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Monroe Jiu-Jitsu Academy

5 ★★★★★ 9 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Monroe, North Carolina

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule monroejj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 704-219-9881

Hours

Monday 6:30–8 pm
Tuesday 5:30–8 pm
Wednesday 6:30–8 pm
Thursday 5:30–8 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–1 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 Monroe Jiu-Jitsu Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🩳 No-Gi 2 mentions

“Coach Johns Gi and No Gi training is structured to help everyone understand how to execute Jiu Jitsu drills correctly and effectively.”

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🥋 Gi 3 mentions

“Coach Johns Gi and No Gi training is structured to help everyone understand how to execute Jiu Jitsu drills correctly and effectively.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“Jon Helton is an exceptional gi and no-gi practitioner, competitor, and teacher.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 9 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“Great place to train, friendly knowledgeable staff, clean facility and overall a great group of people that train here.”

From the reviews

If you live in the Monroe,NC area, this is the spot for you. Jon Helton is an exceptional gi and no-gi practitioner, competitor, and teacher. I'm jealous of anyone who gets to train here full-time.

★★★★★ — Josh, Sep 2023

Great place to hone your grappling skills. Jon is a thoughtful coach who teaches jiu-jitsu in a practical, efficient way — and whether you’re in it for the sport aspect or training with self-defense in mind, he’ll help you grow.

★★★★★ — Glen, Jul 2025

I started training at MJJA about 4 or 5 weeks ago and my experience has been great. Coach Johns Gi and No Gi training is structured to help everyone understand how to execute Jiu Jitsu drills correctly and effectively.

★★★★★ — Rapture, Oct 2025

Got to visit this gym for a workshop they were hosting! The mat space is clean! The wall decor is awesome! Clean bathroom and changing rooms! Great culture! Thanks for having me

★★★★★ — Nader, Nov 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 9 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Monroe Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Monroe 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Monroe 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.

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 Monroe Jiu-Jitsu Academy

3208 Goldmine Rd, Monroe, NC28110

Get directions Instagram

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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.