BJJ Classes in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has 4 BJJ gyms — including 1 with a free trial, 2 beginner-friendly, and 3 with kids' classes. Every listing is ranked by what members say (Google rating weighted by review count) and shows live open-now hours and the classes each gym runs, so you can find your academy and book your first class. All levels welcome — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start.
Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines
5 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Sub Spectrum Jiu Jitsu Tournaments
5 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
Good to know in Des Moines
2 of the 4 gyms with posted hours are open on Sundays.
For a recognized affiliation or lineage (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance), members point to Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines.
Looking for a women's class or a welcoming room to start in? Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines runs women's BJJ.
Plan your first class
This gym offers a free trial, free first class, or intro offer — the low-risk way to try BJJ before you commit. Check each gym's schedule for the current offer.
- Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines ★★★★★ 5 (66)
New to BJJ?
These gyms are called out by members as welcoming to beginners — go at your own pace, ask questions, and know that rolling builds up slowly and tapping keeps it safe. Everyone in the room started with a first class.
- Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines ★★★★★ 5 (66)
- Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (36)
Kids & teen BJJ in Des Moines
These gyms run kids' or youth classes — supervised, confidence-building, and focused on discipline and self-defense. Check each gym's schedule for age groups and times.
- Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines ★★★★★ 5 (66)
- Sub Spectrum Jiu Jitsu Tournaments ★★★★★ 5 (37)
- Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (36)
BJJ in Des Moines: quick answers
- How much does BJJ cost a month in Des Moines?
- Most Des Moines gyms don't post prices online. BJJ is usually sold as a monthly membership, and rates vary by academy. Many offer a free or discounted first class, so you can visit before you commit — see our cost guide for typical price ranges.
- Do any Des Moines gyms offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 1 of the 4 gyms in Des Moines advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines. Offers change, so confirm on the gym's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start BJJ in Des Moines?
- Yes. BJJ welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 2 Des Moines gyms are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly. Rolling (live sparring) builds up slowly, a good gym never pressures newcomers, and tapping keeps every roll safe — just leave your ego at the door.
- Are there kids' BJJ classes in Des Moines?
- Yes — 3 Des Moines gyms run kids' or youth BJJ. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, and fun in a supervised setting; check each gym's schedule for age groups and times.