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Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rochester, 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
- 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 3–17) — 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
- 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 mrjja.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (507) 202-0036
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–6:30 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10–11:55 AM, 4:30–8:25 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:25 PM |
| Thursday | 10–11:55 AM, 4:30–8:25 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–6:30 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“Whether you’re brand new, getting back into training, or an experienced grappler looking to level up, this is a safe, supportive, and high-quality place to train.”
Other martial arts here
“There are many different classes here from a mix of conditioning, Jiu Jitsu (fundamental, progressive and advanced technique), Muay Thai and take-down class, etc.”
“If you're looking to learn MMA or just know how to defend yourself look no further, they're the most experienced gym in the area.”
“After two years at another local karate establishment, we saw little improvement in skills or things they could apply to real-life.”
What members say
“Yes, you'll have a world-class instructor, learn solid self-defense, and probably be addicted on day one.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“The kids learn a handful of techniques, then end with a fun game that builds endurance or strength.”
“The gym is top notch, and very welcoming no matter what you're looking for - self defense, conditioning, losing a few pounds, kids classes, competing, they have it all.”
“The anti-bullying seminars have been great and I can see my one daughter specifically be more confident in not being walked over.”
From the reviews
I met Mario nearly 10 years ago, and the way he and jiu-jitsu have impacted my life cannot be overstated. Yes, you'll have a world-class instructor, learn solid self-defense, and probably be addicted on day one.
At Mario Roberto’s Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Mario and all of the Coach’s at this academy from the kid’s classes to the adults do an amazing job of teaching and demonstrating BJJ techniques. They're friendly, professional, and encouraging to everyone at MRJJA.
I've trained with Mario for decades and he is the kindest and most helpful instructor I know of. If you are a beginner looking to get in to BJJ you will feel right at home with Mario and his friendly atmosphere.
I'm over 30 years old now and am learning things that I wish I would've when I was 18. Not only is Mario the best BJJ practitioner in Minnesota, but he has trained and taught some of the best people in Rochester to fill his gym.
New to BJJ? Start at Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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 Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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