Now Accepting New Students! Amazing Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in Iowa City.
Get 1 Week of Life-Changing Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Iowa City... COMPLETELY FREE!
“So fun it’s addicting!” Our amazing Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is offering classes here in Iowa City! Burn fat & build lean muscle, fast. Plus it’s so much fun!
Everything included:
1-Week of Unlimited Classes
Experienced Instructors
- 2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240
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This Isn’t Just About Jiu Jitsu. It’s About You
Every woman who steps onto these mats has a reason. Maybe it’s strength. Maybe it’s confidence. Maybe it’s healing. Maybe it’s simply the need to feel like yourself again. Whatever brought you here, it matters. “Some women come here for fitness. Some come for self-defense. Some come just to try something new. But every woman has her own story — and I’d love to hear yours.” — Coach Claire, Women’s Program Head Coach So before anything else, let’s start with a conversation. You don’t need to be in shape. You don’t need to have any experience. You just need to be curious enough to take one small step forward — for you.
💪 A workout that hits different.
This isn’t your average gym circuit. BJJ will work muscles you didn’t know you had — and leave you feeling energized, not bored.
🧠 Mental strength and clarity.
It’s like therapy… except you learn how to choke someone out. You’ll be amazed how much stress disappears after one class.
🛡️ Legit self-defense skills.
Learn how to control someone bigger than you, defend yourself on the ground, and build real-world confidence — fast.
🤝 A tribe of strong women.
This is the secret sauce. Women who train together form bonds fast. You’ll leave every class feeling supported and seen.
🎓 Expert coaching from Coach Claire.
Coach Claire is the real deal. A black belt who’s competed at a high level, trained all over the country, and now leads the women’s program with precision, patience, and passion.
Short answer? You.
Whether you’re curious, committed, or just looking for a sign… this is it.
The women who train at Citadel BJJ come from all walks of life — and they’ve all found something real here.
This is for you if:
🏋️♀️ You’re an athlete — or you used to be one.
Maybe you ran track, played volleyball, wrestled, or competed in college.
You miss the grind. The sweat. The adrenaline. The thrill of learning something new and pushing your limits.
You’re not done — you just need the next mountain to climb.
🧗♀️ You love a challenge.
You’re confident. Driven. You like to work hard and feel proud of what you earn.
Jiu Jitsu gives you that feeling — every single class.
👩🎓 You’re a student who wants to feel stronger, safer, and more confident.
You want to walk across campus with your head high. You want to trust yourself in any situation.
This is how you get there — one class at a time.
👩👧👦 You’re a mom who gives everything to your family — and now it’s time to do something for you.
Your kids train here? Amazing. You can too.
This is your space to reconnect with your strength, your body, and your self-worth.
🧘♀️ You’ve never done anything like this before — and that’s exactly why you should.
You’re looking for something different. Something real.
Maybe it’s self-defense. Maybe it’s fitness. Maybe it’s friends.
Or maybe it’s just the next chapter in your life.
👮♀️ You’re a professional, a protector, or a caretaker — and you want to be prepared.
We train with nurses, doctors, teachers, police officers. Jiu Jitsu gives you more than physical tools — it builds calm, composure, and quiet confidence in high-pressure situations.
💬 You’re just… curious.
You landed on this page for a reason.
You don’t have to explain it yet. You just have to take the first step.
No matter your background, age, or fitness level — if you’re ready to try something new and powerful, you belong here.
💬 “In just a few months I’ve grown tremendously in my skills, strength, and confidence.” – Ashley D.
💬 “I came in with no grappling experience and wouldn’t have wanted to get my foundation anywhere else.” – Paige G.
💬 “As a mom, it makes me feel better knowing my daughter has real self-defense skills. The sport has given her so much confidence.” – Carrie G.
💬 “Everyone here is welcoming and trains hard. Would definitely recommend!” – Jordan W.
💬 “A great environment, great people, and by far the best Jiu Jitsu gym in Iowa!” – Bella M.
