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Kids BJJ in Philadelphia
18 gyms in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 18 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Ethos Jiu-Jitsu Collective
5 ★★★★★ 252 reviews
“We absolutely LOVE SASPhiladelphia Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!! Our 6 year old started 4 months ago on a trial, and after the 1st class we already knew we were going to join! The coaches…” — Sheem
2. The Jiu Jitsu Company
5 ★★★★★ 202 reviews
“I dropped in while in town for work. The facility is beautiful, with changing rooms and they even showers! The people were friendly and inviting. Pim was great and provided clear…” — Matthew
3. Logic Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, & Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
“Moved to Philly and made it a personal goal to get back into Jiu Jitsu after 3 years off the mats. I've been training at Logic for 6 months and I can't emphasize enough how this…” — Nico
5. Shorty's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
“Who needs therapy when you can attend Shorty’s BJJ studio? As someone with no previous martial arts experience, I figured getting my butt handed to me daily would be the ultimate…” — Deyra
6. Martinez BJJ Fitness Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
“martinez bjj one of the best jiu jitsu and gentle art academies with discipline and safety for your child👏” — Katia
7. Balance Studios HQ: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
4.9 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
8. Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
9. RH Studios Bjj
5 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
“I’ve been training here for about 3 years now and let me tell you something. This is the best place to train especially if you have kids. Our kids program is the biggest in the…” — Connor
10. Royal StriKing Muay Thai & BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
11. Gracie Academy Philadelphia
5 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
12. Balance Studios
4.9 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
“My 14 year old son has been here now almost 7 months. He loves it. The instructors are awesome. When he goes to a class where he is the youngest he never feels out of place.…” — Chris
13. Osagame Martial Arts and Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
“I love this place - I mean seriously. I've trained at various other gyms in Philadelphia and so far I haven't gotten that "this is my second family" feeling like I do at Osagame.…” — Mark
14. Daniel Gracie Northeast Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
“I felt welcomed from day one. Professor Sideco is amazing at teaching and explaining technique. They have a great and fun kids program too! If you’re thinking to come check it…” — Natalya
15. Booth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
“Booth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has honestly been a game-changer for my daughter—and for us as a family. The coaches there are something special. They don’t just teach Jiu Jitsu;…” — Maria
16. Golden Fist Martial Arts of Philadelphia NE
4.9 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
“I am currently a student of Golden fist and I must say they welcomed me like family and they took on my challenge just as I have with me I am currently slightly paralyzed on my…” — David
17. Graciephila Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
“Excellent, no-frills Brazilian jiu- jitsu instruction. My son has been training here 4+ years. Joe Guido is a great instructor.” — Su
18. The Garden MMA Jiu-Jitsu Privates
Enrolling your child in Philadelphia: 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.