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1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Cleveland

5 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Brook Park, Ohio

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons No-gi Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
  • Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule 1upjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 216-671-7505

Hours

Monday 6:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 5:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 6:30–8:30 pm
Friday 6:30–8:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–1:30 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at 1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Cleveland, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 7 mentions

“Outstanding youth program, Paul and his team are absolutely amazing with the kids!”

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🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“Whether you want to compete or just get active this is a perfect spot to challenge yourself and meet good people along the way.”

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👤 Private Lessons 3 mentions

“Incredible instructions, friendly atmosphere, and great one on one training with Paul the instructor.”

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🌱 Beginners

“Great place for jiu jitsu beginners, experienced players, and even kids.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 34 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Incredible instructions, friendly atmosphere, and great one on one training with Paul the instructor.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“I dropped into a class unannounced to visit a friend that trains here, and Paul (the owner) was incredibly gracious and welcoming, and invited me to train.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 13 mentions

“I dropped into a class unannounced to visit a friend that trains here, and Paul (the owner) was incredibly gracious and welcoming, and invited me to train.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“Whether you want to compete or just get active this is a perfect spot to challenge yourself and meet good people along the way.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 4 mentions

“Bonus: it’s super affordable compared to other schools in the area.”

From the reviews

I’ve been a martial artist and combat sports competitor since 2003. I can say that you will not find a better place to learn Jiu Jitsu than 1-Up. What makes Paul and Jon stand out is the individual attention you’ll receive. They take a strengths-based approach to help you develop YOUR jiu jitsu...

★★★★★ — Seanpaulv, Dec 2017

Just started going here and I'm having a lot of fun so far. Paul is extremely patient and great at breaking down complex moves so that even a novice can understand. Everyone I've met so far has been extremely kind and encouraging.

★★★★★ — Samid, Dec 2017

Great place for jiu jitsu beginners, experienced players, and even kids. The instructors are very knowledgeable and created a friendly gym culture that makes students feel welcome. Whether you want to compete or just get active this is a perfect spot to challenge yourself and meet good people along the way.

★★★★★ — Juan, Dec 2021

Hands down the best Jiu Jitsu program around. Friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. If you're new to Jiu Jitsu, or just getting back into it, 1 Up Jiu Jitsu is the place for you!!! Outstanding youth program, Paul and his team are absolutely amazing with the kids! Wish I could give more than 5 stars!

★★★★★ — Bozz, Dec 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at 1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Cleveland

1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Cleveland comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at 1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Cleveland

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find 1-Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Cleveland

5139 W 140th St, Brook Park, OH44142

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.