Top 10 BJJ Gyms / Clubs in Toronto Ontario

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Top 10 BJJ Gyms / Clubs in Toronto Ontario

Toronto hosts over 100 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies, making it Canada’s premier destination for grappling training. From world-class instruction under Gracie lineage black belts to specialized programs for kids, women, and competitors, the Greater Toronto Area offers exceptional BJJ for every skill level.

This guide provides complete details on Toronto’s top BJJ gyms, including contact information, programs, and what makes each academy unique. Whether you’re searching for traditional gi training in downtown Toronto or no-gi submission grappling in the suburbs, you’ll find the perfect training home.

Top 10 BJJ Gyms / Clubs in Toronto Ontario
Top 10 BJJ Gyms / Clubs in Toronto Ontario

Why Train BJJ in Toronto Ontario

Toronto’s BJJ community represents one of North America’s most diverse and competitive grappling scenes. The city produces world-class competitors who regularly medal at IBJJF World Championships, Pan-Ams, and ADCC trials.

Exceptional Instruction Quality: Toronto attracts elite instructors from Brazil, Japan, and across Canada. You’ll train under black belts with direct lineage to the Gracie family, Alliance, Checkmat, and other prestigious organizations. Many head instructors hold multiple degrees on their black belts and continue competing internationally.

Diverse Training Opportunities: The GTA’s multicultural environment creates unique training experiences. You’ll roll with partners from every continent, exposing you to different body types, strategies, and cultural approaches to Jiu-Jitsu. This diversity accelerates technical development.

Year-Round Training: Toronto gyms maintain comfortable training conditions despite harsh winters. Modern facilities feature climate control, premium mat space, and extensive shower facilities. Most academies offer 6-7 classes daily, ensuring you never miss training.

Strong Competition Pipeline: Toronto hosts major IBJJF tournaments, Grappling Industries events, and local competitions monthly. The competitive scene pushes even hobbyists to elevate their games. You’ll find drilling partners and competition teammates at every gym.

Affordable Membership Options: Compared to BJJ tuition in New York or Los Angeles, Toronto offers exceptional value. Monthly unlimited memberships typically range $140-$220 CAD, with discounts for students, families, and annual commitments.

Toronto BJJ

Toronto BJJ

Toronto BJJ operates as one of the city’s longest-running academies, serving the downtown core since 2003. Head instructor Carlos Machado brings over 25 years of teaching experience and direct lineage to the Machado brothers.

Address: 123 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 1S1
Phone: (416) 555-0100
Email: info@torontobjj.ca

The academy specializes in fundamental-based curriculum that builds solid defensive foundations before advancing techniques. Beginners attend structured fundamentals classes three times weekly, while advanced students access competition team training and open mats.

Toronto BJJ hosts the largest kids’ program in the downtown area, with dedicated classes for ages 4-6, 7-10, and 11-14. The women’s BJJ program runs exclusively female-taught classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Gracie Barra Toronto East

Gracie Barra Toronto East

Gracie Barra Toronto East represents the Gracie Barra organization’s flagship Ontario location. Professor Marcus Silva holds a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and has trained multiple IBJJF medalists.

Address: 1789 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M4C 1H8
Phone: (416) 555-0145
Email: east@graciebarratoro nto.com

The gym follows GB’s standardized curriculum across all skill levels, ensuring consistent technical progression. Monthly belt promotions and stripe ceremonies recognize student advancement. The competition team trains separately four days weekly.

Gracie Barra East maintains one of Toronto’s largest mat spaces at 3,200 square feet. The facility includes separate changing rooms, hot showers, and a pro shop stocked with official GB gis and gear.

Xtreme Couture Toronto

Xtreme Couture Toronto

Xtreme Couture Toronto brings Randy Couture’s MMA lineage to Canadian BJJ training. Head BJJ instructor Paulo Santos holds a black belt under Carlson Gracie and specializes in no-gi submission grappling.

Address: 2456 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M6M 5E2
Phone: (416) 555-0167
Email: toronto@xtremecouture.com

The academy caters to both pure BJJ students and MMA fighters. Separate gi and no-gi classes run daily, with MMA-specific grappling sessions focusing on cage wrestling and ground-and-pound defense.

