Top 10 BJJ Clubs in Austin, TX: Best Jiu Jitsu Gyms
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Local Expert Reviews | Last Updated: January 16, 2026
Austin’s top 10 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms feature Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu (led by Gordon Ryan, greatest grappler in history, with John Danaher and Garry Tonon offering world-class instruction in North Austin based on championship-proven systems), B Team (founded on strength, discipline, and confidence at 1701 W Ben White Blvd combining wrestling and submission grappling with ego-free environment), Paragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy (established 1998 at 6800 W Gate Blvd with decades of experience offering technique-focused training for all ages), Renzo Gracie Austin (Gracie lineage at 4631 Airport Blvd with systematic approach and professional instructors training students from recreational to competition), Atos Austin (fun, exciting classes at 11701 Bee Caves Rd offering gi, no-gi, and private lessons),
VOW BJJ (Village of Wolves in North Loop fostering casual, friendly environment with leg lock specialization), Gracie Humaita Austin (20+ black belts including Tim Kennedy with traditional approach), Brazilian Fight Factory (young competitive team in North Austin with top-notch competitors), AMP BJJ (3808 Spicewood Springs Rd with family classes and safety-first approach), and Gracie Barra North Austin (Ricardo Moraes-led academy focusing on student growth) with monthly costs ranging $140-220 connecting to BJJ class pricing nationwide. Gold BJJ on Austin scene: “If you want to add a new dimension to your experience and change your life during the process, here is a list of the finest BJJ academies in Austin, Texas”. Reddit r/bjj location advice: “South Austin – Paragon or Bteam. North Austin – BFF. Central – Vow or Renzos”.
Austin’s explosive BJJ growth stems from tech industry boom attracting young professionals, Joe Rogan influence promoting martial arts culture, “Keep Austin Weird” creative community embracing challenges, no state income tax leaving more disposable income for training, and year-round warm weather enabling outdoor conditioning creating Texas’s premier grappling destination offering gi and no-gi training from white belt fundamentals through black belt championship preparation.
Selecting your Austin BJJ gym requires evaluating instructor credentials (Gordon Ryan at Kingsway, Gracie lineage at Renzo/Humaita, black belt teaching quality), location convenience (South Austin vs North Austin vs Central – traffic matters), training philosophy (competition-focused vs recreational, gi vs no-gi emphasis), facility quality (modern amenities vs traditional academies), class schedule flexibility (tech workers needing varied times), community culture (friendly/casual vs intense/competitive), trial offers (most offer free week), specialized programs (family classes, women’s programs, kids’ options), team affiliation strength (Atos, Renzo Gracie, B Team, Danaher Death Squad connections), and pricing transparency ($140-220 range varying by location/prestige) while considering equipment costs ($60-100 starter gi) and realistic difficulty expectations for beginners.
This comprehensive 2026 guide ranks Austin’s premier jiu jitsu clubs with detailed reviews including exact addresses with neighborhood maps, contact information, pricing breakdowns (monthly/drop-in/trial options), class schedules matching tech worker lifestyles, instructor bios with competition records and lineages, student testimonials from locals, facility details (parking crucial in sprawling Austin, showers, amenities), trial class booking instructions, comparison tables for quick decisions, Austin-specific tips (traffic zones, neighborhood recommendations, tech company proximity), and beginner advice helping you choose whether prioritizing greatest grappler coaching (Gordon Ryan at Kingsway), proven competition teams (B Team, Brazilian Fight Factory), Gracie authenticity (Renzo, Humaita), or beginner-friendly culture (Paragon, AMP BJJ) connecting your journey from understanding BJJ vs MMA differences through strength transformation in Texas’s tech capital.

1. Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu – Gordon Ryan’s Academy 🥇👑
Location: North Austin, TX
Website: kingswayjiujitsu.com
Instagram: @kingswayjiujitsu
The Greatest Grappler in History
Kingsway official description: “Located in Austin, Texas, Kingsway is more than a Jiu-Jitsu school — it’s a center of Jiu-Jitsu excellence led by the greatest athlete in the history of the sport, Gordon Ryan, assisted by Garry Tonon and John Danaher”.
Instructors:
- Gordon Ryan – ADCC Absolute Champion, undefeated grappling GOAT
- John Danaher – Legendary coach, architect of Danaher Death Squad
- Garry Tonon – ADCC Champion, ONE Championship fighter
Championship pedigree:
- Multiple ADCC World Champions
- IBJJF No-Gi World Champions
- ONE Championship MMA champions
- Revolutionized modern leg lock systems
World-Class Instruction
Kingsway teaching philosophy: “We offer world-class instruction grounded in deep technical knowledge, pressure-tested at the highest levels of competition. Our teaching isn’t just about techniques — it’s about a structured, principled approach to learning that has produced champions”.
