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Theory Jiu-Jitsu Studio
5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Kaukauna, Wisconsin
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
- Website & schedule theoryjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (920) 659-0117
The classes they run
“I was not disappointed as my son and I eventually signed up for classes together.”
“I competed in one of their tournaments that was run very professionally.”
“Levi's skills include both self-defense and sportive, and can be beneficial for all levels of practitioners - first day through advanced.”
“Levi's skills include both self-defense and sportive, and can be beneficial for all levels of practitioners - first day through advanced.”
Other martial arts here
“They also have an AMAZING wrestling program.”
What members say
“Levi is a great instructor with a knack for giving demonstrations of techniques, complete with a thorough explanation that's easy to understand and replicate.”
“Levi's skills include both self-defense and sportive, and can be beneficial for all levels of practitioners - first day through advanced.”
“I have been lucky to witness Levi's skill as both a student and instructor - both of which is done with a humble mindset and sharp skills.”
“Levi is a great instructor with a knack for giving demonstrations of techniques, complete with a thorough explanation that's easy to understand and replicate.”
“I competed in one of their tournaments that was run very professionally.”
“The gym is very clean and modern, Levi is always looking to update and make the member experience better.”
From the reviews
I made arrangements to stop in at Theory as I was in town on a work trip. I've only been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for a few months at one other gym. Theory's facilities are very nice- great mats, clean, great karma.
Theory came highly recommended to me from a friend. I was not disappointed as my son and I eventually signed up for classes together. My son has autism, so I was concerned about his participation, but Levi was very understanding, wanting to create a culture where all are welcome, which put me at ease.
If you’re in the Appleton area looking for a great BJJ gym, Theory is it! Lots of clean mat space for plenty of students to come train. Levi is excellent at teaching the important small details.
Theory Jiu-Jitsu Studio is an absolutely clean facility, open to both men and women, catering to youth through adult age, and led by one of the most passionate instructors I've met to date. Levi Van Stappen didn't name his club Theory by accident.
New to BJJ? Start at Theory Jiu-Jitsu Studio
Theory Jiu-Jitsu Studio 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 Theory Jiu-Jitsu Studio
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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