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Renagado Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Valparaiso, Indiana
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 (ages 4–14) — 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
- 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 renagado.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (219) 405-2522
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Patrick does an incredible job creating an environment that pushes you while still making it fun and welcoming, especially for kids.”
“For my confidence, ability to defend myself, the ability to compete alone but also know what it’s like to train as a team, and a Therapy on the mat that you can only experience.”
“He is a fierce competitor and active during his classes and open mats.”
“I highly recommend Patrick and Renagado BJJ to anyone interested in martial arts, self-defense, personal development, or simply becoming a better version of themselves.”
“Whether you're brand new or have been training for years, everyone is willing to help, teach, and learn together.”
Other martial arts here
“My brief experience with Judo as a child was cut short after an accident that resulted in a broken bone.”
What members say
“The instructor Patrick is very skilled, knowledgeable, & genuinely invested in helping students improve, regardless of skill level.”
“It can be intimidating to put yourself out there, to try something new or drop into a new school, but the vibe here is welcoming and easy.”
“We’ve been part of the Renagado Ju Jitsu family for several years now, and I can’t say enough good things about Coach Patrick and his coaching style.”
“I enjoy Patrick’s teaching style and his ability to break down techniques into the way that you personally understand them.”
“My children absolutely love going to class — they look forward to it every week because the environment is both fun and challenging.”
“For my confidence, ability to defend myself, the ability to compete alone but also know what it’s like to train as a team, and a Therapy on the mat that you can only experience.”
From the reviews
I’ve been training with Renegado BJJ for over 11 years now. The instructor Patrick is very skilled, knowledgeable, & genuinely invested in helping students improve, regardless of skill level. The gym is very welcoming, regardless of your level of experience, or prior jiujitsu knowledge.
My son has been taking classes with Pat since he was 4 years old (He’s 11 now). He and his staff are the absolute best. My son struggles with focus and concentration at times. He can also get down on himself.
Want some incredible jiu-jitsu? This is your place. I have known Pat for a long time and can not say enough good things about him. Great guy, great students, and Pat even drove all the way to Peoria, IL to volunteer for a non-profit I run. SO check this place out! Trust me... I'm a black belt!
I met Patrick Robinson many years ago, though I honestly can't remember the exact year. I was working at an AT&T store in Michigan City when a customer walked in wearing a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu T-shirt.
New to BJJ? Start at Renagado Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Renagado Brazilian 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 Renagado Brazilian 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.