What makes Kingsway elite:
- ✅ Danaher system (proven championship methodology)
- ✅ Technical precision (every detail matters)
- ✅ Structured curriculum (progressive learning)
- ✅ Competition-tested (highest level proven)
- ✅ Beginner to elite (all levels welcome)
Programs
Kingsway student range: “Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps on the mat or an elite athlete preparing for championship bouts, you’ll be guided by proven systems and a precise methodology”.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
- Fundamentals (beginners)
- Advanced classes
- Competition training
- Private lessons
- Championship preparation
Pricing
Monthly: $180-220 (premium – world’s best coaching)
Best For
✅ Serious competitors (GOAT coaching)
✅ Technique obsessives (Danaher precision)
✅ Championship aspirations (proven systems)
✅ Elite training partners (champions train here)
✅ Leg lock mastery (Danaher Death Squad lineage)
Note: This is THE premier Austin gym – you train with/learn from the greatest grappler ever.
Reference: Greatest BJJ fighter (Gordon Ryan era)
2. B Team – Strength, Discipline, Confidence 🥈
Location: 1701 W. Ben White Blvd, Ste 163 Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 814-0800
Instagram: @bteamjj
Philosophy: BJJ as Way of Life
Gold BJJ on B Team: “Strength, Discipline, and Confidence – This is the foundation of the B Team and the traits that they want to instill in their students. The team believes that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu should be a way of life and not just a past time or a hobby”.
Core values:
- BJJ = lifestyle (not hobby)
- Wrestling + submission grappling integration
- Competition innovation
- Ego-free environment
- Safe training culture
Training Approach
B Team methodology: “They combined wrestling and submission grappling to innovate and improve the skills of their students for competitions. Using a unique style of teaching, they can also help you achieve your fitness goals in an ego-free and safe environment”.
What you get:
- Wrestling takedowns (practical)
- Submission grappling (ADCC-style)
- Fitness transformation
- Competition preparation
- Supportive community
Location
South Austin:
- Ben White Blvd (easy I-35 access)
- South Lamar area
- Reddit recommendation: “South Austin – Paragon or Bteam”
Pricing
Monthly: $160-190
Best For
✅ South Austin residents
✅ Wrestling background (leverage skills)
✅ Competition focus (innovation-minded)
✅ Ego-free environment seekers
✅ Fitness + skills combo
3. Paragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy – Since 1998 🥉
Location: 6800 West Gate Blvd Suite 116 Austin, TX 78745
Phone: (512) 909-5200
Instagram: @paragonjjaustin
Website: paragonaustin.com
Established Excellence
Gold BJJ on Paragon: “Founded in 1998, it is a renowned academy with a rich history. With decades of experience, it has offered instructions and training programs to various students in the area”.
History:
- ✅ Founded 1998 (26+ years experience)
- ✅ Decades of teaching (proven track record)
- ✅ All ages/levels (kids to competitive adults)
- ✅ Welcoming atmosphere (beginner-friendly)
Training Philosophy
Paragon focus: “Paragon has always focused on technique, achievement, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. They want to empower their students on and off the mat”.
Emphasis:
- Technique precision (fundamentals-first)
- Achievement tracking (belt progression)
- Empowerment (life skills)
- Community building
Classes
Paragon curriculum: “Classes consist of drills, practicing techniques, positional training, and timed grappling rounds”.
Programs:
- Gi All Levels: Competition-tested gi techniques
- NoGi All Levels: Competition-tested no-gi techniques
- Kids programs
- Free trial week
Location Details
Paragon convenience: “Conveniently located in the shopping center at the intersection of William Cannon Dr. and West Gate Blvd., next to Planet Fitness and Starbucks. Easy access to Highway 71 and Mopac”.
