# Artistic Jiu-Jitsu School > Chicago, United States ## Overview **Name:** Artistic Jiu-Jitsu School **Description:** Artistic Jiu Jitsu School is a family-centered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Chicago, founded by Pedro Dias and Laura Carvalho. The academy is built on the belief that Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport—it's a tool for personal growth and empowerment for students of all ages. At Artistic Jiu Jitsu School, the mission is to create a safe, welcoming, family-friendly environment where students can build confidence, discipline, and resilience both on and off the mats. The academy welcomes beginners, families, women, and children, with a focus on respect, consistency, and long-term development in an ego-free, supportive community. The training programs are designed to help students grow stronger physically and mentally. Adults can choose from Beginner Basics, Fundamentals, Advanced Training, and No-Gi programs, while kids aged 3-14 are organized into age-appropriate groups: Tiny Champions (3-5), Young Warriors (6-8), and Junior Champions (9-14). The academy also offers a dedicated Women's Jiu Jitsu program focused on confidence, practical self-defense, fitness, and community support. Artistic Jiu Jitsu School fights for a fair world without inequality or bullying, providing opportunities for all citizens to be agents of change in their lives, families, and communities from the very beginning of their Jiu Jitsu journey. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 4413 W Lawrence Ave Chicago, IL 60630, United States **Phone:** +1 773-216-9053 **Email:** artisticjjschool@gmail.com **Website:** https://www.artisticjj.com/ **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisticjjschool/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571696723822 ## Instructors ### Laura Carvalho **Role:** Head Instructor ### Pedro Dias **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Pedro Dias was born in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro on April 13, 1995, growing up in the slum of Santa Maria located on the South Zone of the Marvellous City. Dias’ parents were firm believers that in order to keep him away from gang-related crimes they needed to occupy Pedro with either music or sports. With this in mind, at the age of 4 ‘Pedrinho’ was signed on to judo classes at a local association. The place also provided jiu-jitsu and it didn’t take long for Dias to enroll in those as well (around 1999/2000). Michel Buiú Pereira was Dias’ very first instructor at this aforementioned social project in Pedro’s area. Buiú remained behind this project and in charge of Pedrinho’s tuition for 3 years, a time when he left the association and moved to the United States. Believing in the benefits of jiu-jitsu, in Buiú’s absence, Pedro’s father looked for an alternative. He was friends with the doorman of the well known ‘Escola de Jiu-Jitsu’ – an academy with a big underage squad led by Zé Beleza . Through him, Pedrinho was introduced to the team leader who liked Dias’ demeanor and recognized his talent, deciding to give him a spot in his class. Through common friends, Dias met Sandro Vieira (Sandrinho) and Douglas Rufino (Trator), who ran the classes at Cantagalo’s social project – a BJJ school for underprivileged kids in Cantagalo’s slums – a community close to Santa Maria. The project started by Ricardo Vieira in 1997 had developed several grappling talents including Sandrinho and Trator, but also Alan ‘Finfou’ , Jackson Sousa , Bruno Matias , and many others. Given their similar interests Pedrinho started training with this work-group on a regular basis as a brown belt. The proximity with the Cantagalo team and the competition focus carried by this group led Pedro to leave Escola de Jiu-Jitsu and settle with Vieira and Rufino – who had at the time split from Checkmat to join Caio Terra ‘s Association. It was Douglas Rufino who awarded Dias his black belt on July 15, 2017. Cover photo was taken by William Burkhardt of BJJPix . Pedro Dias vs Mário Leopoldo (2015) ## Programs ### Beginner Basics **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Perfect for new students! Learn essential positions, basic self-defense, and simple techniques in a safe, welcoming environment. ### Fundamentals **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Great for all skill levels. Expand your technique, improve problem-solving, and gain confidence through practical drills and situational training. ### Advanced Training **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** High-intensity sessions designed for students preparing for competitions. Focused sparring and strategy to take your Jiu Jitsu to the next level. ### No-Gi **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi Jiu Jitsu is fast, dynamic, and practical. Training without the traditional gi focuses on body control, grips, and movement - making you a more complete grappler. ### Tiny Champions **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Ages 3-5: Coordination, discipline, fun games, and teamwork for our youngest students. ### Young Warriors **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Ages 6-8: Focus, discipline, basic self-defense, and jiu jitsu techniques. ### Junior Champions **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Ages 9-14: Leadership, advanced drills, jiu jitsu techniques, and confidence building. ### Women's Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Designed to help women feel empowered, strong, and supported. Focuses on practical self-defense, fitness, confidence building, and community support in a safe, welcoming environment. --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/illinois/chicago/artistic-jiu-jitsu-school)