Short answer: Most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs in Calgary fall somewhere between a basic gym membership and a high-end kids activity. Your actual cost depends on how many times per week you train, the quality of coaching, and what is included in your membership. At Straight Blast Gym Calgary, we structure tuition so families know what they are paying for and do not get surprised by extra fees.
If you are looking at BJJ for yourself or your child, this guide will walk you through what affects the price and how our memberships work.
How much do BJJ classes usually cost in Calgary?
Short answer: Expect serious, well coached BJJ to cost more than a big box gym and less than many high end youth sports, especially once you factor in coaching and progression.
Most BJJ schools in Calgary use one of these models:
- A weekly or monthly membership for a set number of classes
- An “unlimited” membership that lets you train as often as the schedule allows
- A program for a fixed period, often six or twelve months, billed weekly or monthly
Prices vary by school and change over time, but you will almost always pay:
- More than a basic “access only” gym pass
- Less than some travel heavy competitive team sports once you include fuel, hotels, and extra fees
Instead of chasing the absolute lowest price, it makes more sense to look at what you are getting in return. The rest of this page is meant to help with that.
What affects the price of BJJ classes?
Short answer: Coaching, curriculum, schedule, and how often you train.
A few key factors drive the cost of BJJ:
- Coaching experience
Are classes led by experienced black belt coaches, or by a rotating group of assistants? - Class structure and curriculum
Is there a clear beginner path, or do you just “jump in and figure it out?” - Class size and schedule
Smaller classes with more coaching attention and convenient times usually cost more than a once a week drop-in. - What is included
Some schools charge extra for grading, belt tests, special events, or curriculum materials. Others include those in the membership. - Facility and location
A clean, well kept facility in a convenient part of the city is worth something compared to a cheaper but harder to reach location.
What does tuition look like at Straight Blast Gym Calgary
Short answer: We offer a variety of programs, each with several convenient options to choose from.
At SBG Calgary:
- Most students choose to pay tuition weekly although we offer other options.
- Programs run for a set period (for example, 12 weeks, 26 weeks, with clear options for renewal.
- We do not charge separate belt testing fees as many schools do.
- Substantial family discounts apply when more than one person in the household trains with us.
We have several programs for different ages and goals. A three year old in Micro Monkeys, a school age child in Explorers, an adult in CAP, and a teen in Foundations all have different schedules and training options. Rather than publish a long list that almost never matches your exact situation, we prefer to talk with you briefly, learn who is training and how often you would like to come, and then show you the two or three choices that fit.
Tuition is billed weekly because that is how most families think about activities. When you look at it over a month, it usually sits in the same general range as other coached activities such as music lessons, dance, or organised youth sports.
If you are expecting a casual, once in a while drop in fee like a big box gym, that is not what we do. Our tuition reflects the fact that you are joining a coached program with a curriculum, small group instruction, and a long term progression from complete beginner to confident student.
If you want exact pricing for your situation, the quickest way is to book a free intro. We are happy to walk you through options that fit your schedule and budget with no pressure and no surprises.
What is included in a membership here
Short answer: Coaching, curriculum, community, and a clear path from beginner to confident student.
When you pay tuition at Straight Blast Gym Calgary, you are paying for more than mat time.
You get:
- Structured beginner paths
Foundations for adults, Micro Monkeys and Explorers for younger kids, and age specific groups as they progress. - Experienced coaching
Classes are led by coaches who have spent decades on the mats, not just a few months. - Growing Gorillas® life skills for kids
We follow the Growing Gorillas® curriculum for life skills, focus, and responsibility in our kids programs. - A safety first approach
Proper partner matching, safety-first culture, and a focus on longevity. - Community and events
Primate Play Day, seminars, and other chances for students to have fun together outside of regular classes.
This is what separates a BJJ membership from a generic gym pass. You are not paying for access to a room. You are paying for coaching, structure, and a community that invests back in you and your family.
Are there extra costs like uniforms and gear
Short answer: You will need some basic gear, but we keep it simple.
You can start in clean athletic clothing, but over time you will want:
- A Jiu Jitsu gi (uniform)
- A rashguard and shorts for no-gi classes
- A mouthguard if you like the extra protection
We can help you choose the right size and style, and we keep recommendations straightforward. There are no hidden “mandatory gear packages” that you discover later.
We also do not charge separate grading or belt testing fees. Progress is based on attendance, effort, and skill, not on whether you pay for a test.
What if cost is a concern
Short answer: There are options. Talk to us.
If price is one of the reasons you are hesitating, you are not alone. Many families and adults have to think carefully about how they use their activity budget.
Here are a few ways we try to help:
- Family discounts
Reduced tuition for a second child or additional family members. - External support programs
For eligible families, organizations like KidSport can help cover a portion of youth tuition. We are happy to provide documentation and help you apply. - Clear communication
If your situation changes, talk to us. We cannot promise to do everything, but we can often find a compromise that keeps you or your child training.
The most important step is to ask. If you are open about what you need, we will be as flexible as we can while still running a healthy gym.
How to choose the right membership for your family
Short answer: Start with how often you can realistically train, then match that to a program.
Here is a simple way to think about it:
- Decide how many days per week you can attend consistently
For most beginners, two days a week is the sweet spot. - Choose the right program for age and level
- Ages 3 to 4: parent assisted Micro Monkeys
- Ages 5 and up: kids Jiu Jitsu with groups by age
- Teens and adults: Foundations and CAP classes
- Check the schedule against your week
Look at work, school, and other activities. If you can realistically make the times, the investment is worth it.
Once those pieces are clear, the question is simply whether the value matches what you want to get out of training.
Why people feel BJJ is “worth it”
Short answer: Results come from a mix of physical training, mental resilience, and community.
Over the years, I have seen BJJ help people:
- Get fitter and stronger than they did with solo gym routines
- Build confidence and boundaries at school and at work
- Learn how to manage fear and stress in a controlled environment
- Make friends who support them in and out of the gym
When you pay for BJJ, this is what you are really paying for. The mats are simply where it happens.
Ready to see if BJJ fits your budget and your life
Short answer: Come in for a free intro and we will show you exactly how it works.
You do not have to guess from a website. Come see the room, meet the coaches, and ask about tuition face to face.
- Book a free intro: https://sbgcalgary.com/intro/
- See class times: https://sbgcalgary.com/#schedule
- Call us: (587) 742-2022
- Location: near Marlborough Mall in Calgary
FAQ: BJJ Costs in Calgary
Most BJJ schools charge more than a basic gym membership and less than some travel heavy youth sports. Your price depends on how often you train and what is included in the membership.
At SBG Calgary we use clear program lengths with weekly tuition and simple renewal options. You know exactly how long your commitment is and how much it costs.
No. We do not charge separate testing or grading fees. Promotions are part of regular training and coach evaluation.
Not necessarily. Many beginners start in clean athletic clothing and invest in a gi after a few classes once they know they want to continue.
Yes. There is a discount for additional family members training with us. We can walk through details at your intro appointment.
In some cases, yes. If your family qualifies, KidSport may help with youth tuition. We are happy to provide information and support your application.