Reviews of Rothwell Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

I was hesitant about joining an MMA gym without knowing much about it; but everyone at Rothwell is very welcoming, approachable, and quick to introduce themselves to new faces. So far it's been a great place to learn about self-defense, martial arts, and have an intense cardio workout. The instructors consist of active UFC fighters, Jiu-Jitsu black belts, and competitive amateur fighters, so you know they're legit. If you're thinking about checking it out - do it, plus the first session is on the house so you can see what it's like.

Kids are loving it. Staff it extremely helpful and friendly. Would recommend this gym to everyone.

I cannot recommend Rothwell MMA enough. As a complete newbie to MMA, I attended their Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu class on their free pass. Despite not being a member yet, I was welcomed by everyone. The professionals working at Rothwell MMA are experts in their fields and yet they are approachable and patient with new people. Their classes range in size but I have never felt invisible, and individual instruction on technique is always offered. I have been attending for a month now and cannot wait to see where my skillset is this time next year.

This is an amazing gym that literally transforms every day individuals into strong athletes from the inside out. It's a journey to better health and well being, guided by intelligent, educated, devoted people.

Great group of people that make you feel like apart of their family. They find time to work with you individually to improve your skill. Great gym for anyone who wants to learn the art.

I've been going to Rothwell for 3 years on and off and it's great. The quality of the gym has not changed. It's always clean, the instruction is great, and there are no egos. The instructors as well as the gym members are very polite and motivating. I highly recommend Rothwell MMA.

I was looking for a good workout, something fun, something interesting, and something that also gave me some practical skills. I found it at Rothwell MMA. I am really enjoying it here. Being in an older age group I was also looking to be able to work and progress at my own pace, I am encouraged to do that here. The staff is very supportive and this place has a friendly family atmosphere. The programs are very affordable and you are allowed to try each of them out for free before you sign up. I liked it so much I got my son to join too. On top of all that you get to have a World Class Fighter motivate and help train you. What a great combination!

Rothwell Mixed Martial Arts is the best MMA gym I have seen or worked out at. My technique and defense are 2-3 times better after a couple of months at the gym. I had already spent close to two years training at another MMA gym. They offer group classes that truly focus on technique and repetition. I also worked one on one with James B. I can honestly say he assesses where you are at, and finds ways to constantly help you improve. After working out one on one with him for a couple weeks, he offered to take me to grocery store to outline a diet for me to help get in better shape. He did not charge me for this. He merely did it to help me. You are not gonna find that at any other gym. Ben Rothwell himself is in the gym often and teaches dos and do nots. I wont go to any other gym I plan to stay here, and to continually improve until I get my own fights. I feel this gym will give me everything that I need to prepare myself to accomplish my goals in MMA. If you have any interest in MMA, or even thinking about stop in, you will get hooked (no pun intended).

GO BIG BEN!!!

This place is great for anyone, from beginner to black belt, whether you want to work on your stand up with kickboxing or roll with their BJJ class. I've been to a number of dojos and like that the skill level here is superb and everyone is friendly, easy going and willing to help. They teach you according to your skill level, whether you haven't thrown a punch since grade school or you're an experienced martial artist.

Training here is great skills improving also learning foot work. Excellent instructors highly recommend on coming down and checking it out.

Rothwell MMA is the best! I’ve been a member of many gyms over the years but never have I felt as comfortable as I do at Rothwell. A member since October 2014, I felt welcomed from the first time I walked through the door. I have regularly attended Kick Fit classes since becoming a member. Not only do I love the class and what it’s done for me, both physically and mentally, but the people in the class are like family. We laugh with each other, we push each other and most of all we support each other. The trainers, Adrian and James are 2nd to none! They push you to be your best and will call you out when you need it, but they keep the classes fun too. My 10 year old daughter takes Kids Jujitsu and loves it. Not only is she learning a martial art, her self-esteem has improved and she has gained confidence. I would recommend this gym to anyone. There are so many options for classes whether you are looking to get into MMA or want to take a fitness class. For kids and adults, Rothwell MMA is the place to be!

I started training at Rothwell this spring after moving to the area. Everyone is very respectful of their training partner and there is genuine camaraderie with the other students at the gym. I love the BJJ classes With Gilmar. He is very technical and takes time to answer all questions. I also enjoy the kick boxing especially when Ben teaches. He has so much energy and really brings enjoyment to the sport.

Come train with us and get the best MMA training in the area.

