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Lakeside Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Avon Lake, 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 (ages 6) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 lakesidejiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 440-522-6829
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8 am, 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30–8 am, 5–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“His attention to detail and proper technique make Lakeside the best place in Northeast Ohio to learn Jiu Jitsu for both self-defense and competition training.”
“The youth program here is exceptional, balancing top-tier technique with a high-energy, supportive environment.”
“His attention to detail and proper technique make Lakeside the best place in Northeast Ohio to learn Jiu Jitsu for both self-defense and competition training.”
“His attention to detail and proper technique make Lakeside the best place in Northeast Ohio to learn Jiu Jitsu for both self-defense and competition training.”
“His instruction is clear, detailed, and effective, great for beginners and serious competitors alike.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Ulric is a great instructor and can adapt training for any body type to make this art work for you.”
“Ulric consistently goes above and beyond, fostering a supportive, welcoming environment and building a strong sense of community within his school.”
“Ulric consistently goes above and beyond, fostering a supportive, welcoming environment and building a strong sense of community within his school.”
“His attention to detail and proper technique make Lakeside the best place in Northeast Ohio to learn Jiu Jitsu for both self-defense and competition training.”
“His attention to detail and proper technique make Lakeside the best place in Northeast Ohio to learn Jiu Jitsu for both self-defense and competition training.”
“It’s a safe, clean space where kids of all levels feel welcome and empowered.”
From the reviews
I've been training regularly with Professor Ulric Szabo since we both started our Jiu Jitsu journeys back in 2006. I've not met many people who are able to sustain such a passion for training and teaching Jiu Jitsu to a variety of students.
Highly recommend this gym to train at. Ulric is a great instructor and can adapt training for any body type to make this art work for you. Students consist of a great group of individuals who want to grow with you in this sport. Top notch quality in my book
I’ve trained under Ulric Szabo for nearly a decade, and Lakeside BJJ truly stands out. His instruction is clear, detailed, and effective, great for beginners and serious competitors alike. Highly recommend.
Great BJJ learning environment whether you are a competitor or not. Professor and upper belts are quality training partners/teachers.
New to BJJ? Start at Lakeside Jiu Jitsu
Lakeside 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 Lakeside 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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