💬 “The people are friendly and it’s good to roll with higher belts.” – Alexandra L.
✅ A Women-Only Class, Led by Coach Claire
Train in a private setting just for women, coached by Coach Claire, an accomplished BJJ brown belt with a successful competition record and years of teaching experience. Whether it’s your first class or your fiftieth, you’ll be learning from someone who knows what it’s like to start from scratch—and how to help you thrive.
✅ Supportive Vibe. Serious Training.
Yes, the training is challenging. But it’s also fun. Approachable. Encouraging. The kind of environment where it’s okay to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow at your own pace.
“The training was hard yet approachable. I felt comfortable and at ease the whole time. I can’t wait to go back.”
— Jamie P.
✅ The Cleanest Gym in Iowa City
You’ll notice it the moment you walk in. This place is spotless—and we take pride in keeping it that way. The mats, the air, the vibe—everything is clean, calm, and welcoming.
“Excellent instruction, very clean facilities, super nice people!”
— Maxine K.
✅ Built for Women of All Backgrounds
We have college students, nurses, moms, black belts, and beginners all training together. Whether you’re looking to feel safer, get stronger, find your people, or just try something totally new—you’ll be in good company.
“As a mom, it makes me feel better knowing my daughter has real self-defense skills… The sport has given her so much confidence.”
— Carrie G.
💬 Why Women Keep Coming Back
“My experience here has pushed me to reach goals on and off the mat.”
— Paige G.
“This gym is inclusive and builds you up physically and mentally. The coaches take time to know every student.”
— Kaylee F.
“The patience, skill, and passion at this school is seen in every class—not just from the instructors, but the students too.”
— Angela B.
“I’ve been training here since they opened. It’s beginner-friendly and also the best place for top-level competitors.”
— Katy K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about our Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program
Definitely not! You will get fit, you will burn off unwanted calories, you will find it an awesome stress relief. But BORING, it is NOT!
The variety, challenge and the feeling of accomplishment when you master a self defense skill or technique is why students love our Iowa City adult Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at Citadel BJJ.
But we find it’s the friendships and fun that keep students coming back. It’s like their second family. Why not find out for yourself. Book in for our limited time offer on this page!
Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our adult Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes would describe themselves like that before they started. So you will fit right in!
Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at how much you improve! You’ll find that our very experienced martial arts instructors, are trained to keep their teaching simple. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop ‘ninja-like’ skills! Come see for yourself!
No, not at all! We find that people start at varying fitness levels. But, you will find that you do get fit by doing our Iowa City martial arts classes. Isn’t that the point though? A fun workout that gets results!
All of our Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are open to all skill levels, beginner through advanced. We focus on the fundamentals of Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which are simply the most effective parts of the art. We also do a lot of specific drilling and training, which teaches you how to apply techniques and movements during a “live” round.
Truthfully, the journey to black belt is an individual one. Everyone can progress at a different pace. There is no judgement on students for how long it does take. What we can tell you, is that it is SO WORTHWHILE!
The self defense skills you will master can truly be life-saving!
However, the other benefits of striving for black belt, like perseverance, never giving up, commitment and self discipline lead to life-long success.
You will find that your instructors at Citadel BJJ Iowa City are dedicated to helping you on your journey to black belt or whatever your personal goal may be.
We do only have a certain amount of space in our Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training area. Take advantage of our limited time offer – the fastest way is to fill in the form.
Additionally, you can always call us, we would love to chat with you about what we do, and if our Iowa City Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes would be a great fit for you and your family!
Absolutely! Women really find that the benefits of doing Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that they learn to protect themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent. Something they never thought was possible. We think ALL women should know how to protect themselves, especially on the ground!
Fill out the form below to get your 1-Week pass today!
By opting in, you agree to receive periodic text messages & emails from Citadel BJJ. Your information will never be shared. Reply STOP to cancel. Standard rates may apply. View our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.