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The Stronghold Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eastlake

5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chula Vista, California

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule thestrongholdeastlakebjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (619) 578-3584

Hours

Monday 6 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–7 PM
Thursday 6 AM–7 PM
Friday 6 AM–7 PM
Saturday 6 AM–7 PM
Sunday 6 AM–7 PM

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at The Stronghold Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eastlake, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 11 mentions

“My son won a Gold medal in a Jiu-jitsu Wotld League tournament held in San Diego and another Gold medal in Pan America's Jiu-jitsu World League tournament held in Long Beach.”

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🏆 Competition Team 8 mentions

“My son won a Gold medal in a Jiu-jitsu Wotld League tournament held in San Diego and another Gold medal in Pan America's Jiu-jitsu World League tournament held in Long Beach.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

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🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Stronghold Eastlake offers top-tier Jiu Jitsu while creating a safe and comfortable environment for all levels.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 17 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Lots of kids and parents training together, lots of long time members, & great coaches that make training fun and enjoyable.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“But everyone is really welcoming, the team is diverse with people from all walks of life, and I quickly came to appreciate the community culture at Stronghold Eastlake.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 20 mentions

“But everyone is really welcoming, the team is diverse with people from all walks of life, and I quickly came to appreciate the community culture at Stronghold Eastlake.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Professor Vince is worth every penny and has an awesome kids program.”

active competition team 10 mentions

“My son won a Gold medal in a Jiu-jitsu Wotld League tournament held in San Diego and another Gold medal in Pan America's Jiu-jitsu World League tournament held in Long Beach.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

“But starting Jiu Jitsu gave her confidence.”

From the reviews

I was reluctant to join at first given my older age and I didn’t really know anyone. But everyone is really welcoming, the team is diverse with people from all walks of life, and I quickly came to appreciate the community culture at Stronghold Eastlake.

★★★★★ — Elvin, Feb 2024

My two daughters love it! They ask me every day if they get to go to Jiu-Jitsu. The coach is a great teacher who knows his craft and how to teach at any level from little child to competent practitioner.

★★★★★ — James, May 2018

Started training here about a year and a half ago with no grappling experience. Love the atmosphere, love the gym family. Profesor Vince does a great job as an instructor 🫡

★★★★★ — David, Jan 2025

Great place to train for both kids and adults. Family friendly atmosphere. All of the instructors are very knowledgeable and cater to both beginners and advanced students.

★★★★★ — Thomas, Jan 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at The Stronghold Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eastlake

The Stronghold Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eastlake 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at The Stronghold Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eastlake

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find The Stronghold Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eastlake

861 Harold Pl Ste 305, Chula Vista, CA91914

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.