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Red Schafer Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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
- 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
- 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 redschafer.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 414-940-4169
Hours
| Monday | 6–7:30 am, 10:30 am–12 pm, 5:30–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:30 am–12 pm, 5:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7:30 am, 10:30 am–12 pm, 5:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 10:30 am–12 pm |
| Friday | 6–7:30 am, 10:30 am–12 pm, 5:30–8 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“Great Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training facility, for adults and kids alike, with knowledgeable and attentive instructors and no frills.”
“Fantastic Jujitsu and Grappling program I am absolutely loving it so far!”
“In addition, this 7x UFC competitor paved the way for future Milwaukee UFC fighters such as Anthony Pettis, Chico Camus and Danny Downes just to name a few.”
“I really enjoy going to the early morning boxing classes and jujitsu open mats ☺️💪”
“The gym fostered a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone from beginners to advanced fighters felt welcomed and encouraged.”
Other martial arts here
“I get the pleasure of training at Red Schafer MMA that not only offered top-notch instructions but also boasted a fantastic community and strong ethical values.”
“Whether its Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling or Strength and Conditioning, Red has assembled a staff that rivals any other school in Milwaukee County.”
“Whether its Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling or Strength and Conditioning, Red has assembled a staff that rivals any other school in Milwaukee County.”
“Whether its Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling or Strength and Conditioning, Red has assembled a staff that rivals any other school in Milwaukee County.”
What members say
“Great gym, great training, great coaches, would 100% recommend anyone to come here.”
“I thought it would be intimidating coming in with no jiu-jitsu knowledge, but the people there are very welcoming and willing to work with you.”
“I thought it would be intimidating coming in with no jiu-jitsu knowledge, but the people there are very welcoming and willing to work with you.”
“Whether its Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling or Strength and Conditioning, Red has assembled a staff that rivals any other school in Milwaukee County.”
“Everything you need in one place, expert trainers, safe and friendly environment, and high level training for a very good price.”
From the reviews
Here is why I know Red Schafer Mixed Marital Arts (RSMMA) school is the BEST MMA school in Milwaukee County. 1) Eric "Red" Schafer himself. You may not recognize him in passing but his name is synonymous in the Midwest Region for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Moved from California just so I could train Kickboxing at this gym. The striking coaches are on point, specially coach Solo. The sparring sessions are like going to war, no fighter in this gym will be easy to beat. If you're serious about fighting, this is the spot. The Jiu Jitsu is so practical as well.
Great training partners. Friendly instructors. Welcoming to new members. Lots of training times for those with busy schedules.
Been part of this gym for over a year now and really enjoy it. Coaching and commodore is awesome!
New to BJJ? Start at Red Schafer Mixed Martial Arts
Red Schafer Mixed Martial Arts 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 Red Schafer Mixed Martial Arts
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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