4711 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines structures its Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program around a detailed curriculum designed to guide students from their first introduction to the art through advanced concepts. The academy’s Fundamentals program follows a four-month rotating cycle, emphasizing defensive movement, escapes, dominant control, guard play, and passing, with each class beginning on the feet and progressing through technical instruction to structured live training. All-Levels classes take a focused approach, shifting each month to study a specific position, concept, or submission in depth, while allowing for flexibility based on the needs and experience of the students attending. The academy offers both gi and no-gi instruction across its classes. Fundamentals and All-Levels are available in both formats, and a dedicated no-gi curriculum is provided for students looking to expand their grappling skillset. The schedule also includes a competition class for those interested in testing themselves at tournaments, as well as regular open mats that welcome both members and visitors from other gyms at no charge. Youth programs are divided by age, with Little Kids (5–7) and Kids (8–13) classes focusing on movement, coordination, discipline, and the fundamentals of grappling through a mix of technical drilling and games. The kids’ curriculum emphasizes safe takedowns, submissions, and partner control, aiming to build confidence and self-defense skills. Additionally, Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines offers a women’s class, which is open to non-members free of charge, providing a dedicated space for women to train together and develop effective grappling techniques.
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Part of Renzo Gracie — the affiliation currently ranks #18 on the IBJJF gi academy ranking.
Team affiliation ranking — reflects the competition results of the wider Renzo Gracie team across all its academies, not this location alone.
From public IBJJF & ADCC 2025–26 season rankings (data as of Jun 2, 2026). ADCC figures reflect this gym's own competitors; the IBJJF rank is its affiliation's standing, shared across all its academies.
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