Lake County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Martial Arts & Fitness for All Ages!
(847) 495-2557
Categories
Blog

First-Week Wins: How BJJ Friendships Start Fast in Lake County

September 19, 2025 by Lake County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Parents in Mundelein, Vernon Hills, and Grayslake tell us the same thing after week one: calmer drop-offs, kids focused after school, and more smiles walking out. Keep those wins going by leaning into the thing BJJ does better than almost any activity: instant, mission-based friendship.

Here’s the pattern. Two kids partner on a drill. They try the move, fail, fix, try again, and nail it. Then they laugh. Common interest first, conversation second. That shy 10-year-old from earlier? She came in silent and left talking about grips with her partner. This is textbook peer effect: specific friendships and broader acceptance by peers shape motivation and the quality of sport experiences. Frontiers

It’s not just “nice to have.” Studies connecting sports and prosocial behavior show that activities including martial arts can foster positive social behaviors when they’re coached well and emphasize cooperation. PMC And social connection is sticky: kids are more active when their friends are active, which is exactly what you want heading into fall. Society of Behavioral Medicine

How to keep momentum in Mundelein:

  • Invite a school friend who could use a fresh start this year.

  • Keep your two class days protected; treat them like a standing appointment.

  • Celebrate small wins on the drive home: “What did you fix today?” beats “Did you win?”

LCBJJ serves families across Lake County with age-appropriate classes (4–7 and 8–12), a supportive team culture, and coaches who care about the person, not just the technique. If your child needs a community built on effort, respect, and shared goals, BJJ is a strong fit.

Visit us: LCBJJ, 108 Terrace Dr., Mundelein, IL 60060. Phone: 847-495-2557
Invite a friend to an Intro →Click Here to Book Your Free Intro Lesson

Key Take Aways:

  • BJJ friendships form around shared tasks: try, fix, succeed together.

  • Confidence grows when kids connect over doing, not performing.

  • Keep momentum by protecting your two class days.

  • Invite a friend who needs a positive start to the school year.

  • Celebrate small wins on the ride home (what they improved, not if they “won”).

Sources: Peer dynamics in youth sport; prosocial behavior and sport; social connections and activity. Frontiers+2PMC+2