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Checkmat Charleston Brazilian jiu-jitsu- kickboxing-boxing & Self-Defense

4.9 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Mt Pleasant, 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule checkmatcharleston.net — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (843) 513-6086

Hours

Monday 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Thursday 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Friday 12–1 PM, 5–7 PM
Saturday 11 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 Checkmat Charleston Brazilian jiu-jitsu- kickboxing-boxing & Self-Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

📘 Fundamentals 2 mentions

“There was a wide range of skill levels on the mats, and one thing I noticed was the strong foundation displayed by the lower belts, which clearly points to top-notch instruction.”

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🧒 Kids BJJ 5 mentions

“I would highly recommend this place for your children or for anyone in that matter that is looking to improvement their skills, or even just to pick up a new hobby.”

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🩳 No-Gi 2 mentions

“They’ve got a great schedule of different times, gi/no gi, wrestling, fundamentals, etc.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“As a black belt female competitor, I’m always seeking training experiences that help me learn and level up, but also where everyone is a safe and productive training partner.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

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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 Charleston Brazilian jiu-jitsu- kickboxing-boxing & Self-Defense — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing

“Absolutely the best spot to train BJJ gi/no-gi, Kick-Boxing, wrestling, you name it!”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🤸 Wrestling 2 mentions

“They’ve got a great schedule of different times, gi/no gi, wrestling, fundamentals, etc.”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

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 41 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 5 mentions

“Thiago, Casey and Bill are all great instructors and really go to great lengths to provide a great atmosphere for learning BJJ.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Bill Dillard (owner) and his staff are welcoming, friendly, and highly knowledgeable about BJJ - on top of that they are excellent teachers.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 14 mentions

“If you are visiting, moving, or looking to start training, the knowledgable and friendly instructors and students will make you feel welcome on the mats.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Whether you are a seasoned grappler or newbie the instructions and instructors are top notch and super detailed in their teaching.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“Friendly people to spar with and the classes are long enough to get a great workout in.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“As a black belt female competitor, I’m always seeking training experiences that help me learn and level up, but also where everyone is a safe and productive training partner.”

From the reviews

This is by far the best Jui jitsu school in Charleston. Thiago Silva World Competor is the head coach has a wonderful presents on the mat , techniques are great. My game has completely changed. Professor Bill is a no nonsense kind of guy but wants the best school and he has done that.

★★★★★ — Gerald, May 2016

Checkmat Charleston is the premier spot to learn and train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Lowcountry! Bill Dillard (owner) and his staff are welcoming, friendly, and highly knowledgeable about BJJ - on top of that they are excellent teachers.

★★★★★ — Van, May 2016

Best BJJ in town. You truly get your money's worth in training quality and quantity. The atmosphere is really nice. I really enjoy the vibe. We have great training partners and instructors that will work with you and help your progress.

★★★★★ — John, Feb 2018

Best place to train in Charleston. Thiago, Casey and Bill are all great instructors and really go to great lengths to provide a great atmosphere for learning BJJ.

★★★★★ — Richard, May 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 41 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Checkmat Charleston Brazilian jiu-jitsu- kickboxing-boxing & Self-Defense

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 Checkmat Charleston Brazilian jiu-jitsu- kickboxing-boxing & Self-Defense

2700 N Hwy 17 Ste 160 H, Mt Pleasant, SC29466

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.