I'd been interested in the idea of kickboxing for a long time, more and actively for the last few months, but I was intimidated by going to a gym and being completely outclassed and too out-of-shape. I also didn't know which gym to pick so that I felt comfortable as a woman, not surrounded by a bunch of men who felt exclusive and unaccepting. I'm happy to say that Rothwell made me feel at home right away. I knew within the first few minutes. I can only speak to the kickboxing class, although they offer others. I was given one-on-one instruction for my trial lesson. The adult class was roughly 1/4 women, so I didn't feel isolated. Everything is very clean and there are sterilizing procedures to keep things as nice as possible. The changing/restroom for women is cramped. There aren't any lockers, but there is room enough to put clothes, coats, shoes etc on a large shelf. Otherwise the gym makes really good use of its space, and Jen at the front desk is wonderful for assistance and answering questions. I would recommend Rothwell to anyone interested trying something new--or like me, something I've always wanted to try!

Great people to help beginners! can't wait to continue learning, having a background in some sort of martial arts they have helped me begin transitioning and I've enjoyed every bit of it.

Great trainers & students. Family friendly with world class instruction. Stand up taught by a UFC Verteran Ben Rothwell and BJJ taught by linkage of Rickson Gracie.

I started coming here the day after I graduated from high school. My only regret is not coming here sooner. I heard about Rothwell MMA from a good friend of mine, so I decided to check it out and after the first day, I was gassed out, but wanted more! Whether you do kick fit, kickboxing, or BJJ, you'll go home with a good sweat. Everyone here has different goals, and we all help each other reach those goals whether if it's for good health or to compete. You learn so much here and get welcomed into the familia. Love this place!

Love Rothwell! Very affordable! Enrolled my son in jiu-jitsu and kick boxing and he loves it. Teachers are amazing. Very family oriented and great people! They treat you like family! I even enjoy coming in and hanging out when my son's in class!

When i first joined, i was skeptical. Now, i am completely comfortable. The people are nice, the lessons are relevant, and we even have a pro MMA fighter teaching some of the lessons. You know there's something going right if you have a pro teaching you.

I’ve never been an athlete of any kind and I’ve only checked out Rothwell MMA because one of my co-workers decided to take a look. However, after the first BJJ class, I was hooked. Rothwell MMA is owned and operated by top ranking UFC fighter, Ben Rothwell. So there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the instructions available in this gym are world class. What truly surprised me is the atmosphere of this gym. You truly feel like you are a part of a family when you train here. Rothwell MMA really encourages team work. You don’t feel like you are in competition with your fellow students, rather, you are learning from each other. The instructor for the BJJ class is third degree black belt, Gilmar Ferreira. I am constantly amazed at the attention to detail of his instructions. He is a very hands-on instructor and is very creative in the ways he keeps his students engaged. It has be great learning from him and everyone else in class. After joining Rothwell MMA, my health improved drastically. The gym provides a great avenue to train your body. It also pushes you to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet (Because, if you don’t, you are going to feel it in class). Joining Rothwell MMA has been a life changing experience. My only regret is that I didn’t find it sooner.

I've been going to Rothwell MMA for about 8 months. I couldn't be happier. The gym is run daily by "The Boss" Jennifer Rothwell. Ben Rothwell, yep. .. The future UFC Heavyweight Champion, is the head coach and the main man. He's hands on in the Kickboxing classes. The other instructors include James and Adrian. They are both class acts in their own right. This gym is so much more than that. It becomes your family. From day one you're welcomed with open arms and treated with the utmost respect and class. Everyone is on their own journey and is at their own level of fitness and skill levels. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged every step of the way.

There is something for everyone. Kids Kickboxing. Kids Jujitsu. Adult Kickfit (more on that later). Adult Kickboxing. Adult Jujitsu. And again, all ages and skill levels are welcome!

Back to Kickfit. This awesome program is a mix of bootcamp, cardio Kickboxing, with elements of cross fit. It's a High Intensity Interval Training type of work. We use kettle bells, TRX straps, medicine balls, punching bags, kick bags. This incredible program has helped me drop from 320 pounds down to almost 270. I'm healthier than I've ever been.

I love my Rothwell family and you will too!

This is the best martial arts gym - professional instructors, clean facility, opportunities to advance and compete, and affordable prices.

Used to be 5 mile runs were the only thing to get my fitness high, and refocus/recenter. . . . . . but for the past 4 weeks I've been training in kickboxing classes at Rothwell MMA. I work ten times harder in there and sweat ten times more. In a setting like that you don't want to cheat yourself or slow down in a room of 30 other people. I'm the biggest (fattest) dude in there and don't want anyone to think i'm slacking. Holds me accountable. The instructors include Head instructor and UFC Heavyweight Ben Rothwell, with assisting instructors local 6th grade teacher and mma fighter James Bochnovic and UFCs The Ultimate Fighter 19 participant Todd Monaghan. The atmosphere is friendly and disciplined. There are no egos here. I have never felt better physically and mentally as I do when I leave this gym and walk to my truck to go home after a long day at work. As a long time MMA fan, sometimes it's hard not to geek out at the fact that actual UFC fighters are looking me dead in the eyes and teaching me technique and combos I used to only watch on PPV events. And as a soldier, hitting pads with combos till my arms feel like their going to fall off and my lungs expanding to exhaustion hits my PTSD with a 1, 2, 3, 2, 5, 4 and gives me a sense of accomplishment and peace. I simply signed up for a 3 month summer plan for June through August but can already tell you i'm hooked and will be continuing my training there.

