Citadel BJJ is a great gym with excellent coaches and a very friendly, competitive group of students. Come to Citadel to learn, get stronger and meet some great people.

Outstanding gym. Outstanding people. Outstanding training environment. I'm a brown belt that moved here from Boston and needed to find a new gym and I have felt right at home at the Citadel ever since. The instruction from Matt and Jim is first class. The classes provide plenty of tough training partners in an environment that leaves you looking forward to your next roll. Would recommend Citadel to anyone with or without experience in BJJ. 5 Stars.

Stopped in on a Saturday afternoon unannounced and was welcomed with open arms. Coach James treated my brother and I like family. The facility was very nice. It had everything you could want, even a weight room your were free to use. Very clean and tidy as well. The instructions I received while there was too notch and thorough. The training was intense and the partners were solid. I will defiantly be back and would be happy to recommend Citadel to anybody looking for some high level grappling.

I am a black belt from Denver, CO. I came to Citadel BJJ to see a long-time friend get promoted. I had an awesome experience visiting and training here. Very clean, welcoming and great friendly training partners. I look forward to visiting again soon.

I've had a great experience with my first few weeks of training. Matt and Jim are fantastic coaches and everyone was very welcoming when I first started. I feel lucky to have such a great group to train with and learn from. I couldn't recommend Citadel BJJ more. The only thing I wish is that I started training jujitsu sooner. Deciding to do this has been the best decision I've made in years by a long shot. I'm grateful to the person who encouraged me to go.

I started coming here a few weeks ago and the people and coaches here are awesome people and training partners. I love it here! Highly recommend coming here if you are interested in getting stronger, learning BJJ, training hard, and having fun!

Every time I return to Iowa to see family, I drive 3 hours out of my way to train at Citadel. Excellent instruction and atmosphere. Matt and James have created something very special.

I have been training Jiu Jitsu for over 13 years. I travel frequently for work and always take the opportunity to visit schools in whatever city I am working from. I’ve been to several of the top schools in the country numerous times including Renzo Gracie NYC, Marcelo Garcia’s and Gracie Allegiance Clark Gracie San Diego. I recently had the opportunity to train at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. My experience at Citadel BJJ - environment, instruction, skill level of training partners, etc was on the level of the top schools I referenced. I will be sure to visit Citadel BJJ each and every time I’m in the Iowa City area. I’m looking forward to it. Great school!

I come to the open mats here pretty often, the people are friendly and it’s good to roll with higher belts. Probably the best place in the area for gi jiu-jitsu.

Thank you Matt, Jim, and everyone at Citadel for having me this week while I was in town visiting family! The patience, skill, respect, passion, and knowledge at this school is demonstrated in every class not only by the instructors, but also by the students. Highly recommend for anyone in the area or even passing through. Thanks again. It was an honor to roll with you all :)

I visited citadel while on a trip and had a great time. Matt and James were friendly, obviously knowledgeable, and hospitable as my home gym. Above all, I was really impressed with citadels culture. Upon entering, I was greeted by almost everyone I passed, and as a woman visiting a gym from out of town, it really put me at ease. The training was hard yet approachable and I felt comfortable and at ease the whole time. I can’t wait to go back. Highly recommend, this place is a gem.

My 15 year old daughter has recently fallen in love with Jiujitsu. We were traveling in Iowa visiting family for the week, and the owner allowed my daughter to come and train. Even though there are never as many girls, especially teen girls in the sport, she was able to jump in and learn. Everyone was very supportive and encouraging. The sport has given her so much confidence and makes me feel better (as a mom) knowing she has self-defense skills. The class was hard, but it was good and she came back several times on our week long vacation. They also have a good schedule with mid day and evening and weekend classes.

I’m back in Iowa City, my hometown, visiting for thanksgiving and was looking for a place to roll. Glad I found Citadel, James and Matt were very welcoming as was everyone else I met throughout class. Tough room, great place to learn and test your metal.

Professor Matt L. came from Citadel to share a few pieces of knowledge and break down a few techniques - that even myself, as a new white belt, was able to replicate. Training with Professor Matt was an awesome experience - if you are looking to up your jits game or just are getting into it, Citadel BJJ in IC is a great place to start!

So happy I gave jiu jitsu a try and LUCKY to have Citadel close to home. Stoked for the new school to be built and to watch how Citadel continues to grow!! Great place with great people 🙌🏼

I have been training with Matt, James and the Citadel crew for many years and the instruction and training they provide is world class! I have been able to train around the world and their atmosphere is phenomenal and the training I have received with them has had a huge influence on my BJJ journey.

Coaches great at teaching techniques in a way you understand and will help you iron out kinks you have to become more effective with a particular move. They make everyone feel welcome and will help you learn at your pace.

Before moving out of Iowa, I did BJJ here for almost 2 years. Having done both the kids and adult classes, I can say that they're both amazing! Coach Matt and Coach Jim are great, and they helped me find out how much I love this sport, especially the sense of improving my Jiu-Jitsu skills every class I went to.