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Learning jiu-jitsu in the East Bay
This guide covers the academies of Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Emeryville, Richmond, and San Leandro, the East Bay shoreline where Ralph Gracie put down roots and independents run deep. For someone just starting, the real question is not "which academy is best" but "which one fits me." This guide exists to answer that question.
Map
Every academy with a full entry is pinned on the map, and neighborhood-level pins say so. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Oakland
Who this academy suits
A beginner drawn to the modern no-gi game who wants a low-friction door: three free classes, no payment details, just workout clothes
Why we say it: A no-gi 10th Planet system school (network locator confirms Oakland) with three free classes and no payment information required (verified 2026-07-24)
Franchise networkNo-giFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Three free classes, no payment info, just show up in workout clothes source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- No-gi only: the 10th Planet system trains without the gi source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 930 Alice St, Oakland, CA 94607 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Michael Hillebrand is named as the instructor source · 2026-07-24
510 Renegade MMA
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants a head coach still competing at the top — 2025 IBJJF gold as a 3rd-degree black belt, with a second 3rd-degree black belt beside him
Why we say it: The about page lists the owner's record and a ranked staff of five (verified 2026-07-31, printed as the gym's account)
A family in San Leandro — kids BJJ with its own named coach, and gi/no-gi/Muay Thai for the adults
Why we say it: The site names a dedicated kids coach and curriculum alongside the adult tracks (verified 2026-07-31)
Schedule verified No-giKids classesStriking classes too
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free trial, booked by email or Instagram DM in the home page's own words; its length and terms are unpublished source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- The timetable image on the class-schedule page reads: adult no-gi Mon and Wed 7 to 8:30 PM, gi Tue and Thu 7 to 8:30 PM, kids BJJ Mon and Wed 5 PM, a members-only open mat Fri 5:30 PM and a Saturday BJJ review class 9:30 AM; Muay Thai and MMA fill the 6 PM hours; no Sunday source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids BJJ with a dedicated named coach and a structured curriculum source · 2026-09-04
- Programs
- Gi and no-gi classes for all experience levels, in the site's own words source · 2026-09-03
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2414 Teagarden Street, San Leandro, CA 94577 source · 2026-07-31
- Instructors
- Owner Christian 'Pirata' Hernandez (3rd-degree black belt, 2x Worlds gold, still competing), with a second 3rd-degree black belt, a black belt and two brown belts — five named with ranks source · 2026-09-03
Alameda Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Academy
Who this academy suits
A family that wants one long-running Alameda academy covering toddlers through adults under a senior black belt, with a free tryout first
Why we say it: The own site presents Sergio Silva as a fifth degree BJJ black belt, lists a toddlers-through-adults ladder, and offers a free tryout class (verified 2026-07-24)
Kids classesFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free tryout class is offered source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- A full ladder from toddlers through adults, plus private lessons source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2227 Mariner Square Loop, Alameda, CA 94501 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Professor Sergio Silva is the head instructor source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the own site as a fifth degree BJJ black belt, also a judo black belt source · 2026-07-24
Cavassani BJJ
Who this academy suits
A working beginner in the Richmond Marina Bay area who needs evening classes, wants a black belt on the mat, and likes knowing the price up front, with a first class free
Why we say it: The own site presents Kaue Cavassani as a black belt, runs evening-weighted hours, offers a first class free, and publishes $200/month pricing (rendered read 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Free trialPricing publishedKids classesStriking classes too
Your first visit
- Free trial
- First class free, with a request-free-trial call to action source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Own-site hours: Sun closed; Mon/Wed/Fri 6:00-8:30 PM; Tue/Thu 5:00-8:30 PM; Sat 9:00-10:00 AM source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Adults gi and no-gi, Babies (3-5), Kids (6-12), and Muay Thai source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 855 Marina Bay Pkwy Ste 110, Richmond, CA 94804 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Professor Kaue Cavassani is the head instructor source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the own coaches page as a black belt with 26+ years of experience source · 2026-07-24
Dominat10n Jiu Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A beginner, and especially a woman, who wants a Carlson Gracie lineage black belt and an explicit women's track, with a free trial week to start
Why we say it: The own instructors page presents Dom Hoskins as a third degree black belt under Rodrigo Medeiros, the site lists a Femme women's program, and the trial is up to one week free via a coupon code (verified 2026-07-24)
Women's programKids classesFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Use code BUTTERFLYEFFECT when booking any class for a free trial, up to one week free source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids, adult, and Femme (women's) jiu-jitsu programs source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 4299 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Dom Hoskins is the head coach source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented as a third degree black belt under Rodrigo Medeiros (Carlson Gracie lineage), promoted 2016 source · 2026-07-24
El Cerrito Martial Arts
Who this academy suits
A family in the El Cerrito or Albany corridor that wants a local, owner-taught school where kids, teens and adults train, six days a week, close to home
