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Checkmat Exeter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids & Adults

5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Exeter, California

Part of Checkmat

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons 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
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule checkmatexeter.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (559) 571-4993

Hours

Monday 5–10:30 AM, 4–6 PM
Tuesday 5–10:30 AM, 4–6 PM
Wednesday 5–10:30 AM, 4–6 PM
Thursday 5–10:30 AM, 4–6 PM
Friday 5–10:30 AM, 4–6 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 Exeter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids & Adults, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 24 mentions

“Yes, teaching JuJitsu well and in a safe environment, but really teaching my daughter to be confident and disciplined while having fun.”

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Teens BJJ

“I am a seventeen-year-old high school student, and I’ve been training at Checkmat Exeter for about 5 weeks now.”

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🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“She went to her first tournament recently and the coaches were so supportive.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“It is a great place for teaching your kids self defense and discipline (along with a dash of fun 🤩).”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 35 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“Fabricio is a great instructor for all ages and has a gentle but firm teaching style that makes it easy to trust your kids with.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 9 mentions

“She went to her first tournament recently and the coaches were so supportive.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“In class he ensures that everyone understands the techniques, and during practice, he goes around to make sure everyone has got it, offering individual help when necessary.”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“Yes, teaching JuJitsu well and in a safe environment, but really teaching my daughter to be confident and disciplined while having fun.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“She went to her first tournament recently and the coaches were so supportive.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 17 mentions

“I am a seventeen-year-old high school student, and I’ve been training at Checkmat Exeter for about 5 weeks now.”

From the reviews

Best BJJ academy for both kids and adults! Fabricio is a wonderful coach and a great mentor. I started training at Checkmat when they first opened, I had no prior experience in jiu jitsu. It's intimidating jumping into a new sport or hobby but Fabricio was very uplifting and encouraging.

★★★★★ — Shandell, Sep 2023

My experience with Checkmat Jujitsu has truly been world class. What a family environment and top notch instruction. Professor Fabricio has a great teaching style and a genuine passion for his craft. He passes that on to his students from kids to adults (women & men).

★★★★★ — Robert, Jan 2024

I absolutely love everything about Checkmat Exeter. Very family oriented with a great atmosphere. Fabricio is very knowledgeable and has a great system of teaching. It’s very tough but rewarding, I train here and both my kids train and we all love it.

★★★★★ — Joseph, Jan 2024

I am a seventeen-year-old high school student, and I’ve been training at Checkmat Exeter for about 5 weeks now. I absolutely love going here for a number of reasons. Coach Fabricio is an amazing jiu-jitsu teacher. I appreciate his organized and logical teaching style.

★★★★★ — Laurel, May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 35 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Checkmat Exeter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids & Adults

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 Exeter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids & Adults

410 S F St, Exeter, CA93221

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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.