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IQ Jiu-Jitsu Hillsborough
5 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Hillsborough, North Carolina
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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule iqhillsborough.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 618-923-3073
Hours
| Monday | 12 pm–12 am |
| Tuesday | 12–8:30 am, 12–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“EJ and his team have been wonderful to work with and do so well with the kids, even handling disruptions smoothly and complimenting the kids when they are on task!”
“Both of my children thoroughly enjoyed their time with EJ during both group classes and private lessons.”
“Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, you'll feel welcomed and supported.”
What members say
“EJ is an amazing instructor and very invested in his students and making sure we get an awesome learning experience.”
“If you’re looking for a place that is a community based, bully proof, upstanding , professional and a welcoming BJJ school.”
“If you’re looking for a place that is a community based, bully proof, upstanding , professional and a welcoming BJJ school.”
“I’ve watched in absolute admiration of their pedagogy over and over again; I’ve even found myself trying to copy their techniques at home!”
“If you’re an adult looking for a new outlet or a parent trying to build your child’s self confidence, IQ Jiu Jitsu is a great place to start.”
“If you’re an adult looking for a new outlet or a parent trying to build your child’s self confidence, IQ Jiu Jitsu is a great place to start.”
From the reviews
IQ has been amazing for my son's confidence. EJ is great with kids/people of all ages and makes learning Jiu Jitsu fun, but also teaches practical life skills each time including how to stand up for themselves, healthy habits/behaviors, self-control, and accountability.
My two kids and I love this place. EJ and all the instructors are very skilled and have a great kids program.
EJ is a fantastic instructor. His patience, knowledge, and passion for jiu jitsu make him an awesome person to learn from. I trained under EJ for close to two years before he moved, and I grew as both a person and a BJJ practioner during that time. Anyone who trains with EJ is learning from one of the best!
IQ is an all-around great jiu jitsu gym. EJ's instruction is clear and detailed. He is very good at answering questions and troubleshooting techniques. The mats are plenty big and always clean. The students have good attitudes. Training is vigorous but not aggro. Everyone helps each other learn.
New to BJJ? Start at IQ Jiu-Jitsu Hillsborough
IQ Jiu-Jitsu Hillsborough 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 IQ Jiu-Jitsu Hillsborough
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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