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Nova Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rochester, New York
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships run around $60/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 novajiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 12–1:30 PM, 6–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–8:30 AM, 12–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7–8:30 AM, 12–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–1 PM |
The classes they run
“Nova BJJ also has a variety of adult gi and no-gi classes at the fundamental and more advanced levels in addition to a robust kids program.”
“My 12 year old daughter did attend a women's class (I stayed and watched) and as with everything so far it was great.”
“Nova BJJ also has a variety of adult gi and no-gi classes at the fundamental and more advanced levels in addition to a robust kids program.”
“Nova BJJ also has a variety of adult gi and no-gi classes at the fundamental and more advanced levels in addition to a robust kids program.”
“For those who want to compete, Nova BJJ offers an intense competition class and opportunities to help you prepare for that endeavor.”
“The classes are thoughtfully structured to ensure children of all skill levels feel included and supported.”
Other martial arts here
“There is a wide array of other instructors that are also very knowledgeable with some of them having Judo backgrounds as well.”
What members say
“The mixed classes are also comfortable, with great instruction, drilling and rolling.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming, the facility is always clean, and the instructors prioritize safety during every session, which is so reassuring as a parent.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming, the facility is always clean, and the instructors prioritize safety during every session, which is so reassuring as a parent.”
“Nova BJJ also has a variety of adult gi and no-gi classes at the fundamental and more advanced levels in addition to a robust kids program.”
“For those who want to compete, Nova BJJ offers an intense competition class and opportunities to help you prepare for that endeavor.”
From the reviews
I’ve only ever left one review before. It was for a Chili’s I had dined at during my youth. I had ordered the two for one dinner special; I dined alone. It was a power move, for sure, but I don’t believe that the waiter saw it that way.
I can’t say enough about Nova BJJ. All the coaches here make sure it’s a safe and interactive lessons. The kids are always so fully engaged! This gym is more than just a gym, it’s a family! From classes to activities outside of class, it’s always a great experience. Can’t recommend them enough!
If you’re someone who likes to research what to expect before you try something new, this is the review for YOU. I’ve already done the research and Nova BJJ is the best jiu jitsu school for women in Rochester. They are the only school in the area that teach a regular Women’s BJJ class, every Tuesday night.
We discovered this place through our friend Joe, who teaches the kids’ class, and it has been an amazing experience for our 6-year-old son. The teachers are truly exceptional, exhibiting outstanding communication skills, endless patience, and genuine care for their students.
New to BJJ? Start at Nova Jiu Jitsu
Nova Jiu Jitsu 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 Nova 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. 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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