BJJ Classes in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has 11 BJJ gyms — including 9 with a free trial, 9 beginner-friendly, and 9 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.
Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville
5 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Premier Martial Arts Hardin Valley
4.8 ★★★★★ 93 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Shield Systems Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Hero Athletics
5 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Functional fitness center offering jiu jitsu, kickboxing, and self-defense training, plus personal training.
Cate Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Kickboxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Morris Self Defense - Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu - Knoxville
5 ★★★★★ 30 reviews
Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Knoxville
5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Jiu jitsu Knoxville
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Outbox Jiu jitsu
Good to know in Knoxville
5 of the 11 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 Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville, Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Hero Athletics, Cate Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Kickboxing, and 3 more.
Looking for a women's class or a welcoming room to start in? Shield Systems Academy and Hero Athletics 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.
- Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville ★★★★★ 5 (147)
- Premier Martial Arts Hardin Valley ★★★★★ 4.8 (93)
- Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 5 (48)
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.
- Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville ★★★★★ 5 (147)
- Premier Martial Arts Hardin Valley ★★★★★ 4.8 (93)
- Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 5 (48)
Kids & teen BJJ in Knoxville
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.
- Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville ★★★★★ 5 (147)
- Premier Martial Arts Hardin Valley ★★★★★ 4.8 (93)
- Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 5 (48)
BJJ in Knoxville: quick answers
- How much does BJJ cost a month in Knoxville?
- A few Knoxville gyms list a membership around $85/mo, but most don't post rates online. Ask about a free trial and check the gym's schedule for current prices — see our cost guide for typical ranges.
- Do any Knoxville gyms offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 9 of the 11 gyms in Knoxville advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville, Premier Martial Arts Hardin Valley, Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Offers change, so confirm on the gym's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start BJJ in Knoxville?
- Yes. BJJ welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 9 Knoxville 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 Knoxville?
- Yes — 9 Knoxville gyms run kids' or youth BJJ, with some classes starting as young as age 1. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, and fun in a supervised setting; check each gym's schedule for age groups and times.