Unicorn Jiu Jitsu — Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Portland, OR

Highlights: 34 classes/wk · Gi & No-Gi · Kids classes · Open mat · Free trial · Competition team

Looking for Unicorn Jiu Jitsu in Portland, OR? It's a Brazilian jiu jitsu academy at 9220 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, USA, rated 4.9/5 across 49 Google reviews. Membership runs about $175/month. Open mat: Sunday Sunday 09:00-11:00. Below: programs, schedule, pricing, reviews, and how to book a free trial.

Quick facts

About Unicorn Jiu Jitsu

At Unicorn Jiu Jitsu, we are building courage in the world by creating a safe place for people to fight to become the best version of themselves. We are a small Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Self Defense, and Yoga academy in Portland, Oregon

Programs at Unicorn Jiu Jitsu

Schedule & open mat

Open mat is Sunday Sunday 09:00-11:00. Open Mat - All Levels Jiu Jitsu. Unicorn Jiu Jitsu runs about 34 classes a week. Call (971) 386-5989 to confirm the current timetable.

Facilities

What makes Unicorn Jiu Jitsu different

Only BJJ academy in Oregon with a female BJJ Third Degree Black Belt as head coach; Integrated combat sports training with dedicated Wrestling and MMA classes; Comprehensive youth programs including BJJ and Kickboxing for ages 4-13; Open Mat sessions welcoming all gyms and affiliations; Unique 'Study Hall' class offering

Unicorn Jiu Jitsu reviews

Rated 4.9/5 across 49 Google reviews.

Unicorn is an incredibly friendly, welcoming, and high-quality place to train. The instructors are skilled practitioners and it shows. They emphasize that "jiu jitsu is for everyone," but nothing is watered down or easy. This is real jiu jitsu without any bro culture. It's nothing gimmicky and it's not martial-arts-flavored fitness classes. Although you will DEFINITELY get a workout. I was nervous about starting. I take a long time to learn physical skills. It's hard for me to remember movement patterns without lots of practice. Six months passed between my first trial session and returning to train regularly. The instructors and *every single classmate* have been so patient and so encouraging. I look forward to every class. I'm excited to keep learning and getting better, and I'm excited to get to know these people and be part of the Unicorn family.
I have been training BJJ at Unicorn for 2 months and have also taken their fitness and yoga classes. The coaches are professional and make sure that all levels of students are supported in their development. There is an actively welcoming atmosphere and friendly training partners. The facility is clean and the space is well organized with thoughtful touches. Tea tree oil foot wash before entering the mats? Yes, please. Coming to train straight from work after a garlic flavored lunch? There is a mouthwash station. Forgot your hair tie? They've got you covered. I have found Unicorn to be an inclusive welcoming environment for all who want to train.
tl;dr: Great academy, heat classes, great instructors, great rolls. Always a highlight of our visits to PDX. UJJ is on our recommended list for any visit to Portland, OR. We've known the owners for over a decade and they've consistently impressed us when their welcoming mat culture, supporting everyone getting the opportunity to train, and of course their technical jui-jitsu. Unicorn Jiu Jitsu are also one of the original We Defy Foundation academies, consistently supporting WDF's mission to support veterans coping with combat related challenges getting on the mat. Definitely worth the visit!
Unicorn Jiu-Jitsu is an incredible place to train. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about teaching. They create a welcoming and inclusive environment, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The community is supportive, and the classes are challenging yet rewarding. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, get in shape, or just have fun, Unicorn Jiu-Jitsu is the place to be. Highly recommend!
While in town for business I dropped in to Unicorn for a small morning class of drilling. I've not once had a class anywhere where the women outnumbered the men! And it was 2:1! There were hints on the front door that made it clear that this place would be the most welcoming and inclusive BJJ gym I've ever visited. Locals are lucky to have a wife/husband duo offering such a comfortable place for all to train because this is truly rare. Brian ran a easy going flow drill warm-up and went into to some typical skills work. We ended with some timed rounds of light resistance positional grappling based on the day's learnings. Great way to start the day. I bought a cool gi patch to put on my pants and support the biz. Super clean, hygienically planned gym with plenty of windows, changing rooms, weights/cardio, and even stuff to train striking. If I lived in this area I would one hundred percent join. Highly recommend Unicorn!
I've been training jiujitsu almost 15 years, and I've never found a school that's better than Unicorn at providing high-quality instruction while ALSO welcome everyone on the mat. Hillary and Brian aren't just excellent at teaching and grappling, but also at cultivating a truly inclusive environment. I used to live in Portland, and now own my own school elsewhere. My mom still loves in Salem, and so I always train at Unicorn whenever I'm in the Portland area. I've recommended more than a dozen of my students train there as well. They've all had a great experience. Whether you're brand new or a veteran black belt, and no matter what other background you bring to the table, you should check Unicorn out. I'll bet you love it.

Unicorn Jiu Jitsu FAQs

Where is Unicorn Jiu Jitsu located?

Unicorn Jiu Jitsu is at 9220 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, USA. Call (971) 386-5989 to confirm class times or book a trial.

How much does Unicorn Jiu Jitsu cost?

Membership runs about $175/month for unlimited training. They offer a free trial class before you commit.

Does Unicorn Jiu Jitsu have an open mat?

Yes. Open mat is Sunday Sunday 09:00-11:00. Open Mat - All Levels Jiu Jitsu. Open mats are free at most gyms but call ahead to confirm.

What does Unicorn Jiu Jitsu teach?

Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi Grappling, Kids BJJ, Little Kids (3-6), Teens BJJ, Competition Team, Wrestling, MMA, Kickboxing, Striking.

Who teaches at Unicorn Jiu Jitsu?

Head instruction is led by Hillary VanOrnum (black).

Is Unicorn 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 Portland gyms.

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