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Checkmat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Myrtle Beach

4.7 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Part of Checkmat

BJJ gym Affiliated 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

  • 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
  • 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 checkmatmbsc.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 5–8:30 PM
Tuesday 5–8:30 PM
Wednesday 5–8:30 PM
Thursday 5–8:30 PM
Friday 5–8:30 PM
Saturday Closed
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 Checkmat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Myrtle Beach, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 17 mentions

“If you’re looking for something to help your kids learn self defense, discipline and teamwork then this is the best place to come.”

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🩳 No-Gi

“My 10-yr-old son did two drop-in no-gi classes while we were visiting Myrtle Beach.”

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🥋 Gi

“My 10-yr-old son did two drop-in no-gi classes while we were visiting Myrtle Beach.”

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🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“Leo is also an ACTIVE competitor, hence spilling the sweat alongside his class.”

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🔓 Open Mat

“It has become a second home for me and I love going to class and open mat.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“If you’re looking for something to help your kids learn self defense, discipline and teamwork then this is the best place to come.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Checkmat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Myrtle Beach — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 60 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“I felt so welcome by the team, got excellent instruction and tough rolls.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“If you’re looking to gain amazing skills while being part of a very welcoming team environment, Checkmat Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the way to go!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 9 mentions

“If you’re looking to gain amazing skills while being part of a very welcoming team environment, Checkmat Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the way to go!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“He was welcomed by Professor Leo and the other students, learned some new techniques, including a new sweep, and had a LOT of fun.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“If you’re looking for something to help your kids learn self defense, discipline and teamwork then this is the best place to come.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“Leo is also an ACTIVE competitor, hence spilling the sweat alongside his class.”

From the reviews

This is a review coming from an experienced BJJ practitioner who has been to numerous BJJ schools around the world and the country, and who takes it seriously. Hoshihara Tom and his school is a legit school.

★★★★★ — Daniel, May 2017

I had been looking to try BJJ for a while. I looked at the websites of some of the gyms in the area and was immediately drawn to Checkmat. Seeing videos of Master Leo competing at the highest levels showed me he was the real deal. Since my first class he has made me feel welcome.

★★★★★ — Jason, Apr 2021

I visited Checkmat on Friday night while in Myrtle Beach on vacation. The owner and students welcomed me like I was a part of the school. I could not have asked for a better experience. Everyone was very knowledgeable and friendly.

★★★★★ — Daniel, Apr 2018

My 10-yr-old son did two drop-in no-gi classes while we were visiting Myrtle Beach. He was welcomed by Professor Leo and the other students, learned some new techniques, including a new sweep, and had a LOT of fun. He wants to return to Myrtle Beach just to do more classes here. Now that says a lot.

★★★★★ — Abe, Aug 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 60 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Checkmat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Myrtle Beach

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. 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 Checkmat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Myrtle Beach

3721 Wesley St Unit 127, Myrtle Beach, SC29579

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.