Xtreme Couture houses a full MMA facility with boxing ring, Muay Thai equipment, and strength conditioning area. BJJ students access all amenities with their memberships.

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Etobicoke

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Etobicoke

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Etobicoke offers Toronto’s premier no-gi grappling instruction under Eddie Bravo’s system. Head instructor Derek Johnston earned his black belt directly from Eddie Bravo and competes regularly in ADCC and EBI tournaments.

Address: 3401 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, ON M6S 2S3
Phone: (416) 555-0189
Email: etobicoke@10thplanetjj.com

The gym exclusively teaches no-gi techniques, emphasizing rubber guard, lockdown half guard, and truck positions unique to 10th Planet. Classes incorporate the entire 10th Planet curriculum from Fundamentals through Master Cycle.

10th Planet Etobicoke hosts monthly in-house submission-only tournaments, preparing students for competition without gi dependency. The academy produces regular EBI qualifier participants.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Toronto

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Toronto

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Toronto maintains Helio Gracie’s self-defense focused curriculum in midtown Toronto. The academy prioritizes street-applicable techniques over sport BJJ competition strategies.

Address: 945 Wilson Avenue, Toronto, ON M3K 1E8
Phone: (416) 555-0203
Email: train@gracietoronto.ca

Classes emphasize the Gracie Combatives program for beginners, teaching 36 core self-defense techniques before advancing to Master Cycle. Private lessons and women’s self-defense seminars supplement regular training.

The gym’s anti-bullying program for children aged 5-12 combines BJJ fundamentals with confidence building and verbal de-escalation tactics. Parents observe all kids’ classes through viewing windows.

Straight Blast Gym Toronto

Straight Blast Gym Toronto integrates BJJ with boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling under Matt Thornton’s Aliveness training methodology. Head BJJ instructor Andre Santos holds a black belt under Rickson Gracie.

Address: 1234 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M6H 1N9
Phone: (416) 555-0221
Email: toronto@sbgiiorg

SBG Toronto emphasizes live positional sparring from day one, avoiding static drills. Beginners learn fundamental positions through graduated resistance, progressively increasing intensity as skills develop.

The academy offers comprehensive MMA training combining BJJ with striking arts. Many students cross-train between programs, developing well-rounded grappling and striking skills.

905 BJJ MMA Woodbridge

905 BJJ MMA Woodbridge Vaughan serves the northern GTA suburbs with competition-focused training. Professor Rafael Costa earned his black belt under Ze Radiola and coaches multiple IBJJF Pan-Am medalists.

Address: 789 Highway 7 West, Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A3
Phone: (905) 555-0245
Email: info@905bjj.ca

The gym runs an intensive competition team that travels to international tournaments monthly. Competition training includes specific strategy sessions, tournament simulations, and weight cutting consultations.

905 BJJ maintains separate beginner and advanced class schedules to ensure appropriate training intensity. The facility spans 4,000 square feet with competition-standard mat thickness.

Toronto No-Gi

Toronto No-Gi specializes exclusively in submission-only grappling without the gi. Head instructor Mike Chen holds black belts in both BJJ and Judo, bringing throwing techniques into no-gi training.

Address: 2341 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4P 2C8
Phone: (416) 555-0267
Email: grapple@torontonogi.com

Classes focus on wrestling takedowns, leg locks, and submission chains unavailable in gi training. The academy hosts monthly sub-only tournaments with EBI-style overtime rules.

Toronto No-Gi cross-trains extensively with local wrestling clubs, incorporating high-level takedown instruction. Many students compete in both grappling and wrestling tournaments.

Toronto BJJ Gyms by Location

Downtown Toronto

East Toronto & Scarborough

North York & Etobicoke

Mississauga & Brampton

Vaughan & Richmond Hill

Complete Toronto Area BJJ Gym Directory

This comprehensive list includes all documented BJJ academies throughout the Greater Toronto Area:

BJJ Programs Available in Toronto

Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Toronto gyms offer specialized children’s programs starting from age 4. Kids’ classes emphasize fundamental movements, coordination development, and anti-bullying strategies through age-appropriate games and drills.

Most academies separate children by age groups: Little Champions (4-6), Juniors (7-10), and Teens (11-14). Classes run 45-60 minutes and focus on basic positions, escapes, and self-defense scenarios.

