Best Jiu Jitsu Gyms in Akron, OH (2026)

5 jiu jitsu gyms are training students in Akron 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 382 ratings). The Top 2 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.

Open mats across Ohio · Summit County BJJ gyms

Top 2 Jiu Jitsu Gyms in Akron (2026)

1. The Academy of Self-Defense — Top 10 BJJ Gym in Akron 2026 · JJA Score 78 · 4.9/5 (66 reviews) · Gi · Kids classes · Open mat · Competition team · 1220 E Tallmadge Ave, Akron, OH 44310, USA
2. Zahand's Martial Arts — Top 10 BJJ Gym in Akron 2026 · JJA Score 59 · 4.9/5 (254 reviews) · Gi · Members only · 1576 Akron Peninsula Rd, Akron, OH 44313, USA

All 5 Akron BJJ gyms, ranked

3. Hill Jiu Jitsu Academy · 5.0/5 (34 reviews) · Gi · Kids classes · Women's classes · Open mat · 1664 N Main St 9 & #10
4. Waterhouse Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy · 5.0/5 (10 reviews) · $100/mo · Gi · Members only · Free trial · 880 Sunnyside St SW
5. Josho Academy of Martial Arts · 5.0/5 (18 reviews) · Gi · Members only · 335 E Cuyahoga Falls Ave A, Akron, OH 44310, USA

Jiu-jitsu in Akron by the numbers

Akron has 5 jiu jitsu gyms operating right now, 5 of which our team has verified directly. Their average Google rating is 5.0/5, pulled from 382 total ratings across 5 reviewed academies. Membership averages $100/mo and drop-ins about $20 across the 1 gym that publish pricing. 2 gyms run a public open mat; 3 are members-only. Most reviewed: Zahand's Martial Arts (254 Google reviews).

How we rank Akron 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%)

Akron jiu jitsu FAQs

What is the best jiu jitsu gym in Akron?

By the JJA Score, The Academy of Self-Defense ranks #1 in Akron for 2026 (4.9 stars across 66 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 Akron?

Across the 1 Akron gym that publish pricing, membership averages $100 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 Akron, OH?

5 gyms listed. 5 are verified by our team.

Are there beginner BJJ classes in Akron?

Yes. Most Akron 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 Akron?

Most Akron 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 Akron?

Yes. Most Akron 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 Akron?

5.0 out of 5, based on 5 rated academies.