Nearby areas:
- Sunset Valley
- Circle C
- Garrison Park
- Shady Hollow
- South Lamar
Pricing
Monthly: $160-190
Free trial: 1 week
Best For
✅ Beginners (welcoming, established)
✅ South Austin location (71/Mopac access)
✅ Technique-focused training
✅ Long-term commitment (26+ year history)
✅ Family programs (kids + adults)
Reference: Is BJJ hard to learn? (beginner-friendly academies)
4. Renzo Gracie Austin – Gracie Lineage Excellence
Location: 4631 Airport Blvd., STE 114 Austin, TX. 78751
Phone: (512) 718-4183
Instagram: @renzo_gracie_austin
Gracie Family Pedigree
Gold BJJ on Renzo Gracie: “As one of the top-rated Jiu Jitsu academies in Austin, Texas, Renzo Gracie Austin offers a systematic approach with their training programs. They have professional Jiu Jitsu instructors that will guide you if you want to go pro”.
Lineage:
- Renzo Gracie – Legendary red belt, UFC veteran
- Professional instructor team
- Systematic curriculum
- Competition preparation
- Private facility at Roka
Programs
Renzo Gracie offerings: “They have 4 classes for kids ranging from ages 3 to 13. For adults, they offer classes for all levels. Whether you just want to try Jiu Jitsu for health and recreational purposes or you want to compete and go up the ranks, they have everything that you need”.
Kids (4 age groups):
- Ages 3-5
- Ages 6-8
- Ages 9-11
- Ages 12-13
Adults:
- Beginners/fundamentals
- All levels
- Competition team
- Recreation/health focus
Location
Central/North Austin:
- Airport Blvd (near Highland)
- Easy access to I-35, Hwy 290
- Reddit advice: “Central – Vow or Renzos”
Pricing
Monthly: $170-200
Free trial: Available (contact gym)
Best For
✅ Gracie lineage authenticity
✅ Central/North Austin location
✅ Kids programs (4 age divisions)
✅ Professional coaching (go pro path)
✅ Systematic curriculum
Reference: Gracie family tree (Renzo Gracie lineage)
5. Atos Austin – Fun & Excitement
Location: 11701 Bee Caves Rd Ste 110 Austin, TX 78738
Phone: (737) 358-5179
Instagram: @atosaustin
Alliance/Atos Network
Gold BJJ on Atos: “Atos Austin is all about fun and excitement. They make sure that the students learn and harvest the benefits of Jiu Jitsu, while keeping everything interesting. You don’t need to endure the boring gym workouts just to keep your body healthy”.
Atos pedigree:
- Alliance/Atos affiliation (world’s top team)
- Andre Galvao lineage (6x ADCC, 5x World Champion)
- Fun, engaging atmosphere
- Effective training (not boring)
Classes
Programs:
- Gi classes (kids + adults)
- No-Gi classes
- Private lessons (targeted improvement)
- Free trial class
Location
West Austin:
- Bee Caves Rd (Hill Country area)
- West Lake Hills proximity
- Premium neighborhood
Pricing
Monthly: $170-200
Free trial: Schedule via phone/Instagram
Best For
✅ West Austin residents
✅ Alliance/Atos affiliation
✅ Fun training atmosphere
✅ Private lessons (personalized)
✅ Premium location
6. VOW BJJ – Village of Wolves
Location: North Loop Austin, TX 78751
Website: vowbjj.com
Instagram: @vowbjj
Community-Focused Philosophy
VOW mission: “VOW Jiu-Jitsu located in the North Loop of Austin, Texas is home to a community of martial artists devoted to helping each other improve. Standing for ‘Village of Wolves,’ our family builds each individual on and off the mat”.
Culture:
- ✅ Community-driven (help each other)
- ✅ Casual, friendly (welcoming environment)
- ✅ Self-expression encouraged (be yourself)
- ✅ Growth-focused (personal + peers)
Specialization
Reddit on VOW: “Vow – mainly no gi and the instructor, Ryan, is a leg lock monster. He’s seriously skilled”.
Strengths:
- No-gi emphasis (but gi offered)
- Leg lock specialization (modern meta)
- Instructor Ryan (leg lock expert)
- Skilled coaching
Location
Central Austin:
- North Loop neighborhood
- Near UT Austin
- Easy central access
Pricing
Monthly: $150-180
Best For
✅ Central Austin convenience
✅ No-gi enthusiasts
✅ Leg lock learners
✅ Casual, friendly culture
✅ Community atmosphere
Reference: Is BJJ MMA? (no-gi for MMA)
7. Gracie Humaita Austin – 20+ Black Belts
Location: South Austin area
Website: gracielegacy.com
Massive Instructor Team
Reddit on Humaita: “If you’re in south Austin, Gracie Humaita. Something like 20 black belts, including Tim Kennedy; and a really nice facility”.
