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Checkmat South Texas Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Pharr, Texas
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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule checkmatstx.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (956) 607-6197
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 7–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 6–7 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Men, women, and children all find a second family here with Checkmat and everyone who walks in here, walks out having learned something and having grown as a martial artist.”
“I highly recommend for kids teen even adults.”
“My 4 year old has been doing private lessons for 3 months here and has really improved not just in his skills, but with his behavior too.”
“In the process, you not only learn some self defense, but you also lose weight and get in shape.”
“I would recommend Checkmat South Texas to any person wanting to train as a beginner or experienced martial artist!”
What members say
“I’m very grateful they are so welcoming and I look forward to getting in some good training when I get down their!”
“Men, women, and children all find a second family here with Checkmat and everyone who walks in here, walks out having learned something and having grown as a martial artist.”
“The teaching staff is amazing and pays close attention to any detail and is exceptional at listening and answering questions.”
“We love going because it provides a great outlet for stress relief, and you get a great workout as well.”
“One thing i know for sure my daughter loves it and she will be staying.”
“I would recommend Checkmat South Texas to any person wanting to train as a beginner or experienced martial artist!”
From the reviews
I reached out today to Checkmat South Texas BJJ to set up a place to train while I’m in the area on vacation. The hospitality after a quick conversation is unmatched and I would highly recommend anyone to make this the place they stop in at for vacation.
I have been an active member for almost 5 years. I have tried other gyms and never felt as comfortable as I do here. Everyone is very friendly. The coaching staff is incredible and pays close attention to detail while teaching. They have classes for adults, kids, and women as well.
I enjoy training at Checkmat South Texas BJJ. My son and I have been training there for a month now. The professors are incredibly nice, kind, and patient. They create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
Dropped in here while visiting and Professor Danian and his crew welcomed me with open arms. Rolled at few other gyms prior in the central Texas area and once I came here it did not compare. Danian students are all sharp so be prepared for some great rolls. Highly recommend this place to anyone.
New to BJJ? Start at Checkmat South Texas Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Checkmat South Texas 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 South Texas 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.
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