Gracie Academy Philadelphia
About
Gracie Academy Philadelphia offers comprehensive martial arts training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Karate. The gym features a team of highly qualified instructors led by Head Instructor Brian Rago, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, supported by Valerie Worthington, Cameron Chaffee, Tim Sylvester, and Eli Hoobler, all holding black belt ranks. Members appreciate the technical instruction and the variety of class times available, including morning sessions that are less common at other facilities. The gym maintains a clean environment with amenities such as lockers and showers, creating a professional training space for practitioners of all levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the excellent instruction and technical teaching at Gracie Academy Philadelphia, with specific mentions of instructors Tim Sylvester and Eli Hoobler. Reviewers highlight the welcoming, friendly environment that makes newcomers feel comfortable, with several noting the gym helped them adapt to Philadelphia. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and members appreciate the careful approach during rolling sessions that ensures safety for all skill levels. No negative experiences are reported in the reviews, with multiple members stating they would give more than five stars if possible.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Tim Richardson
a year ago
$30 drop-in fee but you can roll all day. Excellent instruction (I’m an 8-month white belt) and I got to roll with a careful blue belt. Class size was small; 5 total, including the teacher at 7am. I like the morning classes but few gyms have them.
Oleg
3 months ago
Awesome instructors and awesome students. Never had a negative experience here. I absolutely love coming here. Shout-out to Tim for always putting together an awesome class
Anthony Fratto
4 months ago
Best jiu jitsu school hands down everyone is welcoming safe environment eli is a great instructor very technical. The school is very clean they have lockers and showers i would highly recommend to anybody
Justin Hawthorne
4 months ago
Fantastic gym!!! Great group of people. Big gym and sizeable locker room.
Lauro Bueno
a year ago
I am so happy I found this place within walking distance of my house. I just moved to Philadelphia, and this place is making my adaptation to the city much easier due to the friendly environment and great instructors. If I could give more stars, I would.
Contact
1231 Bainbridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 7:00 – 8:30 AM, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 8:30 AM, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 – 8:30 AM, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Valerie Worthington
Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Training BJJ since 1998 under John Ouano. Co-founded Groundswell Grappling Concepts. Former writer for Breaking Muscle and Inverted Gear blog.
Cameron Chaffee
Instructor
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Started training under Brian Rago in 2013. Competes and coaches regularly. Dedicated his life to BJJ.
Brian Rago
Head Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Found his place in Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his mid-thirties. Achieved black belt in 4.5 years. Focuses on teaching Gracie Self Defense and competition coaching.
Tim Sylvester
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Details coming soon. Has competition record including Pan-Ams and Mundials medals.
Eli Hoobler
Instructor
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Began training with Brian Rago in High School. Competes across the country. Takes a no-nonsense approach to instructing.