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Veneration BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Kenosha, Wisconsin
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 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Website & schedule venerationbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (224) 636-1178
The classes they run
“Regarding the kids section I have seen a huge increase in confidence in my twins and Coaches Gil and Kevin are brilliant with the kids while still holding them accountable.”
“Something for everyone, from those looking to get in shape while learning self defense, to those who want to compete.”
“Something for everyone, from those looking to get in shape while learning self defense, to those who want to compete.”
“Whether you are brand new to the sport or an experienced black belt, you will learn so much and you will enjoy doing it.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“This is an extremely welcoming gym with great instruction.”
“From our white belts to black belts, all are welcoming, knowledgeable, and willing to help whoever walks through the door.”
“9 classes a week are available which makes this club exceptional value for money, the Veneration family are so welcoming.”
“We worked on a technique, applied it in situational, then worked on hitting the technique during live spar/roll.”
“Something for everyone, from those looking to get in shape while learning self defense, to those who want to compete.”
“The facility itself is clean and well-maintained, providing a safe space for training.”
From the reviews
This place is top notch. I joined here just over 6 months ago with my twin 6 year olds. Having never done any martial arts the instruction and support from Professors Jameel and Doc has been second to none.
A great training center, and community! Veneration offers high quality instruction, along with effective class formats to be productive for all levels. Highly recommend!
As a parent, I couldn't be more happy with my teenage son's experience at Veneration BJJ. This academy has created a positive and nurturing environment. The instructors are not only skilled but also genuinely care about the well-being and growth of each student.
Veneration BJJ is so much more than a Brazilian jiu jitsu gym. It's a family! The instructors and techniques are top notch. The atmosphere of the gym and attitudes of the people in it, allow you to bring out the best in yourself. Dave and Kelli are fantastic people running a GREAT family oriented facility.
New to BJJ? Start at Veneration BJJ
Veneration BJJ 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 Veneration BJJ
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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