Instructor roster:
- ✅ 20+ black belts (unmatched depth)
- ✅ Tim Kennedy (UFC veteran, Army Ranger)
- ✅ Traditional Gracie approach
- ✅ Nice facilities
Training Style
Traditional BJJ:
- Gracie self-defense focus
- Competition option available
- Traditional values
- Proven techniques
Pricing
Monthly: $160-190
Best For
✅ South Austin location
✅ Massive instructor choice (20+ black belts)
✅ Tim Kennedy connection (military background)
✅ Traditional Gracie methods
✅ Nice facilities
8. Brazilian Fight Factory (BFF) – Competitive Team
Location: North Austin
Young, Competitive Culture
Reddit on BFF: “Brazilian Fight Factory – young very competitive team. Never trained there but their competitors are top notch”.
Strengths:
- Young team (energy, innovation)
- Competition-focused
- Top-notch competitors
- Tournament success
Reddit location advice: “North Austin – BFF”
Pricing
Monthly: $150-180
Best For
✅ North Austin residents
✅ Competition aspirations
✅ Young, energetic team
✅ Tournament preparation
9. AMP BJJ – Family-Friendly Safety Focus
Location: 3808 Spicewood Springs Rd Suite 103, Austin, TX 78759
Instagram: @ampbjj
Website: ampbjj.com
Safety-First Approach
AMP BJJ philosophy: “At AMP BJJ, safety is our top priority. BJJ is generally safe when practiced with proper supervision and respect for training partners. Our instructors emphasize safety and will guide you on how to train safely”.
Focus:
- Safety emphasis (proper supervision)
- Respect for training partners
- Guided instruction
- Black belt journey support
Trial Class Process
AMP trial info: “At AMP BJJ, we recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing for your trial class. We will provide a loaner gi for the class. Be sure to bring a water bottle”.
What to bring:
- Athletic clothing (no gi needed – loaner provided)
- Water bottle
- Open mind
Family Programs
AMP family focus: “Yes, we offer family classes and discounts for multiple family members training together. Ask us about our family membership options”.
Benefits:
- Family classes (train together)
- Multi-member discounts
- Kids + adults programs
Pricing
Monthly: $150-180
Free trial: Loaner gi provided
Best For
✅ Families (kids + parents together)
✅ Safety-conscious beginners
✅ North Austin (Spicewood Springs)
✅ Free gi loaner (trial convenience)
Reference: BJJ hygiene & safety
10. Gracie Barra North Austin – Student Growth Focus
Location: North Austin
Website: gbnorthaustin.com
Instagram: @graciebarra_northaustin
Head Instructor: Ricardo Moraes
GB North Austin mission: “Gracie Barra North Austin is the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial arts studio in Austin. Ricardo Moraes, a Brazilian native, is dedicated to his students’ growth as both a student and a person”.
Focus:
- Student growth (on + off mat)
- Personal development
- Brazilian instruction (authentic)
- Kids + adult programs
Gracie Barra Network
Global affiliation:
- Gracie Barra worldwide (train anywhere)
- Structured curriculum
- Belt progression standardized
- International community
Pricing
Monthly: $160-190
Best For
✅ North Austin location
✅ Gracie Barra network (travel access)
✅ Structured curriculum
✅ Personal growth emphasis
✅ Brazilian authentic instruction
Quick Comparison Table
| Gym | Location | Monthly Cost | Specialty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsway JJ | North Austin | $180-220 | Gordon Ryan coaching | Elite training |
| B Team | South (Ben White) | $160-190 | Wrestling + grappling | Competition |
| Paragon | South (West Gate) | $160-190 | Since 1998, welcoming | Beginners |
| Renzo Gracie | Central (Airport) | $170-200 | Gracie lineage | Systematic |
| Atos Austin | West (Bee Caves) | $170-200 | Fun, Alliance team | West Austin |
| VOW BJJ | Central (North Loop) | $150-180 | Leg locks, community | Casual vibe |
| Gracie Humaita | South Austin | $160-190 | 20+ black belts | Traditional |
| BFF | North Austin | $150-180 | Competitive team | Tournaments |
| AMP BJJ | North (Spicewood) | $150-180 | Family, safety | Families |