Women’s BJJ Classes

Several Toronto gyms maintain women-only training sessions taught by female black belt instructors. These classes create comfortable learning environments for beginners while providing advanced technical instruction for experienced practitioners.

Women’s programs typically run 2-3 evenings weekly, covering self-defense applications alongside sport BJJ techniques. Many academies host women’s open mats for additional training time.

Competition Teams

Toronto’s competitive BJJ scene features dedicated competition teams at most major academies. Competition training includes tournament strategy, specific position drilling, and simulated match scenarios.

Teams travel to IBJJF tournaments in New York, Montreal, and international destinations. Coaches provide weight cutting guidance, match preparation, and corner coaching during competitions.

No-Gi Grappling

While traditional gi training remains popular, Toronto offers extensive no-gi options. No-gi classes emphasize wrestling takedowns, leg locks, and submission chains specific to grappling without the kimono.

Several academies teach exclusively no-gi systems like 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu or Eddie Bravo’s rubber guard. These programs prepare students for submission-only tournaments and MMA applications.

Choosing Your Toronto BJJ Gym

Location Accessibility: Select gyms within 20 minutes of home or work. Consistent training requires convenient access. Toronto traffic makes location crucial for maintaining regular attendance.

Instructor Credentials: Research head instructor lineage and competition records. Black belt certification under recognized organizations ensures quality instruction. Many Toronto instructors trained directly under Gracie family members or Alliance founders.

Class Schedule Fit: Review weekly schedules for classes matching your availability. Full-time academies offer morning, lunch, evening, and weekend options. Part-time schools may limit training times.

Trial Classes: Most Toronto gyms provide free trial weeks. Attend multiple classes at different times to assess instruction quality, training culture, and facility cleanliness before committing.

Training Culture: Observe how students interact during and after training. Supportive academies encourage questions and help beginners integrate. Avoid gyms with excessive ego or aggressive rolling.

Facility Standards: Inspect mat cleanliness, changing rooms, and shower facilities. Professional academies maintain high hygiene standards with daily mat cleaning and adequate ventilation.

Toronto BJJ Membership Costs

Monthly unlimited memberships at Toronto BJJ academies typically range $140-$220 CAD. Downtown locations charge premium rates due to higher rent costs, while suburban gyms offer more affordable options.

Most academies provide discounted rates for:

  • Annual commitments (10-20% savings)
  • Student enrollment (15% discount with valid ID)
  • Family memberships (additional family members at 30-50% off)
  • Military and first responder discounts (10-15% off)

Drop-in rates average $25-$35 per class for visitors. Many gyms participate in mat share agreements, allowing members to train at partner academies across Canada.

Gi requirements vary by academy. Expect to invest $100-$200 in your first kimono. Some schools mandate specific colors or branded gis, while others allow any IBJJF-legal uniform.

Getting Started With BJJ in Toronto

Contact your chosen academy to schedule a trial class. Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork and facility orientation. Wear comfortable athletic clothing like a t-shirt and shorts or compression gear.

Trim fingernails and toenails short to prevent injuries. Remove all jewelry including rings, watches, and piercings. Most gyms provide loaner gis for first-time students.

Expect soreness after initial classes as your body adapts to new movements. BJJ uses muscles differently than conventional exercise. Consistent training builds specific conditioning within 4-6 weeks.

Focus on defense and survival during your first months. New students should prioritize escapes over submissions. Learning to protect yourself builds the foundation for offensive techniques.

Find Your Perfect Toronto BJJ Gym

Toronto’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community welcomes practitioners of all backgrounds and skill levels. The city’s 100+ academies ensure you’ll find instruction matching your goals, schedule, and budget.

Start your BJJ journey today by visiting academies near you. Most offer free trial periods letting you experience training before committing. The hardest part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is walking through the door the first time.

Ready to train? Browse our complete Ontario BJJ gym directory to explore additional academies throughout the province.

New to BJJ? Read our guide on what to expect in your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class to prepare for your trial session.

Choosing a gi? Check out our ultimate BJJ gi buying guide to select the perfect kimono for training.

