Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Lawrence, Kansas, was founded by Professor Trevor Rivers, a third-degree black belt under Gustavo Dantas. Professor Rivers began his BJJ journey in 2001 at Cornell University and later earned his higher belts in Phoenix, blending his competitive experience—including a Masters Worlds black belt bronze—with a background in wrestling and Hung Gar Kung Fu. The academy’s teaching team includes professionals such as Julie Kedzie, a former UFC fighter and Invicta commentator who leads striking and kids classes, and Dr. Shaun Kelsey, a national-level judo competitor and Army Combatives instructor. The staff’s diverse martial arts backgrounds shape a curriculum that values both the “why” and the “how” behind every technique, encouraging students to approach jiu-jitsu as a problem-solving discipline. A practical highlight at Rivers BJJ is its dual-room setup, allowing kids and adult classes to run simultaneously. This arrangement makes it easy for families to train together, with parents able to participate in adult classes while children learn in the adjacent room. The kids program is led by Travis Mott, a brown belt with experience in wrestling and judo, who has been coaching youth since early in his BJJ journey. Women’s-only classes, taught by female instructors, provide a dedicated space for women who may prefer to start training outside of coed classes. The academy’s schedule covers both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, along with submission wrestling, judo, kickboxing, and open mat sessions. Judo and wrestling are integrated weekly, taught with a focus on how takedowns and throws apply within BJJ competition rules. Rivers BJJ’s approach is rooted in conversation and exploration, with instructors encouraging questions and cross-training. The school welcomes visitors and is wheelchair accessible, reflecting its commitment to practical access for all students.

Amenities