★ 5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Jiu Jitsu Wonderland + The Perfect All-In-One Gym Experience + Exceptional Staff.

1801 Gym is so nice it made me suspicious. How does one place have açaí bowls, great coffee, cryotherapy, world-class jitsu, and a red-light sauna with a grounding mat?

If I lived closer they'd need a spatula to pry me off the floor every day. The facility itself is super clean, the BJJ room looks NASA designed, and the amenities are more costa-rica wellness retreat than regular gym.

The jiu jitsu gym deserves its own shout-out — I train all over the world and this is hands down the most modern and well-equipped BJJ space I’ve ever seen. The lighting/timer system, elevated spring mats, industrial/modern vibe, the tunes… everything is *chefs kiss. The grappling culture Jeff's established make it very obvious why UFC vets and novices alike train here.

The cherry on top is Kat at the front desk. Her excitement about the space was contagious; you can see it in the way she lit up for every person who walked through the door. With a physical space this nice, I was expecting there to be a catch — like, “alright, the gym is beautiful but surely the staff is going to be a bunch of B holes.” WRONG. Kat is rockstar - I was tempted to sign up twice just to support her energy.

If self-care had a headquarters, it would be 1801 - can't wait to go back.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best place to train BJJ in Evanston.

Source: Google

★ 5

great facilities and staff. Been with Jeff Serafin from Serafin BJJ for over 15 years and have nothing but great things to say: high quality bjj and coaching that produces champions, plus a great welcoming atmosphere. Best community I've been a part of.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in the area. The best jiu jitsu, normal and welcoming coaches and clean facilities.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very pleasant experience trying a candlelight yoga class w Jane Alexander. Really enjoyed it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Jane's Hot Yoga Class was exceptional today - she asked what we need to work on most and oriented the class to work on these areas. Just amazing. As a paddle player, I need my legs and hips stretched which was the focus today. Thank you Jane

Source: Google

★ 5

I want to give a huge shoutout to Camilla at Gym 1801. In the jiu-jitsu world, she’s known as a star athlete and fierce competitor—but she’s also the kids’ jiu-jitsu instructor. The other day, near the end of class, my daughter had a little mishap and needed some extra care. Camilla went above and beyond, showing her such genuine kindness and TLC that my daughter quickly recovered and bounced right back to her normal self. That kind of energy is what makes Gym 1801 so special: world-class training paired with a culture that truly cares for you like family.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Stopped by for Friday night open mat a couple times, super welcoming and fun rolls! Definitely would recommend checking it out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing classes, fantastic staff, gorgeous and clean facilities!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been working out here since March of 2025. Brian Baker is an amazing personal trainer. My goal was to regain the fitness I had lost after an ice-skating accident in January that left me with a broken left arm and left leg. Brian really understood where I was physically and tailored his approach to both my physical condition and my age. I’m now fitter than I have ever been in my life. And I so enjoy working out that I joined as a member in July so I can also take advantage of fitness classes. Annie Bayliss’s Unbreakable class on Wednesday mornings is the best way to start a day. And the cryotherapy is amazing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve really enjoyed the classes I’ve taken at Gym 1801 over the past few months. The instructors are outstanding, and the class offerings suit every interest: yoga, strength and conditioning, kickboxing, pilates, and more. The space is beautiful, especially the yoga and pilates studio. A fantastic addition to the North Shore!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

After years of bouncing locations, we finally have a place we call our home for the Sloths, and this couldn't be any more rewarding. Our patience and loyalty to Serafin BJJ has finally paid off. Jeff is an amazing instructor whose knowledge of BJJ keeps evolving. Even if I moved 25 miles away, i still come here to train. Im very proud to be part of this team. A world class gym in the northshore that offers a lot of classes that will certainly fit your athletic needs, from training, to recovery to shower to healthy refreshments , all under in one roof.

