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Imperial Training Center

5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rochester, Minnesota

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 (ages 3–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule imperialtrainingcenter.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (507) 923-0473

Hours

Monday 4:30–9 PM
Tuesday 4:30–9 PM
Wednesday 4:30–9 PM
Thursday 4:30–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–12 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 Imperial Training Center, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

📘 Fundamentals 2 mentions

“The muay thai classes are very welcoming and focus on locking down the basics before moving into advanced techniques.”

All gyms that run fundamentals →

🧒 Kids BJJ 9 mentions

“We joined Imperial back in 2017 when our 4 kids started training in the youth program.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

Teens BJJ 2 mentions

“The adult class includes women and men from late teens to people like me in their 40’s.”

All gyms that run teens bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“Every month Imperial offers a FREE self defense class for women by women- and it's amazing!”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Imperial Training Center — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Muay Thai 4 mentions

“The muay thai classes are very welcoming and focus on locking down the basics before moving into advanced techniques.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🦵 Kickboxing

“They really cater to every level, I've never done anything like this and signed up for muay thai kickboxing.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 36 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“Grab your mom, daughter, sister, or girl friends and take advantage of this opportunity to learn some life-saving skills in a non-intimidating environment.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 9 mentions

“The muay thai classes are very welcoming and focus on locking down the basics before moving into advanced techniques.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 8 mentions

“A typical class starts with learning or reviewing techniques, practicing the techniques, and then applying in rolls/sparring.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“The Muay Thai classes is a form of cardio and I find that more enjoyable than the basic running.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My son loved training here.”

💗 welcoming to women 5 mentions

“This place is awesome for all ages but the Women who teach are hard working & definitely kind & caring!”

From the reviews

We joined Imperial back in 2017 when our 4 kids started training in the youth program. They have absolutely LOVED it and have grown tremendously in the program. My wife and I also started training about 2 years ago and have come to love the relationships we have built.

★★★★★ — Justin, Feb 2022

This place is awesome for all ages but the Women who teach are hard working & definitely kind & caring! Anyone interested in self defense this is the place to go! Free classes for self defense for all who want or need it. And it's fun! I'm so glad my daughter and I go!

★★★★★ — Lori, Oct 2024

Imperial Training Center is very professional place, and at the same time it’s a place to learn and have fun! They are very professional when it comes to safety, because currently we’re in a middle of a pandemic(COVID-19), and Imperial Training Center is taking great precautions in keeping everyone safe.

★★★★★ — Cleveland, Jul 2020

I've been a part of the Imperial gym for just over a year and a half now. I looked into the other gyms around town and definitely found a home at Imperial. The sense of community is great and welcoming. The other students and instructors have all become people I trust in and learn alongside.

★★★★★ — Adam, Mar 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Imperial Training Center

Imperial Training Center 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Imperial Training Center

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 Imperial Training Center

2571 Clare Ln NE Unit 102, Rochester, MN55906

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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.