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Copa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Niles
5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Niles, Michigan
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
- Membership memberships run around $99/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 (ages 6–13) — 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Website & schedule copajiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (312) 403-3628
The classes they run
“Everyone is so welcoming, and the coaches are amazing with the kids.”
“Mack and the other instructors helped guide our son to the IBJJF Pan Kids NoGi Championship and #1 ranking in the world.”
“Mack and the other instructors helped guide our son to the IBJJF Pan Kids NoGi Championship and #1 ranking in the world.”
“Great for brand new people wanting to learn BJJ or just a way to have fun working out and losing weight/ getting in amazing shape.”
Other martial arts here
“Even though I was a total beginner, I had a GREAT experience in the kickboxing/muay thai class.”
“Even though I was a total beginner, I had a GREAT experience in the kickboxing/muay thai class.”
“It’s always nice to get some quality dedicated judo reps in during drilling.”
What members say
“Everyone is friendly, and you get world class instruction from a competition tested champion black belt.”
“Even though I was a total beginner, I had a GREAT experience in the kickboxing/muay thai class.”
“Everyone is friendly, and you get world class instruction from a competition tested champion black belt.”
“Great for brand new people wanting to learn BJJ or just a way to have fun working out and losing weight/ getting in amazing shape.”
“Mack and the other instructors helped guide our son to the IBJJF Pan Kids NoGi Championship and #1 ranking in the world.”
From the reviews
I’ve trained at a couple different gyms, Copa BJJ Niles is by far the best. Not only is the Professor, Mark Daley (AKA “Mack the Knife”) amazing, but the other instructors that teach are as well. Hard training, super competitive jiu jitsu, and a great team atmosphere.
Coach “Mack”, Mark Daly, and his team of instructors do a phenomenal job teaching and mentoring. Coming from the military, brotherhood/sisterhood is the driving force in being effective in every facet, you’ll find that same camaraderie at Copa BJJ Niles. Lots of class options and times.
Awesome environment to train! Mark Daley is a great head instructor with years of experience. He is happy to answer any questions you may have and will welcome you onto the mats! Individuals of all skill levels are welcome and there is plenty of class options to get you started on The Path! Cheers
Anytime I'm in the St. Joesph area I make sure to stop in at Copa. Everyone is friendly, and you get world class instruction from a competition tested champion black belt. Copa is the place to train in the Niles area.
New to BJJ? Start at Copa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Niles
Copa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Niles comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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 Copa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Niles
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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