Best Jiu Jitsu Gyms in Des Moines, IA (2026)

6 jiu jitsu gyms are training students in Des Moines right now, ranked by the JJA Score — our blend of real Google reviews, class offerings, competition pedigree, and trust (currently averaging 5.0/5 across 170 ratings). The Top 1 are this year's award winners; every other gym is ranked right below. Compare pricing, schedules, gi and no-gi, kids and adult classes, and book a free trial.

every open mat in Iowa · more gyms across Polk County

Top 1 Jiu Jitsu Gyms in Des Moines (2026)

1. Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines — Top 10 BJJ Gym in Des Moines 2026 · JJA Score 66 · 5.0/5 (62 reviews) · $110/mo · Gi · Kids classes · Open mat · 4711 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA

All 6 Des Moines BJJ gyms, ranked

2. Pinnacle University BJJ · 5.0/5 (4 reviews) · $120/mo · Gi & No-Gi · Kids classes · Open mat · Free trial · Competition team · 340 Wright Rd
3. Sub Spectrum Jiu Jitsu Tournaments · 5.0/5 (35 reviews) · Gi & No-Gi · Members only · Free trial · Competition team · 4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
4. Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy · 4.9/5 (29 reviews) · Gi & No-Gi · Members only · 841 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
5. Porcelli's Training Center Home of Des Moines MMA Academy & Team Porcelli Wrestling Club · 4.9/5 (32 reviews) · $100/mo · Kids classes · Open mat · Free trial · Competition team · 5160 NE 12th Ave
6. Westside Martial Arts · 5.0/5 (8 reviews) · Members only · 5715 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA

Jiu-jitsu in Des Moines by the numbers

Des Moines has 6 jiu jitsu gyms operating right now, 3 of which our team has verified directly. Their average Google rating is 5.0/5, pulled from 170 total ratings across 6 reviewed academies. Membership averages $110/mo and drop-ins about $20 across the 3 gyms that publish pricing. 3 gyms run a public open mat; 3 are members-only. Most reviewed: Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines (62 Google reviews).

How we rank Des Moines gyms — the JJA Score

Every gym gets one JJA Score from 0 to 100, a weighted blend of five factors. A gym needs at least 40 Google reviews to be eligible for the annual Top 10, and missing data never counts against a gym. We re-rank monthly.

• Overall sentiment — Google star rating (30%)
• Popularity — review volume, log-scaled (20%)
• Class robustness — gi, no-gi, kids, women's, competition + classes per week (20%)
• Competition pedigree — competition team or comp program (15%)
• Trust & recognition — verified status, pricing transparency, free trial, brand lineage (15%)

Des Moines jiu jitsu FAQs

What is the best jiu jitsu gym in Des Moines?

By the JJA Score, Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines ranks #1 in Des Moines for 2026 (5.0 stars across 62 reviews). The score blends rating, review volume, class robustness, competition, and trust — rewarding complete gyms, not just high stars.

How much does jiu jitsu cost in Des Moines?

Across the 3 Des Moines gyms that publish pricing, membership averages $110 a month and drop-ins about $20. Many don't list rates publicly. Industry standard is $150-$250/mo unlimited, $20-$40 drop-in. Free trial classes are common. Book one before you sign up.

How many jiu jitsu gyms are in Des Moines, IA?

6 gyms listed. 3 are verified by our team.

Are there beginner BJJ classes in Des Moines?

Yes. Most Des Moines BJJ gyms welcome beginners even without a dedicated fundamentals track. Look for "intro" or "all levels" on the schedule. Use the free trial to test the room before signing up.

Are there women's jiu jitsu classes in Des Moines?

Most Des Moines BJJ gyms have female training partners on the regular schedule, even without a women's-only class. Many welcome new women students with a free trial. Ask the gym about their typical mix before deciding.

Are there kids jiu jitsu classes in Des Moines?

Yes. Most Des Moines BJJ academies run kids' programs starting around age 4-5. Look for classes split by age bracket (4-7, 8-12, 13+) and a dedicated kids' coach.

What's the average Google rating of BJJ gyms in Des Moines?

5.0 out of 5, based on 6 rated academies.