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Gracie Jiu-jitsu Minot

5 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Minot, North Dakota

BJJ gym Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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

  • 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 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Website & schedule sites.google.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 701-401-5241

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Gracie Jiu-jitsu Minot, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 10 mentions

“The instructor’s ability to compete hard and encourage others to do the same while still connecting even with the youngest kids is really remarkable.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“The instructor’s ability to compete hard and encourage others to do the same while still connecting even with the youngest kids is really remarkable.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“They’ve gained confidence and skill, and I appreciate that they are learning self-defense moves rather than kicking or punching.”

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🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“Jesse does a great job keeping the technical side challenging while making sure everything stays safe and easy to follow for a beginner.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 27 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“I've trained under multiple jiu-jitsu schools, and can honestly say that Jesse in Minot, ND is the best instructor.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Jesse does a great job keeping the technical side challenging while making sure everything stays safe and easy to follow for a beginner.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 7 mentions

“This is because they are learning about caring in the character development part of the lesson and he wanted to care for his family by helping with meal time.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Since starting classes she’s not only learned physical techniques, she’s taken much pride in her responsibilities and has improved patience.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“The instructor’s ability to compete hard and encourage others to do the same while still connecting even with the youngest kids is really remarkable.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 6 mentions

“It’s early in the material for me, but the Gracie method is broken down very well into a logical and practical progression so I feel like I understand the path to proficiency.”

From the reviews

I've been training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Minot since it opened. My youngest also signed up and he's been enjoying the Bullyproof & Black Belt class. Even with construction still on going, Jesse does a great job keeping the areas & mats really clean.

★★★★★ — Ernie, Mar 2024

great instructor at this location and wonderful with our kids. would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get started or with advanced skills. Jesse is a great instructor for advanced or beginner classes

★★★★★ — Christian, Jul 2023

I've trained under multiple jiu-jitsu schools, and can honestly say that Jesse in Minot, ND is the best instructor. His top priority is safety, which is important for my son and I.

★★★★★ — Knightmare, Jul 2023

I was very hesitant about joining a martial arts class. I am not very physical and have never trained before and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up, and that I would embarrass myself. Jesse and Hannah, the instructors of the Women Empowered course are so amazing at making me feel comfortable in class.

★★★★★ — K, Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 27 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-jitsu Minot

Gracie Jiu-jitsu Minot 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Gracie Jiu-jitsu Minot

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 Gracie Jiu-jitsu Minot

2825 S Broadway Ste 1, Minot, ND58701

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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.