Welcome to
The Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
We are a world class Jiu Jitsu school in Northfield, IL. We offer world class jiu jitsu instructions for both kids and adults in a healthy, clean, and safe environment. We trace our lineage to the founders and masters of Jiu Jitsu such as Master Mitsuyo Maeda, Master Carlos Gracie, Master Helio Gracie, and Master Carlson Gracie.
Clean & Safe Environment
Our facility is meticulously maintained with professional-grade mats, climate control, and rigorous cleaning protocols to ensure a healthy and safe training environment for all students.
Modern Facilities
Train in a spacious, well-equipped gym featuring dedicated training areas, changing rooms, and all the amenities you need for a professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience.
Welcoming Atmosphere
From your first day, you'll feel at home in our supportive community. We foster a respectful, family-friendly environment where everyone can thrive and grow together.
Professor Ashur Darmo
Ashur Darmo is a true product of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—not just in skill, but in heart, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Born and raised in Chicago, Ashur grew up in a world of struggle. Abandoned by his father and raised by his immigrant grandmother and single mother, he witnessed firsthand the hardships of poverty and the sacrifices made to survive. Unlike many athletes, he never had the opportunity to play organized sports as a child. But when he discovered Jiu-Jitsu at fifteen years old, he found his purpose.
From the moment he stepped onto the mats, Ashur refused to let his circumstances define him. Without a car, he walked, took the bus, and rode his bike—rain or snow—to get to training. He never made excuses. He never let hardship slow him down. Jiu-Jitsu didn't just teach him how to fight—it empowered him to take control of his future.
By sixteen, he was already competing at the national level against adults, proving his talent and unbreakable mindset. Just seven years later, he earned his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—a testament to his work ethic, discipline, and refusal to quit. To further his journey, Ashur went on to train and teach at KINGS MMA in California, working alongside UFC fighters like Beneil Dariush and other world-class athletes, sharpening his skills in Jiu-Jitsu, striking, and MMA.
Determined to reach the highest levels of the sport, he moved to Los Angeles to train under the legendary Romulo Barral at Gracie Barra Northridge, immersing himself in one of the most elite training environments in the world. His dedication led him to face and defeat USA Wrestling Olympians in Jiu-Jitsu, capture a Pan American Championship, and prove his dominance on the mats. FloGrappling ranked him #12 in the world in IBJJF Adult No-Gi, solidifying his place among the sport's elite.
Now a 2nd-degree black belt at only 31 years old, Ashur has spent half his life on the tatami, transforming not just himself, but those around him. His academy in Northfield, Illinois, is more than just a gym—it's a place where underdogs become champions, where excuses don't exist, and where those willing to push themselves will find the strength they never knew they had.
The Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands as a reflection of Ashur's journey—built on grit, humility, and the belief that greatness is earned, not given. Every student who steps through the doors becomes part of a lineage defined by perseverance, discipline, and self-mastery.