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Substructure Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Elyria, Ohio
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule substructurejiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (440) 249-0575
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–6:15 PM, 6:45–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 5:30–6:15 PM, 6:45–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–6:15 PM, 6:45–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–7 AM, 5:30–6:15 PM, 6:45–8 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Substructure might be the new kid on the block…However, they’re setting a new standard in the Ridgeville, Avon, Elyria, and Sheffield area.”
“Whether you’re a seasoned vet, fresh beginner, or have a child attending kids class - Don’t worry - Professor Jeff creates a friendly and safe training environment for all.”
What members say
“Clean, great instruction, everyone is so friendly and welcoming.”
“Whether you’re a seasoned vet, fresh beginner, or have a child attending kids class - Don’t worry - Professor Jeff creates a friendly and safe training environment for all.”
“Whether you’re a seasoned vet, fresh beginner, or have a child attending kids class - Don’t worry - Professor Jeff creates a friendly and safe training environment for all.”
“No matter where you’re at in your Jiu Jitsu journey, the tailored and detailed technique taught will put you on the path to Jiu Jitsu success.”
“Definitely felt at home training here and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great gym to be a part of.”
“It’s clear that safety and hygiene are a top priority, which creates a great environment to focus on learning and growth.”
From the reviews
Highly impressed with Substructure Jiu-Jitsu. I visited this gym from out of town, and was welcomed by Jeff (the Owner) as well as everyone in the class. If you live in the area you need to come check out this gym. The culture here is about teaching and about making one another better. Beginner to Advanced friendly.
A place where the family can train. Perfect for personal and physical development in the finer arts of Jiu Jitsu. Professional instruction from Professor Jeff Vale, who believes in making his students better! 10/10 highly recommend. Clean facility with brand new mats. This facility is unmatched in the the CLE area!
Absolutely top-notch Jiu Jitsu academy! Substructure Jiu Jitsu has been an incredible place to train. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by how clean, organized, and welcoming the space is.
Dropped in for a few classes while traveling for work. Jeff is a great instructor and has an amazing gym. Definitely felt at home training here and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great gym to be a part of.
New to BJJ? Start at Substructure Jiu Jitsu
Substructure Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Substructure 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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