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The top Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia didn’t just pop up overnight - they are a result of decades of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love of the art. Philadelphia has one of the most well-known and authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scenes on the East Coast - and its influence stretches further back than most people realize. Back in the early days of BJJ’s expansion beyond Brazil and California, Philly was one of the first East Coast cities where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu really took hold.
A lot of the credit for that goes to Phil and Ricardo Migliarese, who eventually established Balance Studios. At a time when BJJ was still a relatively unknown quantity in the region, the Migliarese brothers helped introduce, legitimize, and structure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Philadelphia. They played a huge role in shaping the city’s grappling culture and influencing a whole new generation of instructors who would go on to open their own academies. Because of that early start, the top Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia are built on solid fundamentals, respect, and long-term growth rather than short-term trends.
Today, that legacy lives on through a whole bunch of academies across the city. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a seasoned competitor, or a parent searching for a kids program, BJJ gyms in Philadelphia offer top-notch instruction rooted in both traditional Gracie Jiu Jitsu and modern sport BJJ. Below are 10 of the best Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia, organized by neighborhood to help you find the gym that’s right for you.
Main Address: 2100 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 636-9661
Website: https://www.balancestudios.net
Instagram: @balancemma
Balance Studios is one of the most influential academies not only among the best Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia, but on the entire East Coast. Founded by Phil and Ricardo Migliarese, the guys who basically pioneered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the region, Balance played a huge role in establishing Philly as an early BJJ hub.The Academy of Jiu Jitsu mashes together time-tested Gracie Jiu Jitsu principles with cutting-edge sports techniques, offering classes for adults, kids, women’s self-defence, Muay Thai and even yoga to help with recovery & mobility. With multiple locations all over the city, Balance Studios is actually one of the most accessible BJJ gyms in Philly.
Balance has won a bunch of "Best of Philly" awards, and the reason is simple. They’re known for top-notch instruction, a really strong community vibe, and - most importantly - a tried-and-true training system that works for hobbyists and competitors alike.
Address: 31 S 2nd St, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (267) 459-9363
Website: https://www.jiujitsuphilly.com
Instagram: @thejiujitsucompany
The Jiu Jitsu Company is widely regarded as one of the best Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia - especially for students who are looking for a welcoming, ego-free environment that's really focused on you. Founded by Josh and Angela Vogel, the academy was built with a clear mission : make Brazilian Jiu Jitsu something everyday people can get into, not just elite competitors.
Training at The Jiu Jitsu Company is all about fundamentals, good technique, and long-term progress. Both Gi and No-Gi classes are on the schedule, as well as a well-developed kids program that focuses on bringing out confidence, discipline, and problem-solving skills. What really sets this gym apart is its culture. Students will tell you the atmosphere is supportive, inclusive, and community-driven - making it one of the friendliest BJJ gyms in Philly for beginners.
Located in historic Old City, the gym is particularly convenient for downtown professionals and residents. Whether your goals are fitness, self-defense, or just personal growth, The Jiu Jitsu Company offers a thoughtful and well-rounded Jiu Jitsu experience.
Address: 1231 Bainbridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 839-6501
Website: http://www.phlbjj.com
Instagram: @phlbjj
Gracie Academy Philadelphia brings traditional Gracie Jiu Jitsu right to the heart of the city. Rooted in the original self-defense philosophy developed by the Gracie family, this academy is all about leverage, efficiency, and technique over strength and athleticism.
The curriculum is based on time-tested Gracie teaching methods, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners, older students, and those interested in real-world self-defense. Classes include Gi Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi training, Judo, and competition prep, but the academy’s core focus remains on fundamentals and positional understanding.
Students benefit from a structured, progressive system that clearly outlines what to expect at each level. Among BJJ gyms in Philly, Gracie Academy Philadelphia stands out for its discipline, respect for traditional instruction, and - at the same time - its support for modern sport training.
Address: 10016 Sandmeyer Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19116
Phone: (215)768- 3245
Website: http://www.rhstudiosbjj.com
Facebook: @rickhenry37
RH Studios BJJ is led by founder Rick Henry, a top coach known for both his deep knowledge & his character. His calm, approachable teaching style really places an emphasis on fundamentals, positional awareness & long term development.
The gym offers structured classes for adults and kids with a focus on safety, respect & consistency. RH Studios stands out among BJJ gyms in Philly for its community vibe & personal attention.
Address: 2301 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (267) 235-2613
Website: https://www.danielgraciephiladelphia.com
Instagram: @danielgraciephiladelphia
This place, Daniel Gracie Jiu Jitsu Philadelphia, is basically a world-class academy that’s rooted in one of the most respected lineages in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Being affiliated with Daniel Gracie, the academy seamlessly blends together traditional fundamentals with competition-tested techniques and MMA influence.
Classes include Gi and No-Gi BJJ, Judo, and kids classes, and they cater to students from absolute beginners to advanced competitors. The emphasis is on squeezing pressure, positional control, and effectiveness, which makes it a top pick among the best Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia for anyone who’s serious about their training.
But what you wouldn’t expect is how welcoming the academy is to new practitioners. Go figure.
Address: 1360 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: (717) 694-6443
Website: https://www.logicphilly.com
Instagram: @logicphilly.com
Logic Jiu Jitsu is a sizable, ultra-modern training facility that specialises in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu alongside Muay Thai. Their spacious mats and top-notch setup make them a magnet for students who are serious about growing and training.
Classes at Logic focus on developing technique, improving conditioning & consistency. Instructors really hammer home the idea that learning why a technique works is way more important than just learning how to do it. Among BJJ gyms in Philly, Logic really stands out for its super analytical approach & super friendly competition environment.
Address: 2137 E Huntingdon St, Suite W1100, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (856) 577-2662
Website: https://www.sasphiladelphiabjj.com
Instagram: @sasphiladelphiabjj
SAS Philadelphia Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is really one of the top-rated academies in the city - and it’s because of its super family-friendly culture & really welcoming atmosphere. The gym whips up programs for adults and kids that emphasize fundamentals, safety & steady progress.
The instruction here is straightforward & beginner-friendly, which makes SAS one of the most approachable BJJ gyms in Philly for newcomers. And - at the same time - they offer a lot of depth for more experienced students.
Address: 3511 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149
Phone: (215) 613-8360
Website: http://www.martinezbjj.com
Instagram: @martinezbjjmma
Martinez BJJ Fitness Center puts BJJ right alongside strength & conditioning. They attract students who are focused on pushing their technique AND their physical performance. Training here centres on practical application, competition readiness & accountability.
The academy has built a name for itself in the local scene for discipline and consistency - which makes it a solid pick among the best Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia for people in the North East.
Address: 3826 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (484) 416-0824
Website: http://www.shortysbjj.com
Instagram: @shortysbjj
Shorty’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a community-driven academy serving University City and West Philadelphia. They hammer home the fundamentals, controlled sparring & respectful training.
With programs for adults and kids, Shorty’s really attracts people from nearby universities & local families alike, which makes it a super welcoming BJJ gym in Philly.
Phildelphia's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene is super rich & authentic , & has a serious history going back decades . Whether you're into the traditional Gracie Jiu Jitsu vibe , the fast paced competition training , or just a chill family oriented academy where everyone knows each other , the top Jiu Jitsu gyms in Philadelphia have a style to suit all tastes. All thanks to the early pioneers who helped get things off the ground & the strong tight knit community that's built up since, Philly remains one of the most respected cities for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the States.