Source: Google

★ 5

Five stars all around.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Needed a kick start to get back in gear - Brian is that guy. The personal training has been amazing in my health journey and cannot recommend him and this gym enough. Its modern, super clean and has positive vibes.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great looking gym with excellent atmosphere, but mainly great because of JiuJitsu by Serafin : )

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym with great people. Brian is the best personal trainer. My friend and I have been going twice a week since February and I never felt stronger or had better mobility. I love the vibe of the gym and what it offers.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been taking personal training sessions with Brian for about 9 months and he’s great. My golf has improved significantly, he has worked on my posture and flexibility. Amazing results… 1801 you rock!

Source: Google

★ 5

Jane was wonderful. She brought so much knowledge and information to the workshop. I loved it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Gym 1801 is a fantastic place to workout and recover! They offer a nice range of small classes in beautiful facilities (everything you need is there-towels, nice shampoos etc.). I love the boxing classes, strength classes are super challenging and yoga rounds it all out. All the coaches have been really great. It's really nice to have a sauna to use and optional add on recovery things like red light and cryotherapy. For me the gym is the perfect size-big enough to have a good variety of class options, but not so big it feels like a workout factory.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve had such a great experience here! All the trainers are super friendly and motivating, and the gym itself is really nice and brand new. The classes are definitely challenging but in the best way possible. Highly recommend 1801!

Source: Google

★ 5

Incredible! Legitimately the nicest Jiu jitsu training facility I’ve seen in 17+ years of combat sports experience. Jeff is an amazing instructor with attention to detail rarely seen. The coffee and smoothies are great and what a beautiful building to enjoy in! Locker rooms are designed so cool with art deco and modern touches. 5/5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ali is such a nice guy who really just wants to make everyone happy. I highly recommend!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I got the opportunity to drop into their BJJ comp class this Friday.

Was totally floored at how aesthetically pleasing the entire facility was. Looks totally professional, well thought out, and very pleasing to look at. I have never seen such a good looking BJJ gym/mat space in my 9 yrs of training.

The instructor, Jeff Serafin, was very welcoming and freely shared some of his own techniques after class. Super high skilled black belt as well. The other practitioners were also all very skilled, controlled, friendly, and safe.

Had a great time; I just wish it was closer so I could train there more often.

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best facilities in the country. Welcoming atmosphere and world class training. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned competitor, you will enjoy training there. Thank you for having me!

Source: Google

★ 3

Source: Google

★ 5

The BJJ instructor Jeff is truly an incredible world-class teacher as well as a chill, wholesome man. On top of that the gym has outstanding amenities. When I'm in the women's locker room I feel like I'm in spa 😊❤️🙌

Source: Google

★ 5

Really great facilities and a friendly staff. If you’re looking for BJJ you won’t find better, Jeff Serafin is an amazing coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

Sweet spot to get all your training done. Great state of the art equipment and recovery for just about anyone. This is a must if you are in Evanston.

Source: Google

★ 5

Gym 1801 offers a perfect blend of fitness and Jiu-Jitsu classes that can help anyone at any level reach their goals. All of the fitness and BJJ instructors are friendly, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.

Source: Google

★ 5

Serafin BJJ at Gym 1801 is the best in the North Shore. World class instruction and training, infinite mat space, and spa like amenities to have an amazing overall experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

A truly one-of-a-kind facility with world class amenities and instructors!

Source: Google

★ 5

From the ground up, Everything from instructors, staff, amenities, gym culture, training equipment and environment are all top notch at this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best jiu-jitsu gym in Illinois, if not the Midwest, hands down. First class facility and world class instruction. What more could you ask for?

Source: Google

★ 5

Incredible facility located in the northern suburb of Evanston. The Amenities are beyond amazing, the space is spectacular, but best of all the staff & ownership are some of the greatest people you’ll meet. If you’re looking to improve your general health, make new & endearing friends along the way, & be a part of an outstanding community, come check out Gym 1801.

Source: Google

★ 5

A wonderful facility and community. The jiu jitsu gym is top notch and the ammeneties are incredible. It's in a great neighborhood plus close to all the public transit: divvy bike, bus stop, cta stop, metra stop. It's perfect.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing new facility and an awesome jiu jitsu community

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing facility with amazing coaches

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google