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Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · BJJ gym in West Haven, Connecticut

BJJ gym Affiliated Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule elitejj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (203) 601-7968

Hours

Monday 5–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday 5–8 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday 5:30–8 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 Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 13 mentions

“Enrolled my kids in the program and have been very pleased with the training and instruction they are receiving.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Excellent programs for both adults and kids, great focus on teaching skills for real world application.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 25 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“The gym is clean and family friendly and the coach and staff are ran by family. Great overall environment if you want to learn and have fun.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 10 mentions

“Coach Elliot is extremely knowledgeable, respectful, friendly and eager to teach.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 6 mentions

“The programs are designed to learn the true craft of Gracie BJJ and all the techniques required to be successful and learn the grappling art.”

great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“Also, from the learning the techniques but doing them has been helping me with great exercise and strengthening my body.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Instructor Rosa is an amazing teacher, great with children, professional, and a Jiu Jitsu enthusiast.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 5 mentions

“I’ve known coach and owner Elliot Rosa for almost 20yrs and was pumped when he opened Gracie North Haven.”

From the reviews

Instructor Rosa is an amazing teacher, great with children, professional, and a Jiu Jitsu enthusiast. The facility is beautiful, the area is well lit, and easily accessible from the highway. Cant say enough great things about this place!

★★★★★ — Michael, Dec 2023

It’s a fresh, clean, and modern space. Great kids and adult classes. The kids love the energy of the class. Everyone is learning something new while getting fit. The instructor is great! Knowledgeable and friendly.

★★★★★ — Christina, Dec 2023

My uncle Elliot Rosa is a very knowledgeable instructor. Not only knowledgeable but puts in a lot of time and effort into practicing his craft. He really cares about what he does for his students and it shows. I have been going to his classes every Wednesday night and I have learned a lot of techniques.

★★★★★ — Chelsey, Jul 2024

I’ve known coach and owner Elliot Rosa for almost 20yrs and was pumped when he opened Gracie North Haven. The Combatives program for adults and Gracie kids program are the best around. Shortly after signing up for the adult program my 8yr old daughter wanted to join too.

★★★★★ — Alex, Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

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 Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

221 Bull Hill Ln Unit C-1 Rear, West Haven, CT06516

Get directions

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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.