Business Details
21 Years
experience
Empowering Self-Defense & Martial Arts Training in Benton, IL
iQ Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 2005 by Professor Jared Jessup, a 3rd Degree Black Belt with over 28 years of mentorship under Royce Gracie. Our academy specializes in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as a comprehensive self-defense system, serving students of all ages and backgrounds. We emphasize principle-based learning, blending physical techniques with mental discipline to empower individuals in conflict resolution and personal development.With locations across four states, our certified instructors deliver structured programs for children, adults, women, and law enforcement professionals. Our methodology integrates universal principles of human movement, fostering confidence, physical fitness, and emotional balance through rigorous training and mentorship.
Services
Adult Self Defense
Women's Self Defense
BullySafe Program
Law Enforcement Training
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of law enforcement training experience with court-defensible techniques
- Our principle-based curriculum develops practical self-defense and life skills
- Certified instructors undergo rigorous 10,000-hour training programs
- Specialized programs address bullying prevention, women's safety, and officer defense
- Proven track record training multiple police departments and federal agencies
Associations and certifications
- G.R.A.C.I.E. Certified Law Enforcement Instructor
- Gracie Survival Tactics Certified Law Enforcement Instructor
Services
Adult Self Defense
Our adult self-defense program teaches practical techniques using leverage and positioning rather than strength. Students learn to manage strikes, grabs, and weapon threats through structured drills. The curriculum emphasizes real-world scenarios and de-escalation strategies while improving physical fitness and mental focus.
Women's Self Defense
This specialized program addresses women's unique safety concerns through a 25-lesson curriculum. Participants develop awareness skills to prevent attacks while learning ground defense techniques against larger opponents. The course combines physical training with psychological preparation for high-stress situations.
Law Enforcement Training
Certified law enforcement program covering weapon retention, suspect control, and edged weapon defenses. Officers receive court-defensible training with expert testimony support. The five-day immersion develops muscle memory and tactical decision-making for high-risk scenarios.
BullySafe Program
Comprehensive bullying prevention system for children aged 4-15. Students learn social awareness, conflict resolution, and physical defense techniques. The curriculum includes character development components addressing self-control, compassion, and peer relationships through age-appropriate instruction.
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Structured Jiu-Jitsu training for all skill levels focusing on technical proficiency and principle understanding. Classes develop grappling skills through positional hierarchy, submission techniques, and live sparring. Students progress through a defined ranking system while building physical conditioning and mental discipline.
People
Jared Jessup
Founder/CEO
3rd Degree Black Belt with 28 years under Royce Gracie. Developed principle-based Jiu-Jitsu curriculum. Former FBI and military instructor. Holds psychology degree and multiple martial arts certifications.
Elias Everett
Instructor
Brown Belt with 10+ years teaching experience. Overcame childhood bullying through martial arts. Combines technical instruction with life lessons about empowerment and personal growth.
Questions
What self-defense programs do you offer?
We provide specialized programs for adults, women, children (BullySafe), and law enforcement professionals with age-appropriate techniques and scenarios.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we offer $29 trial options for both youth and adult programs with no long-term commitment required.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors complete rigorous 4,500+ hour training programs with ongoing professional development and specialized certifications.
What equipment is needed?
We provide rental equipment for beginners. Our pro shop offers official training gear, uniforms, and protective equipment for regular students.
How do I schedule training?
Contact us through our website or phone to arrange trial classes, private sessions, or group training at our Benton, IL headquarters.
Reviews (6)
Tara Fasol-Chambers
May 22, 2021
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We have had such a wonderful few years at IQ and consider them part of our family. Training together has strengthened us as a family and given us individual skill also. Highly recommended.
Christine Kraft
Feb 04, 2021
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My 5 year old son attended his first class tonight and absolutely loved it! The instructors were very energetic and kept him engaged for the entire class. Highly recommend and he can't wait to go back!
Wanda Chaffin
Jan 22, 2021
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What an Awesome place for your chlid(ren) to learn to defend themselves and learn discipline. The instructors are Amazing. They teach about being respectful, responsibility, patience’s, challenging yourself, achieving your goal(s), helping others achieve their goal(s), about choices, actions and reactions. They handle ever situations with calmness and respect. Complete professionals at all times.
Aliyu Usman Agalawa
Jan 13, 2021
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I never believe it works this way, I was very doubtful about binary trading, I decided to risk $700 with Mrs Helen Karen when i saw testimonies of people on how good she is, I was very skeptical but she proved me wrong when i made a withdrawal of $9000 and I'm so happy now? goodbye to scammers. She is super trustworthy professional. Get up with her directly if you want her set up your trade for you. email. helenkaren443@gmail.com WhatsApp: +1(213)9927124
Andrea C.
Jan 06, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Awesome atmosphere! Everyone is very welcoming and encouraging. If you're nervous about trying it, you'll be surprised how quickly you feel like you're among friends. 2 classes in and i already notice improvement, and can't wait to learn more.
Awesome atmosphere! Everyone is very welcoming and encouraging. If you're nervous about trying it, you'll be surprised how quickly you feel like you're among friends. 2 classes in and i already notice improvement, and can't wait to learn more.
William Horne
Apr 22, 2020
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The instructors at IQ are great. Our kids are having a great time learning from Jeremiah and Spencer. Jared is a top shelf instructor with tons of great knowledge. Highly recommend checking them out.