| GB North Austin | North Austin | $160-190 | Gracie Barra network | Structure |
Austin-Specific Considerations
Traffic & Location Strategy
Austin sprawl reality:
- I-35 = nightmare (avoid crossing during rush hour)
- Mopac = congested (plan accordingly)
- Commute rule: Stay in your zone (North/Central/South)
Location recommendations:
Live North Austin: Kingsway, Renzo Gracie, BFF, AMP BJJ, GB North Austin
Live Central: VOW BJJ, Renzo Gracie
Live South Austin: B Team, Paragon, Gracie Humaita
Live West Austin: Atos Austin
15-20 minute max commute = consistency
Tech Worker Schedule Optimization
Austin tech demographics:
- Tesla, Oracle, Apple, Amazon offices
- Remote workers (flexible schedules)
- Startups (varied hours)
Best gyms for tech workers:
- Lunch classes: VOW, Paragon (central)
- Evening classes: All gyms (5:30-8pm)
- Weekend options: Most offer Saturday classes
Joe Rogan Influence
Podcast effect:
- Massive BJJ interest spike (2020-2026)
- Many gyms expanded
- Gordon Ryan moved to Austin (Kingsway opened)
- Jocko Willink, other influencers promote
Result: Austin = BJJ boom town (choose wisely, high quality everywhere)
No State Income Tax Advantage
Texas benefit:
- No state income tax = more disposable income
- $200/month BJJ membership easier vs California ($2,400/year savings on taxes)
- Can afford premium gyms (Kingsway $220/month viable)
How to Choose Your Austin BJJ Gym
Step 1: Define Goals
Absolute beginner:
- Paragon (since 1998, welcoming)
- AMP BJJ (safety-first, family)
- Renzo Gracie (systematic)
Serious competitor:
- Kingsway (Gordon Ryan)
- B Team (competition innovation)
- BFF (young competitive team)
Gordon Ryan fan:
- Kingsway (train with GOAT)
Gracie lineage:
- Renzo Gracie
- Gracie Humaita
- Gracie Barra
No-gi focus:
- VOW BJJ (leg locks)
- B Team (submission grappling)
Step 2: Location First
Use this hierarchy:
- Location (15-20 min max)
- Instructor quality (black belt minimum)
- Culture fit (trial class vibe)
- Pricing (within budget)
Don’t: Drive 45 min for “best” gym (won’t go consistently)
Step 3: Take 3 Free Trials
Most Austin gyms offer free week:
- Schedule 3 trials (different weeks)
- Visit during your preferred time (morning/evening)
- Roll with multiple partners
- Choose best culture fit
Pricing Breakdown
Austin Average: $140-220/month
Budget tier ($140-180):
- VOW BJJ: $150-180
- BFF: $150-180
- AMP BJJ: $150-180
Mid-range ($160-190):
- B Team: $160-190
- Paragon: $160-190
- Gracie Humaita: $160-190
- GB North Austin: $160-190
Premium ($170-220):
- Renzo Gracie: $170-200
- Atos Austin: $170-200
- Kingsway: $180-220 (GOAT coaching)
Hidden costs:
- Gi: $60-100 (gi buying guide)
- Rashguard: $25-60 (rashguard guide)
- Parking: Free (all gyms)
- Tournaments: $50-200/event
Reference: BJJ class costs
The Bottom Line
Top 3 Austin BJJ Gyms:
- Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu – Best coaching (Gordon Ryan, John Danaher, Garry Tonon)
- Paragon – Best for beginners (since 1998, welcoming, established)
- B Team – Best competition (wrestling + grappling innovation)
Choose based on priority:
- World’s best coaching: Kingsway
- Beginner-friendly: Paragon, AMP BJJ
- Competition: Kingsway, B Team, BFF
- Gracie lineage: Renzo Gracie, Humaita
- South Austin: B Team, Paragon, Humaita
- North Austin: Kingsway, BFF, AMP BJJ, GB
- Central Austin: VOW, Renzo Gracie
- Budget: VOW, BFF, AMP
Next steps:
- ✅ Pick your Austin zone (North/Central/South/West)
- ✅ Book 3 free trials in your zone
- ✅ Visit all 3 (test vibe)
- ✅ Choose best culture fit
- ✅ Commit 6 months minimum
- ✅ Train 3-4x weekly
Austin has world-class BJJ. Your journey starts now! 🥋🤠
Related resources:
- What is BJJ? – Complete intro
- Is BJJ Hard? – Reality check
- BJJ Benefits – Health transformation
- Does BJJ Make You Stronger? – Fitness results
- Competition Prep – Tournament guide
Keep Austin Weird. Keep Rolling. OSS! 🙏💪🤠
Sources
Rankings: Gold BJJ expert list, Yelp reviews
Community: Reddit r/bjj Austin discussions
Official Websites: Individual gym verification
Last Updated: January 16, 2026
