Kids BJJ in Mesa
14 gyms in Mesa, Arizona show real evidence — from their own sites or parents' reviews — of running kids or youth BJJ classes. BJJ is a genuinely good fit for children: it builds confidence, focus, and fitness in a disciplined, respectful setting, and young beginners drill technique and positional games rather than sparring hard. The best move before enrolling is simply to go watch a class — ask each gym what age ranges its classes serve and what its rolling policy is for kids, and notice whether the coach is patient and the room is calm and organized. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 14 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Ares East Mesa BJJ Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 197 reviews
“Ares East Mesa is an outstanding BJJ academy. The coaches are highly proficient not only in their execution but in their instruction of the art. The atmosphere is positive,…” — Joel
2. Ares Arizona Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 110 reviews
“My family joined, but my three sons mainly go ages 14, 13, and 7 years old. I find the academy to be a great place for people of all ages. The coaches are patient, understanding…” — Rafael
3. Faction Combat Gym | Krav Maga - MMA - BJJ - Muay Thai
4.9 ★★★★★ 105 reviews
“My family has been attending various classes at Faction Combat Gym for about 2years. All of the classes have been amazing. We started my youngest child in the MMA class with…” — Dogloving
4. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu - Phoenix
4.9 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
“Professor John Botello provided exceptional private training sessions to our 11-year-old daughter, a yellow-black belt, at 10th Planet Phoenix. His instruction was clear, patient,…” — Kayee
5. Carlos Farias Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
6. Gracie Barra East Mesa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
“Out of all the gyms I have been apart of across the country this school is by far my favorite. Professor Lucas’s mindset, positivity, knowledge and the way he coach’s each student…” — Shawn
7. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Mesa
5 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
“I was looking for a Martial Arts School for my boys (8 and 5 years old) so they could learn self-defense. I found this school and was intrigued by the Bullyproof Program and the…” — Jay
8. Maracaba BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
“Maracaba is an amazing family community with top notch coaching and coaches that truly care. I played pro sports for 10 years and the only camaraderie that was even close was my…” — Matt
9. Spartan Nation Combatives and Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“I signed myself, my wife and our 3 boys up at Spartan Nation. Great school. We take the grappling classes, striking classes and often workout there too. The coaches are friendly,…” — Jason
10. White 2 Black Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Mesa AZ
5 ★★★★★ 58 reviews
“Jiu-jitsu is amazing. But what makes it even better is having amazing Professors. I bring my friends kids to the youth classes at 4:30pm with Professor Sara, and they love it.…” — Jonah
11. APSK Martial Arts Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
“It would be impossible to count the ways that Professor Shaw and the fine instructors at APSK have impacted my family for the better. In the interest of time, I’ll just mention a…” — Jennifer
12. Revive Jiu Jitsu - Mesa BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
“Both of our kids joined the Revive family in August 2021. I use the word family because that's what it feels like! Coach Jorge has incredible passion, tremendous patience, and has…” — Alexis
13. Phantom Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Arizona
4.9 ★★★★★ 33 reviews
“My 8 year old son has been attending jiu-jitsu here and absolutely loves it! Coach Jay is fantastic. He's always patient, detailed in his instruction and takes the time to make…” — L
14. Sharkside Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
“My family has been involved with Sharkside Jiu-Jitsu for the past 2 years. Initially, my husband started taking classes with Brenden Richardson and Mike Lin to learn the basics in…” — Dogloving
Enrolling your child in Mesa: practical notes
- Watch a class first. Any welcoming gym will let you and your child observe before signing up. Look for a patient coach, a calm and organized room, and kids who are having fun while staying on task.
- Ask about age ranges. Confirm which class fits your child — many gyms split younger kids from older kids and teens — so the pace and content match their age.
- Ask about the rolling policy for kids. Reputable gyms keep young beginners on positional drills and controlled games; live rolling should be introduced gradually, kept light, and closely supervised.
- Keep gear simple to start. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies lend a gi, and they'll tell you when it's worth buying your own. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the lowest-pressure way to find out if it clicks for your child. See free BJJ trial classes.