Why we say it: The only verified standalone dedicated BJJ room in the El Cerrito/Albany corridor (discovery ledger); the own site lists six-day classes for kids, teens and adults owner-taught by Cody Wilson (verified 2026-07-24; the family class is gone as of 2026-09-03)
Schedule verified Kids classesStriking classes tooDaily beginner classes
Your first visit
- Class schedule
- Classes six days a week for kids, teens and adults; the family class of the July read is no longer mentioned; exact per-day times still sit behind the schedule request form, so confirm them source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu (own materials: Gracie), plus karate and Muay Thai, for kids, teens and adults (the family class of the July read is no longer mentioned) source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 10400 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Cody Wilson ('Sensei Cody') is the owner and head instructor source · 2026-07-24
F3 Academy / SBG Oakland
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants SBG-method BJJ in Oakland's core — two weeknights and a long Saturday block, in a multi-art hall
Why we say it: The site states the SBG affiliation and the template publishes the BJJ slots (verified 2026-07-31)
Someone who wants to cross-train arts most gyms don't have — judo, longsword and Kalis in the same week
Why we say it: The weekly template carries judo, Kalis and fencing tracks alongside BJJ under one enrollment (verified 2026-07-31)
Schedule verified Franchise networkStriking classes tooKids classes
Your first visit
- Free trial
- No published trial or drop-in rate — start via the Gymdesk portal or email; the Friday open mat is invitation-only source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Jiu-jitsu Mon and Wed 7–8 PM plus Saturday 11–2; judo Monday; the Friday open mat is published as invitation-only source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Youth F3 Tue/Thu 5:30 — the youth track spans the facility's arts source · 2026-09-03
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1905 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94612 source · 2026-07-31
- Instructors
- Head instructor and founder Jude Ledesma; belt rank not published source · 2026-09-03
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Alameda
Who this academy suits
A true beginner who wants a structured, step-by-step self-defense curriculum rather than open sparring from day one, with a 10-day risk-free trial to test it
Why we say it: A Gracie University CTC (corroborated by the network CTC page) teaching the Gracie Combatives beginner curriculum, led by first degree black belt Chelsea Nalani Burgo, with a published 10-day risk-free trial (verified 2026-07-24)
A parent looking for a structured anti-bullying kids program with clear age tiers
Why we say it: The own classes page lists Gracie Bullyproof, Little Champs, Jr. Grapplers and Gracie Teens as age-tiered youth programs (verified 2026-07-24)
Franchise networkStructured curriculumKids classesFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A 10-day risk-free trial with unlimited access to all beginner group classes source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Gracie Combatives and Master Cycle for adults; Gracie Bullyproof and age-tiered youth programs source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2424 Blanding Ave, Ste 302, Alameda, CA 94501 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Chelsea Nalani Burgo is the head instructor and a certified Gracie University instructor source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the own site as a first degree black belt under Crosley Gracie source · 2026-07-24
Hierba Mala Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A shift worker or an inconsistent-schedule beginner who needs to train on any day of the week, under a black belt, with a free first session to start
Why we say it: The own site presents Luis Soltero as a second degree black belt, states classes run seven days a week for all levels, and offers a free first session (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Free trialDaily beginner classes
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Claim a free first session to get started source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Classes seven days a week for all levels; confirm exact per-day times source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu for all skill levels source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2100 Orchard Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Luis Soltero is the head instructor source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the own site as a second degree black belt (lineage not stated) source · 2026-07-24
Island City Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A beginner or a family who wants a modern Alameda room with a named black belt head coach, a striking option, and an open invitation to try a class before committing
Why we say it: The own site names Zach Costa as a first degree black belt under Diogo Gomes, lists youth from age 4 and a Muay Thai program, and states a try-before-you-buy policy (verified 2026-07-24)
Kids classesStriking classes tooFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A try-before-you-buy policy: experience a class before signing up source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Adult jiu-jitsu (gi and no-gi), youth BJJ (ages 4-12), Muay Thai, MMA, and mobility training source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2318 Central Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Zach Costa is the head coach source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the own site as a first degree black belt under Diogo Gomes and a former MMA fighter source · 2026-07-24
Mineiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Emeryville)
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants a dedicated beginners class under a long-tenured black belt, with a woman head coach on the floor and a Muay Thai option alongside
Why we say it: The own site lists a dedicated adults beginners track and Muay Thai and names Professor Liz (first degree black belt) as the Emeryville head coach since 2021 under Checkmat black belt Marcelo Mineiro (verified 2026-07-24)
Daily beginner classesWomen's programKids classes
Your first visit
- Free trial
- The rebuilt site now says the first class is free, claimed through a one-minute form with no card; the open mat is members only with no trials or drop-ins, and no paid drop-in price is published source · 2026-09-04
