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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Cincinnati, Ohio
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
- 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 graciecincinnati.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (513) 860-2310
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–1 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM |
The classes they run
“The white belts were unusually robust in fundamental techniques and positions and had clearly been trained really well, there was little sloppy or lazy technique.”
“After visiting many places with my daughter she didn't felt the "pura vida" mojo in other gyms.”
“I attended three classes that week, including both their fundamental gi class and a no-gi class.”
“I attended three classes that week, including both their fundamental gi class and a no-gi class.”
“Other gyms I trained at had a very random program and you would typically free roll at the end of the class.”
“While the Masters classes do cover newer, competition style jiu-jitsu techniques, the core methodology is self defense focused.”
“I was a brand new blue belt, had been out of training for months since moving cities, I was really impressed by the quality of the students here.”
What members say
“Tons of great black belts who know how to teach and how to create a remarkably warm, inviting environment.”
“The adoption of the Gracie University curriculum for the beginner classes provides a very structured lesson plan which allows the students to track and plan their lessons easily.”
“Gracie Cincinnati cares about their students both on and off the mat, and leaving my "Jiu Jitsu family" here will be incredibly difficult.”
“The white belts were unusually robust in fundamental techniques and positions and had clearly been trained really well, there was little sloppy or lazy technique.”
“I've been training for over 8 years and have been to my share of gyms and I cant say enough good stuff about Gracie Cincinnati.”
“While the Masters classes do cover newer, competition style jiu-jitsu techniques, the core methodology is self defense focused.”
From the reviews
I love this place. My family was relocated from Costa Rica and I was looking around to find a place for my 8y/o daughter. I want her to defend by herself, be confident and empowered through no aggression or hitting because she is kind and sweet.
I had an incredible experience at this gym during my week-long visit to town from Phoenix. I was fortunate to find it just a couple of miles from my hotel. Before my visit, I called ahead and spoke with Tricia, who was exceptionally welcoming.
Great instructors who have awesome experience. All of them put their own extra efforts into teaching in ways that help people better understand and retain concepts. Different training goals and personal schedules can be navigated with the many class options.
I have been attending this gym for exactly one year. I did trial classes at five different gyms in Cincinnati before I decided on Gracie Cincinnati. Their class scheduling was the most structured and it’s a great introduction into Jiu Jitsu with their Combatives program.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie 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 Gracie 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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