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Dubuque Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Dubuque, Iowa

BJJ gym Beginners welcome No-gi

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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule dubuquebjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 608-574-3794

Hours

Monday 6:15–8:30 pm
Tuesday 5–6 am, 6:15–8:30 pm
Wednesday 7–8:30 pm
Thursday 5–6 am, 6:15–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 11 am–1:30 pm
Sunday 12–1:30 pm

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 Dubuque Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🩳 No-Gi

“I went to the no gi roll, then did a gi class.”

All gyms that run no-gi →

🥋 Gi

“I went to the no gi roll, then did a gi class.”

All gyms that run gi →

🔓 Open Mat

“I dropped in at Dubuque BJJ for a Saturday class and open mat.”

All gyms that run open mat →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“And beyond all of that, learning how to protect yourself is empowering in a way nothing else quite matches.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“Beginners to black belts are welcomed and beginners need not be intimidated, you will find the nicest most willing to help group of individuals and instrcutor.”

All gyms that run beginners →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 34 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“Beginners to black belts are welcomed and beginners need not be intimidated, you will find the nicest most willing to help group of individuals and instrcutor.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 19 mentions

“Having traveled to 18 different countries, explored oceans, mountains, and diverse landscapes, this place ranks second only to the joy of being with my family.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 6 mentions

“Came for a drop in while visiting family, mats were clean everyone was friendly and welcoming.”

From the reviews

Dubuque Jiujitsu is, without a doubt, the best place and experience I've encountered in all my life's adventures. Having traveled to 18 different countries, explored oceans, mountains, and diverse landscapes, this place ranks second only to the joy of being with my family.

★★★★★ — Dan, Sep 2023

I'm an older BJJ black belt. Been off the mat for a year. I was doing some traveling and decided to ease back onto the mat at this spot. I went to the no gi roll, then did a gi class. I've rolled at dozens of academies around the US, and abroad.

★★★★★ — Jason, Jun 2025

I was in town from Arizona and dropped in on the morning class!! Justin taught some amazing back control, submission from back control and nice transitions to submissions. Friendly environment, clean gym, great rolls and teaching. If you’re ever in the area, stop by for some amazing Jiu-Jitsu !! OSS

★★★★★ — Steven, Oct 2024

Best thing you can do for yourself if you are in the dubuque area sign up , you won't regret it. Beginners to black belts are welcomed and beginners need not be intimidated, you will find the nicest most willing to help group of individuals and instrcutor.

★★★★★ — Jacob, Jul 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Dubuque Jiu-Jitsu

Dubuque 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Dubuque 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 Dubuque Jiu-Jitsu

3135 Cedar Crest Ridge Unit D, Dubuque, IA52003

Get directions

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.