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Adults BJJ with a beginners track and no-gi, women's BJJ, age-tiered kids and kids MMA, and Muay Thai source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 5515 Doyle St #7, Emeryville, CA 94608 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Professor Liz is the Emeryville head coach since 2021; owner Marcelo Mineiro leads the academies source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the own site as: Professor Liz, first degree black belt; Marcelo Mineiro, Checkmat black belt (2008) source · 2026-07-24
Oakland Jiu Jitsu - Eduardo Rocha Academy
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants high instruction pedigree with a no-pressure runway: a Royler Gracie lineage black belt on Grand Ave and a full 30 days free to decide
Why we say it: The own site presents Eduardo Rocha as a fifth degree black belt promoted by Royler Gracie and publishes a 30-day free trial (verified 2026-07-24)
Franchise networkFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Sign up today and get 30 days free (a full free month) source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the Six Blades method source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1333 Grand Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94610 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Eduardo Rocha is the head instructor source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the own site as a fifth degree black belt, promoted by Royler Gracie source · 2026-07-24
Ralph Gracie Berkeley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Who this academy suits
A Berkeley beginner who wants the East Bay's Ralph Gracie flagship, with a free first class and stand-up options alongside the jiu-jitsu
Why we say it: A Ralph Gracie network room led by Eduardo Fraga (own site: fifth degree black belt), with a free trial class published and judo, boxing, kids and women's tracks listed (verified 2026-07-24)
Franchise networkFree trialKids classesWomen's programStriking classes too
Your first visit
- Free trial
- The homepage offers a free trial class source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu, plus judo and boxing tracks and kids and women's classes source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1500 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Eduardo Fraga is the head instructor source · 2026-07-24
- Belt
- Presented on the academy's site as a fifth degree black belt source · 2026-07-24
Ralph Gracie Richmond Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Who this academy suits
A Richmond beginner who wants a Ralph Gracie network room with a dedicated beginners class and a free intro to start
Why we say it: The own site publishes a distinct beginners class plus women's and no-gi tracks, and a free intro class (verified 2026-07-24)
Franchise networkFree trialKids classesWomen's programNo-gi
Your first visit
- Free trial
- The own site offers a free intro class source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- A full ladder on the own site: kids, beginners, intermediate, advanced, competition, women's, no-gi, and privates source · 2026-07-24
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 3065 Richmond Pkwy #107, Richmond, CA 94806 source · 2026-07-24
- Instructors
- Igor Estrella is the head instructor source · 2026-07-25
- Belt
- Igor Estrella is a 3rd-degree black belt under Ralph Gracie source · 2026-07-25
SBG NorCal
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants a woman at the head of the room with real rank — a 3rd-degree BJJ black belt head coach
Why we say it: The about page names the head coach's ranks and two further BJJ black belts (verified 2026-07-31)
Someone who wants BJJ inside a full MMA gym — stand-up, clinch and ground under one roof
Why we say it: The site frames the three ranges and states SBG membership since 2003 (verified 2026-07-31)
Schedule verified Franchise networkStriking classes tooKids classes
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A 10-day guest offer is now printed behind a form on the get-started page; the guest schedule comes by reply, and whether the days are free is not stated in so many words source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- No hours or class grid print any more; the booking page says nothing to book right now and the guest schedule comes by request through the form. The BJJ track still shows as foundations, integrations, youth and teen coaching roles source · 2026-09-04
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1450 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702 source · 2026-07-31
- Instructors
- Head coach Lily Pagle, a 3rd-degree BJJ black belt (and 2nd-degree judo black belt), with two more named BJJ black belts on staff source · 2026-09-03
Academies being verified
We are re-confirming the essentials: class schedules and trial mechanics. Each academy joins the full guide once its facts meet the bar.
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Lycan Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense · Official site2905 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705 · (510) 983-4822 · Coach Joe Monroe and Coach Ken Kim are named as the coaches · A one-week free trialLast checked: 2026-09-03
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San Lorenzo BJJ · Official siteSchedule a trial class by email or Instagram DM; terms not statedLast checked: 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
Which academies in the East Bay offer a free trial?
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Oakland: Three free classes, no payment info, just show up in workout clothes; 510 Renegade MMA: A free trial, booked by email or Instagram DM in the home page's own words; its length and terms are unpublished; Alameda Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Academy: A free tryout class is offered; Cavassani BJJ: First class free, with a request-free-trial call to action; Dominat10n Jiu Jitsu: Use code BUTTERFLYEFFECT when booking any class for a free trial, up to one week free …
How do I book a trial class?
It differs by academy. Where we could verify the booking method, it is listed under "Your first visit" in that academy's entry; otherwise, asking through the academy's official channel is the most reliable route.
I'm a complete beginner. Can I just show up?
It differs by academy. Entries show where a fundamentals program and first-visit process are verified. For the rest, check with the academy before visiting. For what a first class actually feels like, see the beginner posts on our blog.