a free trial class. This gives you a chance to meet the instructors, experience the training environment, and see if it's the right fit for you. Getting started is simple — just reach out at 815-345-4153 and we'll guide you through the process.
When We Train
Questions? Call 815-345-4153 or stop by the gym in Woodstock.
Your First
Class is Free
No commitment. No gear required. Just show up and see what jiu jitsu at Hart is all about.
I've been training at Hart for over 2 years and my 11 year old daughter started training as well just over 6 months ago — it has been an incredible experience for both of us. The coaches are knowledgeable, genuine and super supportive! The community of amazing humans here was welcoming, encouraging and now feel like a second family.
As someone who's trained martial arts all over the planet, this is among the finest gyms I've been to. The culture is best in class — warm, friendly, but serious. Dan, Katie, and Mark set the tone, and their members hold the standard. This is just a world class place. Don't hesitate to visit and/or sign up.
As a 23-year-old woman, I wanted to feel more confident and learn self-defense. The women's-only class helped me get comfortable rolling, learning the basics, and building confidence. I now attend the women's class, mixed kick, and the regular Jiu Jitsu classes — and I absolutely love all of them. I can't recommend Hart Jiu Jitsu enough!
Stopped in for a couple classes and was super impressed. Super clean facility (those spring mats? 🤩) and while I didn't take advantage of the amenities — sauna and cold plunge included — I had an amazing time. Great energy and you can definitely get the work in. If you're in the area it's definitely worth stopping in.