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Checkmat S Mpls Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Part of Checkmat
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule instagram.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (612) 345-4147
Hours
| Monday | 9:45–11:50 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:45–11:50 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:45–11:50 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9:45–11:50 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 9:45–11:50 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11:45 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I look forward to training here because the instructor has some great drills and techniques with plenty of one-on-one time.”
“Came in for open mat when traveling, and they were every welcome.”
“All levels are welcome and will have a great experience here whether it’s your very first day or you’re a long time black belt.”
What members say
“I look forward to training here because the instructor has some great drills and techniques with plenty of one-on-one time.”
“All levels are welcome and will have a great experience here whether it’s your very first day or you’re a long time black belt.”
“The atmosphere, coach, and atheletes are all very welcoming, the music is always on point, and the merch is comfy and stylish.”
“I look forward to training here because the instructor has some great drills and techniques with plenty of one-on-one time.”
“I visited MPS Checkmat while on a short trip to Minnesota.”
“They were super welcoming, the gym was clean and they had good mat cleanliness habits.”
From the reviews
The instruction and class format is outstanding and it shows in the quality of the students. It's still pretty small and there aren't advanced training partners, but you'll still get solid training. The gym is friendly and welcoming so I'd definitely recommend stopping by.
I started my journey at this gym almost a year ago, and as someone who can be pretty skeptical, it has truly become a second home for me. The coaching from Lemmy is exceptional, with precise detail and clear explanations that make it easy to learn and improve. As a P.O.C.
One of the best gyms I have been to. I visited MPS Checkmat while on a short trip to Minnesota. I was a blue belt and while heartedly enjoyed the training process. The team was helpful and supportive - no hot heads or people trying to prove something. Just fellas and gals working hard to get better.
This gym is the real deal and it embodies everything that is great about the sport of bjj. The atmosphere, coach, and atheletes are all very welcoming, the music is always on point, and the merch is comfy and stylish. As this is a smaller gym, you get that personal coaching and attention that’s hard to find elsewhere.
New to BJJ? Start at Checkmat S Mpls Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Checkmat S Mpls Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.
Your first BJJ class at Checkmat S Mpls 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.
More BJJ gyms near Minneapolis
Southside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 197 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site