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Zoo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Missoula, Montana

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 zoobjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (406) 229-1332

Hours

Monday 4:30–5:15 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–12 PM, 4–4:45 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM
Wednesday 4:30–5:15 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM
Thursday 11 AM–12 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM
Friday 5:30–6:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM–12 PM
Sunday 12–1 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 Zoo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 2 mentions

“He’s great with kids and he’s teaching my two young children how to be marshal artists.”

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🏆 Competition Team 4 mentions

“Coach Bob has a pretty laid back style, but he will push you hard it your getting ready for a tournament or just wish to challenge yourself.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Zoo BJJ classes are always fun, and provide excellent instruction for sport jiujitsu and self defense!”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“Zoo BJJ is the perfect place to either start your BJJ journey as a beginner, or to take your game to the next level if you have experience.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 47 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“Excellent instructor, great welcoming atmosphere, steady improvement can be seen in everyone attending.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 17 mentions

“Zoo BJJ is the perfect place to either start your BJJ journey as a beginner, or to take your game to the next level if you have experience.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 24 mentions

“The people and atmosphere are very welcoming, and Bob has the experience, patience, and skill to make BJJ accessible to anyone at any level.”

great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“Since joining Bob and the crew at Zoo BJJ, I have lost 45 pounds.”

active competition team 5 mentions

“Coach Bob has a pretty laid back style, but he will push you hard it your getting ready for a tournament or just wish to challenge yourself.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 6 mentions

“It’s great for staying in shape, self defense, mental focus, and living your best life.”

From the reviews

Just try it! I was a little anxious to start a martial arts class at my age (44). The Professor and my classmates made me feel welcome from the first few minutes I was in the gym. The learning process can be slow but you can see improvement with each class.

★★★★★ — J, Aug 2019

Since joining Bob and the crew at Zoo BJJ, I have lost 45 pounds. I cannot think of any higher praise than that. If you are looking for a place to get in shape, learn a skill, and make some new friends, there is not a better place to go than here!

★★★★★ — Davis, Jul 2019

Starting a new hobby (especially a martial art) can be intimidating. This gym couldn't be more welcoming to new/visiting students;e is very friendly and excited to help out. The quality of instruction is the best in the area--Bob is a great coach with a great game.

★★★★★ — Ashreading, Jul 2019

Iv'e been training here for 2 years now and I'm addicted. If your looking for a place to train Jiu Jitsu, definitely check out Zoo BJJ. Coach Bob has a pretty laid back style, but he will push you hard it your getting ready for a tournament or just wish to challenge yourself.

★★★★★ — Josh, Jan 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 47 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Zoo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Zoo Brazilian 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Zoo Brazilian 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.

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 Zoo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

1521 Cooper St, Missoula, MT59802

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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.