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Burning River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Beachwood, Ohio

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • 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
  • No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule burningriverbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 440-552-7244

Hours

Monday 6–8:30 pm
Tuesday 5–8 pm
Wednesday 6–7:30 pm
Thursday 5–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10:30 am–1 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 Burning River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 13 mentions

“As I continue to learn and refine my abilities, I've found a sense of purpose by helping coach the kids classes and sharing the experience with the next generation.”

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🩳 No-Gi

“I spoke with Professor Ante and he welcomed me to attend their Gi and No-Gi classes.”

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🥋 Gi 2 mentions

“I spoke with Professor Ante and he welcomed me to attend their Gi and No-Gi classes.”

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🏆 Competition Team 3 mentions

“Burning River is an excellent BJJ school here in Northeast Ohio that is home to students of all types, from casual hobbyists to serious competitors.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Many are deterred from starting jiu-jitsu for self-defense, believing they must already be in peak physical condition.”

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🌱 Beginners 7 mentions

“We all start as beginners embarking on this journey, I encourage everyone to come and experience the benefits of jiu-jitsu for themselves.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 36 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“I strongly recommend Burning River BJJ for anyone who is looking for great instruction and a supportive atmosphere.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 16 mentions

“We all start as beginners embarking on this journey, I encourage everyone to come and experience the benefits of jiu-jitsu for themselves.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 30 mentions

“They create a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Professor Ante leads from a place of respect and safety for the students, while providing detailed step by step instruction.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“Burning River is an excellent BJJ school here in Northeast Ohio that is home to students of all types, from casual hobbyists to serious competitors.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 7 mentions

“The mats are clean and spacious, and the locker rooms offer a modern touch that complements the tradition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

From the reviews

Burning River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a transformative experience, fostering growth both on and off the mats. Under the guidance of Professor Ante for the past two years, I've undergone significant development as a student, acquiring new skills and a deeper understanding of the art.

★★★★★ — Christine, Feb 2026

I became a part of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community before I ever trained. I never felt like an outsider when it came to the community Ante created for his students when my husband began training. Eventually, I gave it a try.

★★★★★ — Melissa, Feb 2025

I started Jiu Jitsu 6 months ago with my best friend not realizing the impact it would have on me and how much I would truly love it! I give a huge thanks to the incredible instruction of Ante and the best community that comes with burning river.

★★★★★ — Jada, Mar 2025

I was able to drop into Burning River BJJ while in the area for work. I spoke with Professor Ante and he welcomed me to attend their Gi and No-Gi classes. I would highly recommend Burning River to anyone starting their BJJ journey or looking for a place to expand their skills.

★★★★★ — Matt, Nov 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Burning River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Burning River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Burning River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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 Burning River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

24000 Mercantile Rd Suite #9, Beachwood, OH44122

Get directions

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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.