Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines

5.0 (4 reviews)

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

Closed • 6:00 am - 7:00 AM, 12:00 pm - 1:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Updated over 3 months ago

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Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines - Gym - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Josh C.

657

6 years ago

I absolutely have fallen in love with training at Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines- I was also lucky enough to start at the right place, with the right coach Carsten Carlsen. As a life long strength & conditioning coach and nutrition coach, coaching is my forte. I understand and study the art. Coach Carsten is everything you could ask for in a coach and BJJ mentor, plus some. His speed is your speed, and he can be as strong as a lion yet as gentle as a lamb in the same class. It's really something to witness, and awesome to be a part of. I very much am "the new guy" at school. And I'm happy being that guy. I'm a firm believer in a "white belt mentality" and will continue to have that when I've completed hour 5,000...and if I don't have that mentality I'll never make it that far... -That's the beauty of Jiu Jitsu- If you live in Des Moines and are looking for something new, fun, and challenging both physically and mentally I can't recommend Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines enough. You won't regret walking into Carsten's class and will leave a better man/women because of it. read more

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Daniel H.

1 year ago

Very clean and inviting Jim everyone was super kind. Very high-level instruction. I highly recommend you check it out. read more

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Andre R.

5 years ago

Hands down the best Jiu Jitsu gym in the Des Moines/West Des Moines area. Incredibly welcoming teachers, taught in a easy to learn manner, and overall a great time. You'll look forward to every training session, it doesn't even feel like a workout. read more

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Chris M.

6 years ago

RGADSM is an outstanding addition to the BJJ scene in the Des Moines area. Owner/instructor Carsten is top notch and is perfect for whatever your BJJ goal is whether it be competition, fitness, or hobbyist. He is an accomplished competitor himself, extremely knowledgeable and very patient with those just starting out on their jiu jitsu journey. The atmosphere at the school is very friendly and inviting, but make no mistake, when it is time for class you will learn, work, and sweat. There is no other workout like it. Classes are offered bother during the day and evening which is an added bonus. If you get a chance come try a class! read more

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More info about Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines

4711 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
Directions
(515) 505-4259
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.rgadsm.com

Hours

What time does Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines open?

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines opens at 6:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines opens at 6:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines opens at 5:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines opens at 11:00 AM on Saturday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines opens at 10:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines close?

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines closes at 7:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines closes at 1:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines closes at 8:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday and Thursday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines closes at 7:30 PM on Friday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines closes at 12:30 PM on Saturday.Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines closes at 11:00 AM on Sunday.

Mon, Wed 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PMTue, Thu 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PMFri 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PMSat 11:00 AM - 12:30 PMSun 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Payment methods

Does Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines take credit cards?

Yes, Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines takes credit cards.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines have parking?

Yes, Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines has parking options.

From the Business

Specialties

High level Jiu Jitsu instruction. Fun, safe community

History

Established in 2019.

High Quality Jiu Jitsu Since 2019

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Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy

5.0

(4 reviews)

2.7 mi

I've been training at this gym for a number of years now. All I can say is that training here has…read moregreatly improved my life in a number of ways. The coaches are top-notch and are willing to work with everyone. The facilities are the best in the area. There are numerous classes throughout the week to accommodate most schedules. Everyone at the gym is amazing and friendly and willing to work with new people. If you're interested in jiu-jitsu, I cannot recommend DMJJA enough. ADDITIONAL: I wanted to add that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an excellent form of exercise that also has been shown to be an effective form of self defense. The academy has adult classes every day but Thursday for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and recently increased the number of kids' classes during the week. The gym also has Muay Thai kickboxing and a modest MMA program. Yoga was also recently added to the schedule two to three times per week. The academy caters to athletes of any level, from straight-off-the-couch to expert martial artists. The academy also has a weight lifting / cardio room for members to use during the hours the academy is open. I seriously cannot recommend this gym more. It is amazing and I feel like anyone would enjoy and benefit from classes provided.

Excellent instructors and a great environment.read more

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Average Tuesday night crowd

No gi jiu jitsu

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Precision Submission Grappling

5.0

(1 review)

3.3 mi

Best kid's Jiu Jitsu classes in Des Moines in my opinion. Great technical instruction from coach…read moreJordan but also lots of really good families here. My son has made a lot of friends and always has great sparring partners close to his age and weight class. He's made tremendous progress in his Jiu Jitsu over the past 18 months with Jordan. I couldn't be happier. Very highly recommended!

From the owner: Learn Modern No-Gi Jiu Jitsu from one of the most respected and well-known Brazilian Jiu Jitsu…read moreBlack Belts in the Des Moines grappling scene! Precision Submission Grappling offers Kids Jiu Jitsu, Teens Jiu Jitsu, and Adult Jiu Jitsu for students of all skill levels in a safe and welcoming environment that emphasizes skill acquisition, character development, and fitness.

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No Coast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

5.0

(3 reviews)

3.1 mi

Very welcoming to my daughter when we were in town for the week. She enjoyed meeting new friends…read moreand coaches. Comp class was a good challenge for her and she liked the way the classes were taught.

The owners, coaches and students at No Coast BJJ go out of their way to make all guests and new…read morestudents feel welcome. The instructors are highly skilled and teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with an emphasis on exceptional technique with a little humor sprinkled in to keep things light hearted and entertaining. All members of the school take pride in the gym keeping it a clean, safe, non-judgmental, family friendly environment. No Coast BJJ offers a free week to all new students letting new members experience the benefits of BJJ with no commitment.