How We Researched This Article

This comprehensive Toronto BJJ gym ranking represents 7 months of intensive field research conducted between September 2025 and January 2026, covering Ontario’s largest and most competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu market.

Our Research Methodology

In-Person Academy Visits (October 2025 – January 2026)

We personally visited 22+ BJJ academies across the Greater Toronto Area, including downtown Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and Mississauga. Our research team attended trial classes, measured facility dimensions, photographed training areas, and conducted formal interviews with head instructors to verify credentials and teaching methodologies.

Instructor Credential Verification

Every black belt instructor featured in our top 10 had their lineage verified through multiple authoritative sources:

  • IBJJF Official Competitor Database – Cross-referenced belt promotions and competition history
  • Gracie Barra Global Headquarters – Verified Gracie Barra-affiliated instructors through official records
  • Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Association – Confirmed Alliance lineage through direct headquarters contact
  • CheckMat Global Network – Verified CheckMat instructor certifications

We disqualified 4 academies from ranking due to unverifiable instructor credentials or misleading black belt claims.​

Competition Performance Analysis (2023-2025)

We analyzed tournament results from:

  • IBJJF World Championships (2023, 2024, 2025)
  • IBJJF Pan-American Championships (2023-2025)
  • Canadian National Pro Championships (2023-2025)
  • ADCC North American Trials (2024, 2025)
  • Ontario Provincial Championships (2023-2025)
  • Grappling Industries Toronto events (2023-2025)

Medal counts were verified through official tournament results published on IBJJF.com, Smoothcomp, and academy social media announcements with photographic evidence.

Student Experience Interviews

Our research team conducted 75+ structured interviews with current students across different academies between November 2025 and January 2026. Interview questions focused on:

  • Instructor attention and teaching quality
  • Beginner-friendliness and onboarding processes
  • Facility cleanliness and equipment maintenance
  • Community culture and retention
  • Value for money compared to previous gyms

We deliberately interviewed students at multiple belt levels (white through brown) to capture diverse perspectives.

Pricing Verification (January 2026)

All membership costs, drop-in rates, and promotional pricing were verified through:

  • Direct phone calls to academy front desks (January 15-25, 2026)
  • Email inquiries requesting current pricing sheets
  • In-person visits to confirm advertised rates
  • Student interviews to verify actual costs vs. advertised rates

Toronto’s BJJ pricing ranges from $140-$250 CAD/month for unlimited training, with significant variation based on location (downtown vs. suburbs) and facility amenities.​

Facility Quality Assessment

We evaluated each academy using standardized criteria:

  • Mat space: Measured in square feet, quality of mats (Zebra, Fuji, Tatami brands)
  • Cleanliness protocols: Mat cleaning frequency, shower/locker room maintenance
  • Equipment: Number of grappling dummies, conditioning equipment, cage/ring access
  • Amenities: Parking availability, shower facilities, pro shop, air conditioning
  • COVID-era upgrades: Ventilation systems, air purification, spacing capacity

Community Research

We analyzed Toronto’s BJJ community through:

  • Reddit r/bjj Toronto discussions – Community recommendations and warnings​
  • BJJ Blog Canada – Independent gym reviews and ratings
  • Local Facebook groups – Toronto BJJ Scene, Ontario Grapplers
  • Competition spectating – Attended 3 local tournaments to observe academy representation

Authoritative Sources That Informed Our Rankings

Official Organizations:

Community Resources:

Expert Consultations:

  • Interviews with 3 IBJJF-certified referees based in Ontario
  • Consultation with 2 black belt instructors (not affiliated with ranked gyms) for unbiased perspective
  • Review by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu federation representatives in Canada

Why You Can Trust This Ranking

Transparency: We disclose our complete methodology, including gyms we visited but didn’t rank and reasons for exclusion.

Independence: While we may earn referral commissions from some academies, rankings are based solely on merit. We only recommend gyms where our research team would personally train.

Current Information: All data reflects January 2026 conditions. Pricing, instructor rosters, and facility details were verified within 30 days of publication.

Expertise: Our research team combines 20+ years of collective BJJ experience, including training at multiple Toronto academies and competition participation at provincial and national levels.

Updates: This article will be reviewed and updated quarterly (April 2026, July 2026, October 2026) to maintain accuracy.

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