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The Cross Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Queens Village, New York
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 (ages 4–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 crossjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 201-632-5967
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–12 pm |
| Tuesday | 7–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7–8 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 7–8 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–7 pm |
The classes they run
“He has a unique ability to break down the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu into simple, effective techniques that truly make sense.”
“I’ve been training Jiu jitsu for 13 years and Chin is a great instructor and competitor.”
“I highly recommend Chin for those interested in improving and progressing themselves in their jiu-jitsu journey, whether beginner or advanced.”
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What members say
“I’ve been training Jiu jitsu for 13 years and Chin is a great instructor and competitor.”
“Despite being a world champion, he remains humble and creates a learning environment where everyone feels comfortable and motivated to improve.”
“He has a unique ability to break down the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu into simple, effective techniques that truly make sense.”
“Chinnonye Okafor is the most devout martial artist I know, his competition record speaks for itself.”
“Professor Chinn is a focused and dedicated instructor and martial artist.”
From the reviews
“I’ve had a fantastic experience at this jiu-jitsu school. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about helping every student improve, no matter their level. The training environment is clean, friendly, and welcoming, which makes learning both fun and rewarding.
I’ve trained with Chinnonye Okafor since 2009 — hands down one of the best in the game. His dedication is on another level; we used to call him “Horse Power” for a reason. He’s incredibly skilled, spiritual, and considerate, always pushing you to be better both on and off the mat.
I’ve known Chin for a very long time. We started training jiujitsu together with Marcos Santos then with the great Marcelo Garcia. I’ve rolled with him countless times and he’s an absolute beast on the mat!!! Anyone who gets a chance to train and learn from him will be in for a treat!
I’ve had the privilege of training with Professor Chinnonye, and it’s been an incredible experience. He has a unique ability to break down the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu into simple, effective techniques that truly make sense.
New to BJJ? Start at The Cross Jiu-Jitsu
The Cross 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 The Cross 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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