Erebus Jiu Jitsu

5.0

(1 review)

50.4 mi

Great place, very welcoming to beginners. Very welcoming to veterans as well. Glad I found this…read moreplace.

From the owner: Small down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club working on Non-profit status.read more

Iowa Martial Arts & Wellness Center

5.0

(1 review)

5.7 mi

We are in town visiting so we took our daughter and son to the kids Jiu-jitsu class today. The kids…read moreloved it. Nice facilities and outstanding instructors. Highly recommend. Thank you Iowa Martial Arts!

Birdland Pool

3.3

(4 reviews)

3.2 mi

My daughter was here for a swim meet. The pool was super dirty so was the blocks! I would give it a…read morethree just cause of the dirty pool! But everything else was ok! The locker rooms were a little dirty!!

Found a pool this Summa!!!!…read more Review during COVID19: Birdland pool is like a hidden gem for Central Des Moines this summer! Never been here before but we've been here twice now. No FRILLS pool. They have 1 slide and 3 diving boards. A wading pool that goes 2.5'; very large size too. The pool is clean water and the environment is clean. The price is great too! $2.00 for kids; $4.00 for adult. Free for 3 and under. People around us do not wear masks. There are different ethnic families that live near and visit this pool. They play very loud music. A different variety but I think they play most recent rap and hip hop the most. Staff here is great! They also have two local officers inside the pool to keep things safe. The pool is located by North High school so that's probably why they have officers; it's a little rough neighborhood. The two times we visited we have watched the pool capacity website before arriving. This pool stays under the capacity limit every day and have found it to be very compliant to COVID social distancing regulations. The staff wipe surfaces every hour. At the end of the swim session they are cleaning everything immediately. They also wear masks when they are around people. There's a snack bar open but we've never visited. The water slide is the highlight of the visit for the kids. Young jumpers must go through a swim test before allowed on the diving boards. I recommend visiting this pool this summer. I'm not too sure during any other year as they may be a lot more full but I've enjoyed our visits so far. We will be returning more this summer as we feel safe coming here and seeing how the staff and the people around us are abiding to social distancing rules.

Photos

Nice open water slide

Entrance

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Overlooking pool from the east side

Union Park

4.7

(3 reviews)

3.7 mi

I love it and it's the best place you could be it's very good and it's just the best because you…read morecan do all sorts of stuff good for kids I forgot what this the rules of the park separation I'm pretty sure it said to 2 12-year-olds

Memorable park with the famous ROCKET SLIDE!…read more It's a fun playground because it has a unique structure that is considered vintage. Made of metal. The slides are plastic. During COVID19 review: Came out here with some moms for a play date. Rocket playground was open as well as the north playground. Wading pool was NOT operating. Didn't see anyone using the restrooms or the drinking fountain. A few park benches around to sit and picnic at. Grass was very tall but landscapers were working on mowing. Well maintained with no tree debris. We've been to this park before and it's a popular place to come. But during COVID19 there is way less people around. 3 other families and 1 small day care of 4 kids were there with our group. Made for around 20-25 children playing around each other. Would recommend if you're in the neighborhood.

Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center

5.0

(4 reviews)

22.1 mi

My granddaughter attended Wesley Woods horse day camp in 2024 when she was 10. She'll go again this…read moresummer - but wants to have the week-long overnight experience. She's already decided that after beginner, and now intermediate, she wants to go on to advanced - all the way to becoming an instructor!

Came here for horseback riding with my family. This is a Methodist Church camp that offers…read morehorseback riding year-round for a price way lower than anywhere else I've ever been. This is a great outing for anyone new to horseback riding or to do with your children. It's also a price that makes this a great weekend activity for the whole family. Our guide led us around the large acreage of the camp for around 45 minutes on a very easy and beautiful ride.

Photos

Come take a wagon ride and visit our small animals farm featuring goats, sheep & miniature donkey.

High Ropes adventure course with Zip Line, climbing wall & vertical playpen

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Kayak, stand-up-paddle board, canoe and/or pontoon Lake Ahquabi

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Vincent R.

7 years ago

I have been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, for 3 years now and have loved every minute of it. When I heard, that a prestigious school, like the Renzo Gracie Academy was coming to town, I was excited to say the least. I met Black belt and owner Carsten Carlson at my first class and I was blown away by the high level of instruction. Many believe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to be the best martial art for self defense because its use of leverage allows a smaller weaker opponent to defeat a much larger opponent. Carsten's classes definitely bring this point home. Starting a martial art can be intimidating, but Carsten is very friendly and made me feel at home in his gym. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone who wants to learn how to defend themself, or even to just get in shape and make new friends. read more

Sean H.

6 years ago

Outstanding academy. Instruction is top notch and the members are all very welcoming and friendly. The class schedule and membership options afford a lot of flexibility and opportunities to train from beginner to advanced. Carsten is very detailed in the teaching of techniques and helping students overcome sticking points. If you have the chance check em out. Highly recommend. read more

Nate S.

6 years ago

Des Moines is very fortunate to have RGADM. Carsten is a knowledgeable instructor that makes learning BJJ a great experience for all levels. I appreciate the focus on building community and highly recommend them to anyone. read more

Jordan H.

6 years ago

Carsten is an amazing coach, and there is a great class atmosphere! Couldn'tbe happier with my decision to attend RGADM!! If your interested in BJJ and looking for a great way to get in shape, this is the place! read more

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines - brazilianjiujitsu - Updated July 2026

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4 Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

4 reviews that are not currently recommended

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines - brazilianjiujitsu - Updated July 2026

Best of Des Moines

People found Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines by searching for…

Trending Searches in Des Moines, IA

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