About Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Welcome to Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where we are dedicated to providing the highest quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Our mission is to empower students of all ages and skill levels through the art of BJJ, fostering physical fitness, mental resilience, and personal growth.
Our Philosophy
At Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we believe that Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it's a way of life. Our approach combines technical excellence with practical application, ensuring that our students develop skills that work both on and off the mats.
Whether you're looking to compete at the highest levels, learn self-defense, or simply get in the best shape of your life, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Meet Our Instructors

John Smith
Head Coach - Black Belt
15+ years of experience competing at the highest levels.

Maria Rodriguez
Kids Program Director - Brown Belt
Specializes in teaching children of all ages and abilities.

David Chen
Competition Coach - Black Belt
Multiple-time IBJJF champion with a focus on competitive training.
Class Schedule
We offer a variety of classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Join us at a time that works for your schedule!
Membership Options
Invest in your health, fitness, and self-defense skills with our flexible membership options. Join our community today and start your Jiu-Jitsu journey!
Basic
Perfect for beginners looking to start their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
- Unlimited Fundamental Classes
- Access to Open Mat Sessions
- Free Uniform (Gi)
- Monthly Progress Assessments
Premium
Our most popular option with full access to all classes and amenities.
- Unlimited Access to All Classes
- Access to Open Mat Sessions
- Free Uniform (Gi) + Rashguard
- Monthly Progress Assessments
- Competition Training
- One Private Lesson Per Month
Family
Train together as a family with our comprehensive package.
- Access for 2 Adults + 2 Children
- Unlimited Access to All Classes
- Free Uniforms (Gi) for All Members
- Monthly Progress Assessments
- Competition Training
- Discounted Private Lessons
Other Options
What Our Students Say
Hear from our community about how training at our academy has impacted their lives.
Dustin Walthall
"I have trained jujitsu for a couple years now. Balancing a full time job and kids, it’s hard to find time that meets my schedule to train at a gym. Rivers bjj offers multiple classes and times to meet my ever-changing schedule. The instructor’s are friendly and knowledgeable and there is no shortage of high level practitioners to learn from and train with."
Tommaso isidori
"Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most professional and friendly environments I've been ever exposed to in my (more than twenty-years) experience with martial arts. I moved to Lawrence 2 years ago from Italy for a PhD position at KU bringing my Gi with me and looking for a place to train. I found Rivers BJJ and before even walking inside the club, I started meeting wonderful and wholesome people that later had become my inseparable training partners and friends. Every student is followed personally by the instructors and the higher ranked students, the quality of the Jiu-Jitsu is superlative, and safety always comes first. Being myself a Judo instructor (and having a Dojo in my hometown in Italy) I know how all of these characteristics are fundamental to creating a healthy and professional school. During the class, the instructors allow you to focus in on all of the aspects pertaining to the art of Jiu-Jitsu: competition, self-defense, and most importantly self-improvement. Recently, 10 people from the club traveled oversea to come in my Dojo in Italy where we had 2 weeks of awesome training in both Judo and BJJ. Ultimately, this opened up a new long-lasting international channel of exchange between schools. Rivers BJJ quickly became my family here in Lawrence and I could not ask for more."
John Fernandez
"Started training at the end of Dec 22. The Facilitators (Trevor, PJ, and Julie) are very knowledgeable with years of teaching, competing and experience behind them. The atmosphere in the gym daily is always accepting and patient. The smallest details, to help improve technique, are broken down on levels that are easy to understand."
D Brooks
"I visited Lawrence recently and trained at Rivers for a few days. They were very welcoming, friendly and have a great atmosphere and coaches. Everyone was helping each other with the techniques. I will definitely visit again next time I am in the area! Highly recommend this gym if you're in Lawrence!"
Contact Us
Have questions or ready to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey? Get in touch with us today!
Send Us a Message
Our Location
Address
850 E 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
Phone
Hours
Mon-Fri: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sun: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM