Home › Texas › Houston › Gracie Barra River Oaks - Jiu Jitsu in Houston TX
Gracie Barra River Oaks - Jiu Jitsu in Houston TX
4.9 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Houston, Texas
Part of Gracie Barra
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
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbriveroaks.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (281) 974-2544
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12–2 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“The instructors are both highly skilled and very patient, making the learning experience enjoyable for both adults and children.”
“I recently had the opportunity to attend a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu women's class at a newly opened Gracie Barra location, and I must say, it was an incredible experience.”
“Lots of individual attention given to all students, whether serious competitor or hobbyist.”
“I enjoy the self defense, sport, and fitness aspects of learning from the great instructors at Gracie Barra.”
“Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you will find the class challenging, engaging, and rewarding.”
Other martial arts here
“It’s great learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Wrestling from such experienced and friendly instructors.”
What members say
“I enjoy the self defense, sport, and fitness aspects of learning from the great instructors at Gracie Barra.”
“This made for a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere, where everyone felt comfortable and motivated to learn.”
“The class itself was taught by an two black belt female professors who was not only knowledgeable but also extremely supportive and encouraging throughout the session.”
“The techniques taught were tailored specifically for women, which was a refreshing change from other classes I have attended in the past.”
“It's been a lot of fun and great exercise with good people ever since.”
“Lots of individual attention given to all students, whether serious competitor or hobbyist.”
From the reviews
Ever since I first watched the UFC I, I've dreamt of practicing BJJ. Gracie Barra River Oaks surpassed all my expectations. With instructors who are among the world champions, the legacy of Mitsuyo Maeda, Helio Gracie, Carlos Gracie Sr, and Carlos Gracie Jr shines brightly here.
Amazing place to learn and train BJJ! Clean, spacious facility with free valet parking and lots of classes (fundamental, advanced, Women’s, Kids, etc). And of course the instruction by Professor Ulpiano and the instructors is nothing short of world-class.
Wonderful place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and fitness for all goal levels. The facility is world class, along with the structured instruction and great people. I enjoy the self defense, sport, and fitness aspects of learning from the great instructors at Gracie Barra.
Gracie Barra River Oaks Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Houston Tx We did 1 trial class, and it was easy to schedule the class by calling. They were able to go over pricing over the phone. I was not a fan of the parking situation. The gym had a hand full of parking spots assigned to them.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra River Oaks - Jiu Jitsu in Houston TX
Gracie Barra River Oaks - Jiu Jitsu in Houston TX 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 Gracie Barra River Oaks - Jiu Jitsu in Houston TX
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 Houston
Inspire Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Elite Mixed Martial Arts - Greenway Plaza/Galleria
4.9 ★★★★★ 248 reviews
Pablo Silva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu HQ
4.8 ★★★★★ 189 reviews