How Much Does BJJ Cost? What to Budget When You Start

In the US, a BJJ membership usually costs about $120 to $250 a month, and gyms in big cities often charge more. Plan for a possible sign-up fee, basic gear, and a mouthguard on top of that. Many academies include a gi when you sign up, so your first month often lands somewhere between $150 and $400 all in. Prices vary a lot by city and by gym, so call a few academies near you before you budget.

How much is a BJJ membership per month?

Most adult memberships in the US fall between $120 and $250 a month for unlimited classes. Gyms in smaller towns often sit at the lower end. Academies in major cities, or gyms run by well-known competitors, can charge $300 to $350 or more.

Several things move the price:

• Your city. Rent drives gym prices, so the same quality of coaching costs more in a big metro area.
• Class access. Some gyms sell a cheaper plan with two or three classes a week and charge more for unlimited.
• Contract length. Many academies discount a 6-month or 12-month agreement compared with month-to-month.
• Extras. Some memberships include open mats, strength classes or Muay Thai, and some charge for those separately.

Ask what the price covers before you compare two gyms. A $200 unlimited plan with open mats can be a better value than a $150 plan with three classes a week.

Do BJJ gyms charge a sign-up fee?

Some do and some don't. When gyms charge one, it often runs somewhere around $50 to $150, and it can cover paperwork, a gym shirt or a gi. Many academies waive the fee during a promotion or when you sign a longer agreement, so it's worth asking.

Most gyms also offer a free trial class or a free first week. Take it. You get to meet the coaches, feel the room and see whether the schedule works for you before you pay anything.

Is a gi included when you sign up?

At many academies, yes. A lot of gyms include a gi in a starter package for new members, sometimes with the gym's patch on it. Some academies require you to wear the gym's own gi, so ask before you buy one on your own.

To see how long each rank usually takes, read The BJJ Belt System Explained.

If you do buy a gi yourself, a solid beginner gi usually costs about $80 to $150. Premium gis can cost $200 or more. You don't need the expensive one to start. Most people buy a second gi once they're training several times a week, so they always have a clean one ready.

You'll also need a white belt. Many gyms include one with the gi.

What other gear do you need for BJJ?

The basic kit for a beginner is short:

For fit and fabric tips, read our guide on how to choose a rashguard.

• A rashguard. Expect to pay about $30 to $80. You wear it alone for no-gi and under the jacket for gi.
• Fight shorts. Plan on about $30 to $70 for a pair with no zippers, pockets or metal.
• A mouthguard. A boil-and-bite guard costs about $10 to $40. A custom one from a dentist costs much more.
• Sandals and a gym bag. You probably own these already.

Spats, knee pads, and a second rashguard are nice to have later. Wait until you know you'll keep training before you buy them. If you're unsure what to wear on day one, our guide on what to wear to your first BJJ class covers it.

How much does it cost to compete in BJJ?

Competing is optional, and plenty of people train for years without entering a tournament. If you want to compete, local tournaments often charge somewhere around $60 to $130 per division. Registering early usually costs less than registering close to the deadline, and adding a second division, such as the open weight class, costs extra.

IBJJF events also require an annual federation membership on top of the entry fee. Add travel, gas and a hotel if the event is out of town, and a single tournament weekend can easily cost a few hundred dollars.

What does the first year of BJJ cost?

Here is a rough first-year budget for one adult training at a mid-priced gym. Your numbers will change with your city and your gym's pricing.

• Membership: about $1,800 to $2,400 at $150 to $200 a month.
• Sign-up fee: $0 to about $150.
• Gi and belt: often included, or about $80 to $150.
• Two rashguards and two pairs of shorts: about $150 to $250.
• Mouthguard: about $10 to $40.

That puts many beginners around $2,000 to $3,000 for their first year, before any tournaments.

How can you save money on BJJ?

You have more options than most people think:

• Ask about longer agreements. Six-month and annual plans often cost less per month.
• Ask about family and student rates. Many gyms discount for couples, siblings, students, first responders and military.
• Pay for the classes you'll use. If your schedule only allows two classes a week, a limited plan can save you real money.
• Use the free trial. Try two or three gyms before you sign anything.
• Buy gear once and buy it right. A rashguard that holds its shape and shorts with a waistband that stays put will outlast cheaper pieces you replace every few months.
• Wash your gear after every session. Clean gear lasts longer and keeps you and your training partners free of skin infections.

Is BJJ worth the cost?

That answer belongs to you, but it helps to think in cost per class. If you pay $180 a month and train three times a week, each class costs about $15. You get an hour of coaching, a full workout and a room of people who want you to get better. For many people, that adds up to one of the best-value habits they have.

We wrote more about what training gives you off the mats in What "Pressure Is a Privilege" Means.

The value also reaches past the mats. Jiu-jitsu changes the way people carry themselves, and regular training builds patience, confidence and a group of people who notice when you miss a week. You can see it in our athletes. Coach Matthew Buell says martial arts gave him structure, a moral compass and a sense of belonging. Juan Diaz moved to Tijuana alone at nineteen and worked as a waiter, a security guard and a construction worker to pay for training, and today he fights in the UFC. Read their stories on our Athletes page.

Gear to start your first year

You don't need much to start, so start with pieces that last. The Kuzushi Kit ($80) pairs the Kuzushi Pulse Rashguard with the matching Kuzushi Fight Shorts, which covers your no-gi kit in one order and gives you a rashguard for under your gi. The Pressure Fight Shorts ($45) stretch through takedowns and scrambles, and the waistband stays locked in while you drill. For colder gyms and gi days, the Positional Pressure Long Sleeve Rashguard ($45) protects your arms from mat burn.

Shop rashguards and shorts

Pressure is a privilege, so put it on.