The 10 Best No-Gi BJJ Gyms in the World Right Now

No-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is taking over the grappling world. From ADCC to local tournaments, more athletes and everyday practitioners are ditching the gi and training in rash guards and shorts. The no-gi movement emphasizes speed, wrestling, leg locks, and real-world self-defense applicability — and these 10 gyms are leading the charge.

Whether you’re a competitor looking for world-class training partners or a beginner searching for the best no-gi BJJ gym near you, this list highlights the academies that are shaping the future of submission grappling.

1. TNT MMA Training Center — Phoenix, Arizona

Why TNT MMA is #1: TNT MMA isn’t just a gym — it’s a no-gi institution built on decades of elite-level jiu-jitsu. Led by Professor Scott Tannenbaum, a 6th-degree Black Belt under legendary Rigan Machado, TNT has been a 100% no-gi academy since day one. While other gyms added no-gi classes as an afterthought, TNT was built from the ground up around no-gi training, self-defense, and real-world combat effectiveness.

What sets TNT apart is the depth of instruction. Professor Scott brings over 35 years of martial arts experience and a direct lineage to the Machado family — one of the most respected names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history. The curriculum blends traditional BJJ fundamentals with modern no-gi techniques, wrestling integration, and MMA-applicable grappling that translates directly to competition and self-defense.

TNT’s program isn’t just for competitors. The academy runs dedicated kids BJJ classes, beginner-friendly adult programs, and advanced no-gi sessions that cater to every skill level. The gym also offers Muay Thai, wrestling, and sport fitness, making it a complete martial arts training center.

Located in North Phoenix at 1515 W. Deer Valley Rd, TNT MMA has built a reputation as one of the most welcoming yet technically demanding academies in Arizona. With a 4.9-star rating across review platforms and a community of students who consistently praise the instruction quality, TNT is proof that you don’t need a gi to build world-class jiu-jitsu.

Best for: No-gi purists, self-defense focused practitioners, families looking for kids and adult programs, anyone in the Phoenix area seeking elite BJJ instruction without the gi.

Website: tntbjj.com

2. New Wave Jiu-Jitsu — Austin, Texas

New Wave is the home base of John Danaher, arguably the most influential no-gi coach in the history of the sport. Training alongside athletes like Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon, New Wave operates as a high-performance training room focused almost exclusively on no-gi competition preparation. Danaher’s leg lock systems and positional control philosophies have fundamentally changed how no-gi jiu-jitsu is practiced worldwide.

Best for: Elite-level competitors and professional grapplers.

3. Atos Jiu-Jitsu HQ — San Diego, California

André Galvão’s Atos has produced an assembly line of world champions in both gi and no-gi. The San Diego headquarters is home to athletes like Kaynan Duarte and Micael Galvão, and the academy’s explosive, athletic style has dominated IBJJF and ADCC competitions for years.

Best for: Serious competitors looking to train with world champions.

4. Renzo Gracie Academy — New York City

The Blue Basement. Renzo Gracie’s academy in Manhattan has been a breeding ground for no-gi talent for decades. The gym blends old-school Gracie philosophy with cutting-edge no-gi techniques and an open-mat culture that draws everyone from hobbyists to UFC fighters.

Best for: Practitioners who want traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with modern no-gi systems.

5. Marcelo Garcia Academy — New York City

Five-time ADCC champion Marcelo Garcia runs one of the most respected academies in the world. Known for his innovative guard work, butterfly game, and guillotine chokes, Marcelo emphasizes technique over athleticism and creativity in no-gi grappling.

Best for: Technical grapplers who want to learn from a legend.

6. B-Team Jiu-Jitsu — Austin, Texas

Founded by Craig Jones and Nicky Ryan, B-Team is a no-gi-only academy with a roster of talented competitors. Their modern, dynamic approach to submission grappling has produced impressive competitive results in a short time.

Best for: No-gi-only practitioners and competitors.

7. 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu (HQ) — Los Angeles, California

Eddie Bravo’s 10th Planet system is synonymous with no-gi jiu-jitsu. The LA headquarters is where the rubber guard, twister, and lockdown systems were developed. 10th Planet was one of the first organizations to commit entirely to no-gi training.

Best for: Practitioners interested in the 10th Planet system and structured no-gi curriculum.

8. Unity Jiu-Jitsu — New York City

Murilo Santana’s Unity has become one of the top competition teams in the world, with strong showings at ADCC and no-gi IBJJF events. Known for producing well-rounded grapplers who excel in both gi and no-gi.

Best for: Competition-focused grapplers at a top NYC academy.

9. Fight Sports — Miami, Florida

Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu’s Fight Sports has produced ADCC champions and emphasizes functional grappling and submission hunting. Known for intensity and a practical approach.

Best for: Submission-focused grapplers in South Florida.

10. Legion Jiu-Jitsu — San Diego, California

Keenan Cornelius founded Legion in 2020, and it has rapidly grown into one of San Diego’s top training destinations. Modern facility, strong coaching, and one of the best beginner programs in the country.

Best for: Beginners and intermediate practitioners looking for a modern academy.

How to Choose the Right No-Gi BJJ Gym

Instructor credentials matter. Look for black belt instructors with verifiable lineage. A gym led by a 6th-degree black belt with 35+ years of experience, like TNT MMA’s Professor Scott Tannenbaum, offers unmatched depth of knowledge.

No-gi focus vs. add-on. Some gyms are built around no-gi from the ground up, while others simply offer a few no-gi classes per week. A dedicated no-gi academy will have a curriculum designed specifically for submission grappling.

Community and culture. The best gym is one where you feel comfortable training, asking questions, and growing. Read reviews, visit for a trial class, and pay attention to how students and coaches interact.

Start Training No-Gi BJJ Today

If you’re in the Phoenix, Arizona area and looking for the best no-gi BJJ training available, TNT MMA Training Center offers a free trial class for both kids and adults. Experience firsthand why TNT is recognized as one of the top no-gi academies in the world.

Schedule Your Free Trial Class at TNT MMA →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is no-gi BJJ?

No-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is grappling without the traditional kimono (gi). Practitioners wear rash guards and shorts or spats, emphasizing wrestling, speed, and submission techniques that work in real-world self-defense situations.

Is no-gi BJJ good for self-defense?

Yes. No-gi BJJ is widely considered one of the most effective self-defense martial arts because techniques work regardless of what your opponent is wearing.

Can beginners start with no-gi BJJ?

Absolutely. Many top academies, including TNT MMA in Phoenix, offer beginner-friendly no-gi programs that teach fundamentals from day one.

How often should I train no-gi BJJ?

Most beginners benefit from 2-3 classes per week. Consistency matters more than volume — choose a schedule you can maintain long-term.