BJJ Classes in Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati has 8 BJJ gyms — including 5 with a free trial, 8 beginner-friendly, and 8 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.
Bendu Academy - MMA, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wrestling
5 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Limitless Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Fitness - Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wrestling & MMA.
4.9 ★★★★★ 235 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Powell MMA and Fitness (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling)
5 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Nishime Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 137 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
Gracie Barra Cincinnati
5 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Gracie Barra Kenwood
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Good to know in Cincinnati
3 of the 8 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 Limitless Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Fitness - Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wrestling & MMA., Nishime Martial Arts, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Maness Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense, and 2 more.
Looking for a women's class or a welcoming room to start in? Bendu Academy - MMA, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wrestling, Limitless Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Fitness - Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wrestling & MMA. and Gracie Barra Kenwood run women's BJJ.
Plan your first class
These gyms offer 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.
- Bendu Academy - MMA, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wrestling ★★★★★ 5 (243)
- Limitless Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Fitness - Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wrestling & MMA. ★★★★★ 4.9 (235)
- Nishime Martial Arts ★★★★★ 4.9 (137)
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.
Kids & teen BJJ in Cincinnati
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.
BJJ in Cincinnati: quick answers
- How much does BJJ cost a month in Cincinnati?
- Most Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati gyms offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 5 of the 8 gyms in Cincinnati advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Bendu Academy - MMA, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wrestling, Limitless Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Fitness - Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wrestling & MMA., Nishime Martial Arts. Offers change, so confirm on the gym's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start BJJ in Cincinnati?
- Yes. BJJ welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 8 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?
- Yes — 8 Cincinnati gyms run kids' or youth BJJ, with some classes starting as young as age 6. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, and fun in a supervised setting; check each gym's schedule for age groups and times.