Business Details
Empowering Self-Defense Training in Benton, IL
iQ Jiu-Jitsu is a dedicated self-defense training organization founded on the principles of empowerment, safety, and practical skill development. Our programs are meticulously designed to equip individuals of all ages and backgrounds with the tools to protect themselves in real-world scenarios. For over two decades, our founder, Professor Jared Jessup, has trained military, law enforcement, and civilian populations, leveraging his expertise as a 3rd Degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Gracie Certified Law-Enforcement Instructor. We specialize in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a system that emphasizes leverage and technique over brute strength, making it accessible to everyone. Our curriculum includes BullySafe for children, Women's Self-Defense, Adult Self-Defense, and specialized defensive tactics for law enforcement professionals.Each program is built on a foundation of proven methodologies, including the 4 Pillars of Empowerment for youth and the 5 Pillars of Jiu-Jitsu for adults. We prioritize hands-on instruction, principle-based learning, and worst-case scenario training to ensure our students develop muscle memory and adaptive problem-solving skills. Our law enforcement clients benefit from court-defensible techniques and ongoing support from certified instructors. With locations across the United States, we remain committed to fostering confidence, discipline, and safety through comprehensive, experience-driven education.
Services
Adult Self Defense
Women's Self Defense
BullySafe Program
Law Enforcement Training
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience training military, law enforcement, and civilians.
- Our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu system empowers individuals of all sizes through leverage-based techniques.
- Certified instructors with specialized law enforcement and defensive tactics expertise.
- Court-defensible training programs tailored for law enforcement professionals.
- Principle-based learning ensures adaptability to real-world scenarios.
Associations and certifications
- Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
- G.R.A.C.I.E. Certified Law-Enforcement Instructor
Services
Adult Self Defense
Our Adult Self-Defense program teaches practical Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques for real-world scenarios. Students learn standing and ground defense, striking, takedowns, and mindset principles. Ideal for individuals seeking confidence and safety through a comprehensive, experience-driven curriculum.
Women's Self Defense
This 25-lesson program focuses on predator awareness, standing and ground defense, and sexual assault prevention. It combines situational awareness with leverage-based techniques to help women avoid, survive, and escape dangerous situations through structured, scenario-based training.
BullySafe Program
BullySafe empowers children through four pillars: Bully Awareness, Character Development, Standing Self-Defense, and Ground Self-Defense. The curriculum teaches conflict resolution, friendship skills, and physical defense techniques to address verbal, mental, and physical bullying in school environments.
Law Enforcement Training
Certified law enforcement personnel receive specialized training in weapons retention, restraint techniques, and worst-case scenario defense. The program includes court-defensible methods, MILO simulator integration, and principle-based learning to enhance officer safety and tactical adaptability.
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes focus on positional hierarchy, grappling, and submission techniques. Students develop physical fitness, mental discipline, and practical self-defense skills through structured lessons emphasizing leverage, timing, and strategic control in both standing and ground scenarios.
People
Jared Jessup
Founder and CEO
Professor Jared Jessup is a 3rd Degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with 20+ years of experience training military, law enforcement, and civilians. He founded iQ Jiu-Jitsu in Benton, IL, and holds certifications in Gracie Law-Enforcement instruction and MILO Use-of-Force simulation.
Questions
What self-defense programs do you offer for children?
Our BullySafe program teaches children anti-bullying strategies, character development, and physical defense techniques through four pillars: awareness, standing defense, ground defense, and character building.
Do you provide specialized training for law enforcement officers?
Yes, we offer certified defensive tactics training for law enforcement, military, and security personnel covering weapons retention, restraint techniques, and court-defensible scenarios using MILO simulation technology.
What makes your women's self-defense program unique?
Our 25-lesson program combines predator awareness, standing/ground defense, and sexual assault prevention techniques specifically designed for women, focusing on leverage-based escapes and situational awareness.
Are your instructors certified in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes, our founder is a 3rd Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and G.R.A.C.I.E. Certified Law-Enforcement Instructor with 20+ years of military and police training experience.
What are your training hours for adult classes?
Adult classes run Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-11am, and Friday/Sunday by appointment at our Benton, IL headquarters location.