Perfect blend of family atmosphere with pure commitment to developing skills and dedicated training.

When you walk into the gym you will be welcomed by not only the staff but even the students. It is not an intimidating place to workout or train and there are classes for all types of people (beginer to advanced). The classes are taught by pro fighters as well as a UFC vet. The jiu jitsu program is second to none as every class is taught by a 2 X's World Champion Black Belt directly from Brazil who learned directly from the Gracie Family (Rickson). The gym is very clean and it has just about every piece of equipment that you could ask for. There is no other gym in the area like this one and I have been training for 7 years across the midwest. TOP NOTCH to say the least.

Rothwell MMA is a world class gym. For all skill levels. The gym has great equipment. To go with the great instruction you get.

Rothwell MMA is fantastic!! Thiago and Ben say they want their gym to be a family and it truly is! It is worth every penny for my son to go there. The older guys help the younger kids perfect and understand the moves they are learning. I have seen many positive changes in my son physically and emotionally since going to Rothwell.

My name is Violet, I'm 15 years old. My experience at Rothwell MMA is different then just going a gym. Everyone's connected, we all care about each other, because were a family. I grew up with out parents, I was hit when I was younger and left to grow up on my own along with caring for my younger brother. I have a lot of anger, I had no reasonable way to get my anger out then scream, and hit things. I needed someplace, that I felt safe in, I needed people I can trust, and they went above and beyond. Ben, and Jen Rothwell are some of the most compassionate people I have ever meet. Bens classes are unique, he really does want people to be able to get what he is teaching, he cares about his students, and he pushes you to be the best you can; to be at your full potation. I have been here almost two years and I don't want ever want to leave, because this is a family, these trainings are real, there not for the money its so you can learn, and become better and better. jiu-jitsu is amazing, Gilmar is one of the most dedicated teachers, he is hell bend on what he does, I know he would do anything to help people, his techniques are so precise I cant even imagine how long it took him to get where he is. But they are all respected for what they do. I respect them as teachers and as people in general. I wish everyone could have the experience I did.

I've been training at Rothwell MMA for about 2 and a half months but have really gotten committed to learning and taking it seriously for a month now. Best decision I've ever made. Great instruction, nice people....it's an awesome way to get a workout while learning skills for life. I literally started out super out of shape with 0 knowledge and I came to the gym with a lot of reservations thinking I'd just get the crap kicked out of me. I was completely wrong it's an intense workout with fun twists and the instructors cater to your fitness level and experience. Everyone that trains here has a "check your ego at the door " policy. The more experienced folks don't make you feel bad because you're learning, they're happy to help. In addition to helping out rookies like me, you can see the instructors building and grooming elite athletes for intense combat sport competition which is just a cool thing to experience, watch and be a part of. In this past month the Rothwell MMA family has already taught me more about commitment and discipline than any job or school has before. In the last 3 weeks I've quit smoking a pack a day, completely changed my diet and have lost 8 lbs. I feel amazing and thank the crew at Rothwell for that. Now instead of finding a place to work out that's more than just lifting weights and treadmills, I've found a place where I want to keep learning and am hungry for more experience. Someday you may even see me take these skills to the cage. I'd recommend this gym to absolutely anyone. Thanks so much to Rothwells and all the staff and martial artists there. You've got a new lifer. IM HOOKED!!!

Started at Rothwell MMA in Kenosha about six months ago. Previously, I have trained at a number of gyms in the Chicago area, and I can say Rothwell MMA is a truly top-notch facility. World-class instructors teach every class. Rothwell MMA really took my ground game to the next level, and I’m exciting about getting better. The quality of people to work with is great in terms of skill level, size, age, and experience. Also, everybody is really nice/safe to train with, no jerks or bullies. Whether you want to fight professionally or just get in shape Rothwell MMA is a great place.

I started bringing my 13 year old son a year ago! The quality of training they receive is fantastic! They not only teach kids jiu Jitsu, but make them better people. Dedication humility the importance of family and hard work! all while having a great time!

As an older guy trying to train some of these fellas need to calm down. The emphasis on the MMA aspect makes the membership really for "tough guy" types. Not an "Average Joe" like me. I'll be looking elsewhere.