How Much Are BJJ Classes? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is usually paid as a monthly membership, and the price can vary widely based on your city, the academy’s reputation, and what’s included in your training access. Most beginners should plan for a mid-range monthly fee for unlimited training, plus optional add-ons like gear, private lessons, and competition expenses. For more guides, gear insights, and related resources, BJJ Sportswear is a helpful place to explore.
Average BJJ class prices
Most academies sell memberships (unlimited training), but you’ll also find drop-ins, class packs, and one-on-one coaching.
- Monthly unlimited membership: commonly ranges from $120 to $250 per month (some premium gyms in major cities can be higher).
- Limited plans (2–3 classes/week): often cheaper than unlimited and ideal if you’re training around work, school, or family.
- Drop-in class: typically $20–$30 per session, useful for travelers or anyone testing a gym before joining.
- Day pass / open mat access: some gyms offer a day rate that may cover multiple classes and open mat.
- Private lessons: often $75–$150 per hour, depending on the instructor’s experience and your location.
What affects BJJ membership cost?
Two gyms can charge different prices because the “membership” isn’t always the same product. Before comparing costs, confirm what you actually get.
- Location & rent: big-city academies and premium areas usually cost more.
- Instructor experience: advanced coaching, proven competitors, and structured beginner programs can increase pricing.
- Training access: unlimited plans cost more than restricted schedules, fewer weekly sessions, or off-peak-only memberships.
- Facilities & extras: showers, strength equipment, recovery options, kids programs, and included striking/wrestling classes can raise the fee.
- Class quality & safety: clean mats, beginner onboarding, and supervised sparring (“rolling”) are often tied to higher operating costs.
Extra costs to budget for (often overlooked)
Your monthly membership is only part of the total BJJ budget—especially in the first 1–2 months.
- Uniforms & gear: a gi (kimono), rash guards, shorts/spats, belt, mouthguard, and laundry costs.
- Seminars & events: optional, but great for learning from visiting black belts and building fundamentals.
- Competition expenses: if you plan to compete, expect registration fees plus travel.
If competing is part of your plan, it helps to understand common tournament rulesets. For example, you can review official updates from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) to see how competition formats and rules typically work.
How to choose a BJJ gym (without overpaying)
Price matters, but value matters more—especially for beginners who want safe, consistent progress.
- Take a trial class first. Confirm whether the trial includes gi or no-gi training and whether there’s a true fundamentals program.
- Ask what “unlimited” includes. Verify access to no-gi sessions, open mats, competition class, and beginner-only classes.
- Check credentials and structure. Look for a clear curriculum, organized class plans, and coaches who can explain techniques simply.
- Confirm policies in writing. Get the cancellation policy, freeze option, and any sign-up fees before paying.
If you’re brand new, reading a quick overview of Brazilian jiu-jitsu can help you understand positions, submissions, and typical training formats.
And if competing, coaching standards, or organized membership pathways matter to you in the U.S., you can explore USA Jiu-Jitsu (USAJJ) for general federation and membership information.
