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.
EST. 2015
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.
Dan Hart & Mark Millare are 2nd degree black belts under Rickson Gracie black belt Henry Akins — one of the most technical lineages in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Every class reflects that standard.
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 Jiu Jitsu
Ages 16+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
Ages 4–14More 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
Women OnlyPractical, effective self-defense drawn from jiu jitsu principles. Designed for women who want real skills and the confidence to use them in the real world.
Explore Women's Self-Defense →
Mixed Kick
Cardio + StrikingHigh-energy striking classes combining punches, kicks, and movement. A great workout and a real foundation in stand-up fighting for all experience levels.
Explore Mixed Kick →Looking 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.
Meet Our
Black Belts
When We Train
Questions? Call 815-345-4153, stop by the gym in Woodstock, or email [email protected].
See Where
You'll Train
Step inside Dan Hart Jiu Jitsu. A premium facility built for focused training, real growth, and proper recovery.
Don't Take
Our Word For It
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.
Real Stories,
Real Results
Your First
Class is Free
No commitment. No gear required. Just show up and see what jiu jitsu at Hart is all about.
