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Kids BJJ in Indianapolis
10 gyms in Indianapolis, Indiana 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 10 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Champlin Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
“I love training at this gym. Everyone is so friendly but also focused on getting better. If you are interested in BJJ and learning in a safe but competitive environment this is…” — Isaiah
2. Indy Boxing and Grappling
4.6 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
“It was good. My son appreciated the workout he got while attending the boxing class. Price is great for the class. Can use some cleanup, but no one said boxing is a clean sport!” — Gloria
3. Indianapolis Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
“My name is Mark Massey, I am currently a Brown Belt under Rafael Ellwanger and Carlos Gracie Jr. of the Gracie Barra Association. Though I have never met Professor Monteiro in…” — Mark
4. New Wave Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
“My daughter has been attending judo classes here with Sensei Mario since it opened and she absolutely loves it. She enjoys learning new throws and building relationships with the…” — Crystal
5. Top Level Gym
4.8 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
“This class has been the best confidence builder for my daughter. She struggled with being bullied because she’s a tall and bigger girl than her peers. She used to cry about being…” — Robin
6. Naptown Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing LLC.
4.8 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
“This is an awesome gym. Not only is it a gym it's a Jiu-Jitsu family. They are all very nice and welcoming. They make sure that everyone is comfortable and welcomed. They are very…” — Heather
7. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Indianapolis
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
“We travel to Indy several times a year and decided to check out the kid’s bullyproof bjj class for some cross training. The kid’s coaches made class tons of fun while teaching…” — Guisel
8. Chris Howe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
4.7 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
“My son has been training at Chris Howe BJJ for a few years now. It is a top notch program that has helped build my sons confidence and made him a fierce yet humble competitor. My…” — Jill
9. True Grit BJJ
5 ★★★★★ 33 reviews
“This group of people are more than just a gym. You’re family here. This place was so welcoming to my kid that was VERY nervous to start BJJ when we moved to here from out of…” — Glynnda
10. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Indianapolis
5 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
Enrolling your child in Indianapolis: 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.