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Checkmat Northridge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Northridge, California

Part of Checkmat

BJJ gym Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons 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
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule checkmatnorthridge.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (310) 341-8439

Hours

Monday 9 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM
Thursday 9 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM
Friday 9 AM–12 PM, 6–8:30 PM
Saturday 10 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 Northridge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 5 mentions

“We were in the area, so I took my son there as an affiliate gym.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🩳 No-Gi 2 mentions

“There is gi and no gi classes plus important amenities.”

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🥋 Gi 2 mentions

“There is gi and no gi classes plus important amenities.”

All gyms that run gi →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 23 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Professor Arnaldo is one of the very best Champion Black Belt instructors around.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 8 mentions

“Fantastic, Clean facility with a world class instructor & Friendly students.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 3 mentions

“Checkmat is a really solid jiu jitsu gym that work with different techniques compared to other jiu jitsu gyms.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 5 mentions

“Fantastic, Clean facility with a world class instructor & Friendly students.”

From the reviews

I was visiting my mother her in Reseda, CA. From Atlanta, GA. Did a drive by and happened to stumble on Checkmat, Northridge. Went in met with head instructor Arnaldo Maidana, introduced myself and asked if I could train at his gym. He said of course.

★★★★★ — Ricardo, Apr 2024

Beautiful CLEAN and FRESH facility. Professor Arnaldo is one of the very best Champion Black Belt instructors around. It is like Family once you step onto the mats. I highly recommend .

★★★★★ — Cynthia, Apr 2019

Tried a class today. Fantastic, Clean facility with a world class instructor & Friendly students. A great place to train. I'll be visiting again! :-)

★★★★★ — Jon, May 2022

Great classes. Clean, friendly and respectful environment. Started going to this location about 4 months ago and don't plan on leaving! Highly reccomend this place and professor Arnaldo.

★★★★★ — Monica, Oct 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 23 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Checkmat Northridge 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 Checkmat Northridge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

8415 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA91324

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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.