Kids BJJ in Phoenix
25 gyms in Phoenix, 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 25 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 244 reviews
“My Daughter trained 9 years at UMA. White belt to first degree black belt. Earned not bought. The training and discipline received is amazing and life changing. This is a real…” — Matthew
2. Strong Heart Academy Brazilian jiu-jitsu & MMA
5 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
“We have all four of our children here and they are doing great. They are not just learning BJJ but also other physical abilities, social skills, and behavioral skills. They…” — Daniel
4. Gracie Jiu Jitsu North Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
“Awesome place, instructors, and students! Everyone is very friendly and family oriented and very skilled at what they do. Good place for the whole family. Kids love the kids…” — Nate
5. Marcio Andre Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 153 reviews
“Marcio Andre’s Jiu-Jitsu academy is much more than a place to train it is a true home for those who seek growth, discipline, and purpose. From the moment you walk in, you can feel…” — Ana
6. South Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 118 reviews
“A trustworthy, safe, supportive teacher is the single most important variable of success outside of our own personal responsibility. The combination of integrity and deep care for…” — B.
7. Gracie Barra North Phoenix Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 121 reviews
“I have been doing jiu jitsu for now a year. Love every moment of the hard training. It is worth every penny. I love the people. The instructors are very good. You become family to…” — Kat
8. Satori Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
“My son began his BJJ journey back 2019 with an interruption during the pandemic and later again most recently with a health issue. Along the way he has been a member of 3 gyms and…” — E
9. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
“My older son joined less than a year ago and our entire family has benefited from Gracie jiu jitsu. The teachings are so useful and practical for all people. It has truly brought…” — Yasmin
10. CHECKMAT Jiu-Jitsu By Mayko & Karen
5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
“My daughter started the kids class and let me start by saying it has been such a great experience for her. The staff is amazing, Karen is one of the nicest coaches I have met.…” — Ma
11. 12th Street Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
“UPDATE: my son has been here for almost 2 1/2 years and loves it still. I am grateful for how he has developed and the skills he has gained. We have been taking our son (now 6yrs…” — R
12. Gracie Arizona Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 100 reviews
“This is the best place to learn and train Jiu-Jitsu in Arizona. Incredibly experienced staff with a lot of black, brown, and purple belts who create a very welcoming and family…” — Michael
13. Pro Edge Boxing MMA & Brazilian Jujitsu
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
“Our 17 year old daughter was having a difficult time in her life and we were looking for a trainer for a healthy outlet for her. While she did not want to initially work out with…” — Jessica
14. Gracie Barra Ahwatukee Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 78 reviews
“My daughter and I have been attending this gym for a bit over a month. Professors Luis and Roiter are excellent with the kids and have established a great environment for them to…” — Stephen
15. Exodus Jiu-Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
“Our boys started their BJJ journey here at Exodus & they love it! It’s not just a good workout / a way to get their energy out + stay active. They’re learning discipline +…” — Tesia
16. Element Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
“Game changer! If you're a parent searching for a place where your child can build confidence, learn discipline, and have fun in a safe, structured environment Element Jiu Jitsu is…” — Heather
17. Ares BJJ Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
“So far great experiences with Ares BJJ PHX! I sparked interest and was instantly contacted by Kristina (who is amazing). Kristina was able to get me into a class and was a huge…” — Gina
18. Refuge BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
“I've been to more Jiu Jitsu schools than I can remember the names of and my daughter is only 9. I just don't see the point in wasting my time and or my child's time at the second…” — David
19. Gracie Barra Arcadia Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
“I have always been a fan of Brazilian jiu-jitsu .Never thought it would be an intricate part of my life. Until one morning in November '16 when I received a call from my…” — Gueillermo
21. Sol BJJ - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Phoenix
4.9 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
“I have been training here for almost two years, and my daughter has been training here for almost a year. The instruction, mentorship, coaching and overall attitude here is second…” — Zachary
22. Pinnacle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 33 reviews
“This is by far the best thing for her and I cannot say enough about the culture of this gym ❤️🖤🤍💙. They are fully supportive of Church, family, police, fire, and military and…” — Charlotte
23. Megaton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“Visiting town and stopped in to a competition training class. They worked me out hard and gave me an awesome, and grueling, training session. Everyone was friendly and welcoming…” — Ron
24. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix
5 ★★★★★ 23 reviews
“I have been training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix for 2 years and my son has been training for 5 years. I started with the Women Empowered program to learn how to protect myself in…” — Jana
25. High Street Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
“High Street jiu jitsu is a new excellent facility that is structured to cater to the whole family. The atmosphere that this gym provides is very clean and refreshing. A very…” — Roberto
Enrolling your child in Phoenix: 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.