How many BJJ gyms are in California?

Our directory lists 1087 BJJ gyms across 350 cities in California. The cities with the most are San Diego (38), Los Angeles (30), Bakersfield (16).

How much does BJJ cost a month in California?

Among California gyms that publish a rate, monthly memberships run about $40–$150 (median around $65). Prices vary by academy and how often you train, and many gyms don't post online — so check the gym's own schedule. Our cost guide breaks down what to expect.

Are free trial classes available in California?

Yes — 629 gyms in California advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro week. It's the low-pressure way to try a class before you commit; confirm the current offer on the gym's site.

Can beginners and kids train BJJ in California?

Absolutely — BJJ welcomes all levels. 768 California gyms are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly, and 984 run kids' or youth programs. You don't need to be fit or have any experience to start, and no reputable gym makes you roll before you're ready.

Do I need to be in shape or spar to start BJJ?

No. You can start with zero fitness base and no experience — the training itself gets you in shape. Rolling (live sparring) builds up gradually and a good gym never throws beginners into it; tapping early and often keeps every roll safe. Drilling-focused fundamentals classes let you build skill at your own pace, and you can leave your ego at the door.

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BJJ Gyms in California

1087 BJJ gyms across 350 cities in California — including 629 with a free trial, 768 beginner-friendly, and 984 with kids' classes. Pick a city for full listings with member reviews, live open-now hours, and the classes each gym runs — or browse the map.

BJJ — the gentle art — has spread from Rio to every corner of America, and California now has academies for every reason people train: a nervous first class, a serious workout, self-defense, kids' and women's programs, or the competition team. You don't need to be fit or experienced to walk in; all levels are welcome — just leave your ego at the door.

Cities in California

Featured BJJ gyms in California

Ranked by what members say — Google rating weighted by review count. See the full best-of-California ranking →

Legion American Jiu Jitsu San Diego - HQ

5 ★★★★★ 2,051 reviews

7550 Miramar Rd #330, San Diego, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 4–14

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team Affiliated welcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academystrong technique & fundamentals

THE ARENA | The Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, MMA & Muay Thai Gym in San Diego

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,368 reviews

3350 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academy

Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu

4.9 ★★★★★ 837 reviews

2440 W Carson St, Torrance, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 3–15

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Affiliated welcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academylegit lineage & affiliation

MBJJ - MInc Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Nova União Califórnia

5 ★★★★★ 588 reviews

800 Woodside Rd, Redwood City, CA

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team Affiliated expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academy

Azad's Martial Arts Center

5 ★★★★★ 384 reviews

313 Walnut St #150, Chico, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens expert, high-level coachingno-ego, friendly academystrong kids program

Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club

5 ★★★★★ 330 reviews

2120 Jimmy Durante Blvd #121, Del Mar, CA

BJJ gym Kids & teens Competition team expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academy

More ways to train in California

Best BJJ gyms in California — the state-wide ranking
BJJ for beginners — 768 beginner-friendly gyms in California, ready for your first class
Kids & teen BJJ — 984 gyms in California with youth programs
Free trial classes — 629 gyms in California offer a free trial or intro class
Women's BJJ — 205 gyms in California with women's classes
Browse BJJ class types — beginner, kids', women's, private, no-gi, open mat, competition team and more
Gracie Barra locations in California (64)
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu locations in California (34)
Checkmat locations in California (21)
Carlson Gracie locations in California (19)
Alliance locations in California (15)
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu locations in California (5)
Gracie Humaitá locations in California (4)
Renzo Gracie Academy locations in California (4)
Atos Jiu-Jitsu locations in California (2)

BJJ programs in California

Find the class that fits — whether you're starting from zero, bringing the kids, or chasing your first competition.

Other martial arts trained in California

Most BJJ gyms are multi-art. Here's what else California gyms teach under the same roof.

🏟️ MMA (327 in California)
🤸 Wrestling (271 in California)
🦵 Kickboxing (253 in California)
🥊 Muay Thai (250 in California)
🤼 Judo (222 in California)
🥊 Boxing (192 in California)
🎽 Karate (151 in California)

BJJ in California: common questions

How many BJJ gyms are in California?: Our directory lists 1087 BJJ gyms across 350 cities in California. The cities with the most are San Diego (38), Los Angeles (30), Bakersfield (16).
How much does BJJ cost a month in California?: Among California gyms that publish a rate, monthly memberships run about $40–$150 (median around $65). Prices vary by academy and how often you train, and many gyms don't post online — so check the gym's own schedule. Our cost guide breaks down what to expect.
Are free trial classes available in California?: Yes — 629 gyms in California advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro week. It's the low-pressure way to try a class before you commit; confirm the current offer on the gym's site.
Can beginners and kids train BJJ in California?: Absolutely — BJJ welcomes all levels. 768 California gyms are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly, and 984 run kids' or youth programs. You don't need to be fit or have any experience to start, and no reputable gym makes you roll before you're ready.
Do I need to be in shape or spar to start BJJ?: No. You can start with zero fitness base and no experience — the training itself gets you in shape. Rolling (live sparring) builds up gradually and a good gym never throws beginners into it; tapping early and often keeps every roll safe. Drilling-focused fundamentals classes let you build skill at your own pace, and you can leave your ego at the door.

More: How much BJJ costs · Your first class · How to choose a gym