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Roots Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 87 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Gilbert, Arizona
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 — 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 rootsbjjaz.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (602) 607-7160
Hours
| Monday | 6–10:30 AM, 4:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–10:30 AM, 4:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 6–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It began with getting my daughter enrolled in class to keep her active & learn some self defense techniques, not knowing if she'd like it or do well at it.”
“Our head instructor Josh Cisneros is amongst the best in the world in the Gi and No Gi.”
“Our head instructor Josh Cisneros is amongst the best in the world in the Gi and No Gi.”
“Gerson’s humbling spirit and willingness to help others improve their game from all surrounding schools Makes Roots a hotspot for great drop in competitors.”
“classes 5 days a week, and one of the most popular open mats in the Valley!”
“It began with getting my daughter enrolled in class to keep her active & learn some self defense techniques, not knowing if she'd like it or do well at it.”
“I have been at this gym for one week now, everyone is extremely helpful to beginners.”
What members say
“It's rare to find a place that combines world-class coaching, a welcoming environment, and top-notch cleanliness.”
“Roots is welcoming, friendly, and the main instructor, Gerson, is good at communicating and demonstrating the concepts he's teaching and the adjustments needed to make progress.”
“Roots is welcoming, friendly, and the main instructor, Gerson, is good at communicating and demonstrating the concepts he's teaching and the adjustments needed to make progress.”
“It began with getting my daughter enrolled in class to keep her active & learn some self defense techniques, not knowing if she'd like it or do well at it.”
“This school truly has a family environment, a great kids program, 6 a.”
“Gerson’s humbling spirit and willingness to help others improve their game from all surrounding schools Makes Roots a hotspot for great drop in competitors.”
From the reviews
It began with getting my daughter enrolled in class to keep her active & learn some self defense techniques, not knowing if she'd like it or do well at it. 3 weeks later I joined & a year and a half later we both are still at it.
I've been to a couple BJJ gyms in the past prior to committing to Roots in late 2018. The first thing that I noticed immediately was Gerson's attitude, patience and quality of instructions. He brings the friendly and welcoming islander vibe that makes you feel at home and part of a family.
I have been at this gym for one week now, everyone is extremely helpful to beginners. I have no jiu jitsu experience but everyone that I've had the opportunity to roll with took the time to slow down and walk me through different positions.
I can't recommend this gym enough! It's rare to find a place that combines world-class coaching, a welcoming environment, and top-notch cleanliness. The class schedule is excellent, offering great availability for all levels.
New to BJJ? Start at Roots Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Roots 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 Roots 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.
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