Varsity Jiu Jitsu — Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Pasadena, CA

Highlights: 25 classes/wk · Gi & No-Gi · Kids classes · Women's classes · Open mat · Competition team

Looking for Varsity Jiu Jitsu in Pasadena, CA? It's a Brazilian jiu jitsu academy at 1800 W Garvey Ave. Membership runs about $250/month. Open mat: Saturday Saturday 11:00-13:00. Below: programs, schedule, pricing, reviews, and how to book a free trial.

Quick facts

Programs at Varsity Jiu Jitsu

Schedule & open mat

Open mat is Saturday Saturday 11:00-13:00. Open Mat. Varsity Jiu Jitsu runs about 25 classes a week. Call (323) 899-4464 to confirm the current timetable.

Facilities

What makes Varsity Jiu Jitsu different

World-champion instructor, Isaac Doederlein; Pro Training program; Women's Self Defense program

Varsity Jiu Jitsu reviews

Isaac and James are the best instructors I’ve ever experienced, and it’s not particularly close. Isaac being a World Champion and 2x Brazilian National Champion is already insane, but what impressed me even more is how well he teaches!! He has a rare ability to take very technical, high-level jiu-jitsu and break it down in a way that is articulated well, feels simple, organized, and easy to apply. That’s what made me fall in love with his curriculum. I improved a ton within my first 1–2 months training with him, and I still keep improving every class. It’s honestly hard to explain unless you’ve trained with him, but once you do, you’ll understand right away lol. James is also an amazing instructor, and together they’ve built an incredible gym culture with great teaching, super respectful members, and an overall team environment that makes you want to keep showing up, it's always fun and great vibes. They've made many of my training part
I moved here from Orange County and spent some time bouncing around different gyms in the LA area trying to find the right fit. I came across Varsity Jiu Jitsu about three years ago and haven’t looked back since. Isaac and James are both super down to earth and also world class athletes. Isaac is an IBJJF Adult World Champion, you can literally just Google him. His level of jiu jitsu is on another level and honestly there isn’t anyone else in LA County teaching at that level. James is just as impressive. He has one of the best guards I’ve ever seen. He competes against some of the top guys in the world and they still haven’t been able to pass his guard. Watching him train and teach has been huge for my own jiu jitsu. The facility is brand new and it’s been really cool seeing Isaac and James finally open their own place after following them the last few years. If you’re anywhere near Monterey Park and serious about improving your jiu jit
I've been training nogi for about a year and recently made the jump to gi — which, iykyk. It's a whole new world. But from day one, I was received with nothing but kindness and a genuine willingness to share knowledge, no matter where I was in my journey. That's really the heartbeat of this gym: *everyone starts somewhere, and everyone remembers that.* Whether you're a brand new white belt or you've been on the mats for years, you're going to be met with that same energy. Head coach Isaac is exceptional. He's strategic and intentional in his teaching — mapping out monthly and weekly themes so that what you're learning actually sticks. The instruction is top notch, and beginners are absolutely welcome here. As a woman training in a male-dominant space, I want to specifically speak to anyone who's been hesitant: there is a strong, represented community of women here across all belt levels — white through black. Whether you're here for sel
I used to suck at jiu jitsu then I started training here with Isaac and James and now I still suck but a little less and I'm learning a lot each day! Can't wait for this to be the go to spot for high quality BJJ training and instruction in the SGV area of LA. Close to downtown and central LA and easy access off the freeways. Great spot with modern facilities and huge mat space. Highly recommmend if you're new to the sport, returning from a long break after falling out of love with it or injuries, masters family guy with full time job, competition aspirations, or just want to learn and train with the nicest best guys in LA Website is online and full schedule posted soon when doors open to public, be on the lookout for grand opening!
Since I started jiu jitsu, I've switched gyms probably 6-7 times due to different reasons. Some have been relocation for work & COVID reasons, some have been due to me not finding a right fit for what I wanted out of jiu jitsu. I found Varsity a couple years ago & it has been the most complete jiu jitsu gym I've ever joined. Not only is the jiu jitsu technical quality insane & taught by coaches who never stop learning, but also my training partners are amazing along with a great culture for growth. Isaac & his team really care about their students, which has cultivated a group of people who push each other every day. 1000000/10 recommend for anyone in SGV! Grateful for this team🫶🏼
Hands down the best jiu-jitsu gym in the western hemisphere. World-class instruction. Isaac's and James' approach to teaching jiu-jitsu is unmatched. They employ a unique methodology that makes concept-retention and technique-retention easy. There's also plenty of free parking inside the structure and around the vicinity. The mats also get cleaned every single day. I highly recommend you check this gym out!!!

Varsity Jiu Jitsu FAQs

Where is Varsity Jiu Jitsu located?

Varsity Jiu Jitsu is at 1800 W Garvey Ave. Call (323) 899-4464 to confirm class times or book a trial.

How much does Varsity Jiu Jitsu cost?

Membership runs about $250/month for unlimited training. Ask about a free trial before you commit.

Does Varsity Jiu Jitsu have an open mat?

Yes. Open mat is Saturday Saturday 11:00-13:00. Open Mat. Open mats are free at most gyms but call ahead to confirm.

What does Varsity Jiu Jitsu teach?

Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi Grappling, Kids BJJ, Women's BJJ, Competition Team, Self-Defense.

Who teaches at Varsity Jiu Jitsu?

Head instruction is led by Isaac Doederlein.

Is Varsity Jiu Jitsu good for beginners?

Beginners are welcome. Use the trial class to watch a fundamentals or all-levels session and meet the coach before signing up. No experience or gear needed for your first class at most Pasadena gyms.

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