Arroyo Grappling Academy

9.3
1604 Sycamore St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Perfect for:
BeginnersCompetitors
Closed today
Arroyo Grappling Academy interior

About

Arroyo Grappling Academy in Iowa City, Iowa is a highly-rated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym known for its exceptional coaching and inclusive training environment. The academy caters to practitioners of all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes, with a strong focus on technique breakdown and practical application. Students consistently praise the gym's family-like atmosphere and the quality of instruction provided by Coach Danny Arroyo.

Jiu Jitsu Near Me VerifiedJiu Jitsu Verified
9.26/10

Our weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.

We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.

Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.

Overall Vibe imageOverall Vibe
9.5618 reviews
Instructor imageInstructors Quality
9.6213 reviews
Class Structure imageClasses
9.336 reviews
Facility Quality imageFacility Quality
8.4010 reviews
Value for Money imagePricing
10.001 reviews
Location and Accessibility imageLocation & Accessibility
8.673 reviews

Public Review Sentiment

Google
Based on 23 Google Reviews
The gym has overwhelmingly positive reviews, with students consistently praising Coach Danny Arroyo's teaching ability and the welcoming atmosphere. Many reviewers mention feeling like family as soon as they join, and appreciate how techniques are broken down clearly for all skill levels.
Last Updated 15 Apr 2025

Instructors

Coach Danny Arroyo is consistently praised as knowledgeable, professional, and exceptional at breaking down techniques so everyone can understand. Students describe him as one of the best coaches in the Midwest region who creates a supportive learning environment while maintaining high technical standards.

Facility

The gym appears to have upgraded from a previous basic location to a newer, more suitable facility. While specific details about amenities are limited, reviews suggest the current training space is appropriate for quality BJJ instruction.

Pricing

Multiple reviews mention the gym offers great value for the quality of instruction provided. One reviewer specifically mentioned "great prices with even better coaching," suggesting the membership fees are reasonable compared to the high-quality training received.

Facility

Well MaintainedEnough spaceTraining matsBJJ equipment

Gym

Mixed AtmosphereWelcoming VibeGood Safety

Instructors

KnowledgeablePatientTechnicalSupportiveExperienced

Classes

GiNo-GiCompetitionAdvancedOpen matKids ClassesAdult friendly

Pricing

Excellent ValueFree trial

While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, most BJJ gyms offer a free trial class or week, and given the welcoming nature of this gym, it's likely they offer prospective students a chance to try before committing.

Location

Limited ParkingAverage Accessibility

Opening Hours

Closed today
Monday 6:30PM - 9PM
Tuesday 11:30AM - 1:30PM
Wednesday 7:30PM - 9PM
Thursday 2PM - 4PM
Friday 4:30PM - 9PM
Saturday (Today)Closed
Sunday 11:30AM - 1:30PM

Location

The gym is located in Iowa City, Iowa, with limited specific information about its exact location or surrounding area in the reviews.

Address

1604 Sycamore St, Iowa City, IA 52240

Website

https://www.arroyograppling.com/

Phone

+1319-800-5605

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arroyo Grappling Academy suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, many reviews specifically mention that the gym is welcoming to beginners, with Coach Danny breaking down techniques clearly so everyone can understand them.

Does the gym offer training for competition?

Yes, reviews indicate the gym supports various training goals including competition preparation, with one reviewer specifically mentioning it's great for 'self-defense, competition, MMA, and casual' training.

Are there classes for children at Arroyo Grappling Academy?

Yes, the gym offers youth programs that are highly regarded, with one reviewer specifically mentioning 'Great coaches that run the youth program worth signing up.'

What is the atmosphere like at Arroyo Grappling Academy?

Reviews consistently describe the gym as having a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and are treated like family from day one.