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BJJ for Beginners in Colorado Springs
15 gyms in Colorado Springs, Colorado show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first BJJ class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit or flexible, you won't be thrown into hard rolling, and a patient coach walks beginners through technique with a partner at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some movement drills, and a few positions and escapes learned slowly — most academies lend a gi so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 15 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
2. Tabula Rasa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 152 reviews
“I've had an amazing experience at TABS! The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, and the coaches are top-notch—knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about teaching. One of the…” — Sadie
3. Gracie Barra Colorado Springs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 130 reviews
4. Renzo Gracie Bjj - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 98 reviews
“I was in Colorado Springs for businesses, Avi and this gym was very welcoming and showed great hospitality towards me and the guys I was traveling with. This was a gym that was…” — R
5. Kraken Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 98 reviews
“Kraken is by far the most welcoming bjj gym. Every part of it is right on point from the training to private lessons to the bjj family which you will feel adopted by. Tyler is an…” — Danielle
6. Roll Art Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
“Such a great atmosphere and family friendly environment! Took my daughter to train here while we were on vacation for a week. The instructors were so welcoming and knowledgeable,…” — Tyler
7. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, CSBJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
8. Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
“If you are in search of a bjj gym in Colorado Springs, this place is it. Such a great place to train! The instruction is just amazing, taught by 2 knowledgeable black belts (Dan…” — Erica
9. Wilson Bros. Grappling
5 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
“They have solid bjj program and are very welcoming. There are good rolls and lots of positional sparring, even in the beginner classes. There are a lot of gyms in Colorado…” — Conroy
10. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Colorado Springs
4.8 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
“My son and I started with Rey in the fall of 2020. We love the atmosphere and the instructors and higher belts are super patient and helpful. We also love the diversity of…” — Matthew
11. Mercs Jiu-jitsu MMA Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
“Amazing gym atmosphere and lots of friendly faces! The coaches are attentive, understanding, and will push you to be the best version of yourself without being too overbearing. A…” — Colby
12. Renzo Gracie Colorado East BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 23 reviews
13. Two Wolves Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
“If you're looking for an incredible full-body workout, you have to check out this Jiu Jitsu gym! Coach Jamie is unbelievably knowledgeable and teaches with so much patience,…” — Danielle
14. Mountain Rollers Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
“Mountain Rollers Jiu Jitsu has been a really solid place for our family. Addy, Alec, and Vic are all great instructors and easy to be around. They take the time to work with…” — Bryan
15. OCC Fight House
5 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
“OCC Fight House is an awesome gym with a great atmosphere. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about helping you improve; whether you’re brand new or…” — Daniel
Booking your first class in Colorado Springs: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a fundamentals or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how rolling works. You won't be made to roll hard as a beginner; find out how and when a gym introduces live rolling so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies here lend a gi, so you can try BJJ before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free BJJ trial classes.
Beginner BJJ near Colorado Springs
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