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Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · BJJ gym in White Bear Lake, Minnesota
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
- Membership memberships run around $40/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 4–16) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule hgbjjmn.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (651) 724-9088
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–1 PM, 3:45–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1 PM, 3:45–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 10 AM–1 PM, 3:45–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1 PM, 3:45–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 AM, 4:45–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:45 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter started attending Higher Ground a few years ago and we've found this to be a wonderful experience and great community.”
“It made me feel respected as a drop-in while also setting clear expectations (and yes, no heel hooks in the gi, thank goodness).”
“In short, it is a fantastic place to train whether you're considering BJJ as a way to have fun, get in shape, compete, or learn how to defend yourself.”
“Dropped in for the Thanksgiving Day Open Mat, got in some high flow rolls and an opportunity to train and learn with others.”
“Instructors and students are helpful and welcoming to all levels.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“I have been lucky to train at several excellent schools under great instructors, and feel even luckier to have found in Higher Ground my new BJJ home.”
“The vibe overall was friendly, welcoming, and structured in a way that made it easy to feel comfortable right away.”
“Anna, Chris, Josh and the other coaches create a welcoming environment for learning, competing, and achieving.”
“It's more focused on learning and bettering your own skills and techniques in a safe space where you won't feel judged for not doing something perfectly.”
“Great gym, the instructor breaks down complicated techniques very well.”
From the reviews
Dropped in for the Thanksgiving Day Open Mat, got in some high flow rolls and an opportunity to train and learn with others. I had a blast rolling, and reconnecting with former training partners as well! Very inviting and friendly people, hope to train at Higher Ground BJJ again soon! Thanks! 🤙🏽
Have you ever walked into somewhere and felt that it was just the right place to be? That is how it is at Higher Ground BJJ. The owners, Chris and Anna, are both kind, funny, and knowledgeable people in their fields. Chris is an incredible instructor who makes you feel like you can do it no matter what.
I dropped in for a Saturday morning class and was greeted right away by Anna (co-owner). She gave me a quick rundown of the gym, got my waiver squared away, and I was off to class. During warmups I met Chris (co-owner), who was super friendly and encouraging. The class that day was a recap of the week’s techniques.
Going to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school for the first time can be intimidating, but Chris and Anna have made Higher Ground BJJ a place where you will feel welcome the moment you walk in the door. Everyone there is extremely friendly, the training environment safe, and Chris's instruction is outstanding.
New to BJJ? Start at Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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.
Your first BJJ class at Higher Ground Brazilian 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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