Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Cornelius, NC — Cornelius Jiu Jitsu Academy
Gi & No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu · Cornelius, NC
Build your technique. Find your training partners. Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu for adults and kids, from your first class to your next competition.
Our Academy
Rooted in technique.
Built through training.
Cornelius Jiu Jitsu Academy is an independent academy serving Lake Norman, led by owner and head coach Brian Solly. A black belt under John Piper and the 2020 IBJJF Pan American Champion, Brian brings a lifelong study of martial arts and a background in education to the mats.
Our team also includes Dr. Jen Case, a third-degree black belt, 15-time IBJJF Masters World Champion, and ADCC veteran. Train Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, develop your standing game with Judo, and learn alongside partners who help you improve. Beginners and visiting grapplers are welcome; Open Mat is always free.
Explore our programs and approach →
Weekly Schedule
Plan your next session
Use this calendar for current Gi, No-Gi, Judo, kids class, and Open Mat times. Kids classes are for ages 5–12. New to CJJA? Book your free week before your first class.
Open full calendar in a new tab ↗ · Use the program filter to find your class.
If a class shown here is missing from online booking, contact us to arrange your visit. Open Mat is always free for members and visitors.
Membership
Find your place on the mat.
Choose who will train. See your full monthly total before you sign up.
New to CJJA? Start with a free week.
Try the academy before choosing a membership. Up to 11 group classes for your age group over one full week.
Adults
Beginners & experienced grapplers
$156.55/month
Total for 1 adult
Unlimited adult Gi, No-Gi, and Judo classes. We’ll help you choose your first class.
First responders, teachers & students
Eligible members receive Unlimited adult training for $104.47/month, including processing fees. Contact us to confirm eligibility, and we’ll help set up your discounted membership.
Request discounted membership →Kids
Ages 5–12
$104.47/month
Total for 1 child
Build confidence and learn with teammates. Unlimited kids classes for each child on your plan.
A parent or guardian signs up. We’ll help set up a profile for each child.
Families
For families training together
$234.67/month
Total for 2 people
Train together with one monthly total. We’ll help connect everyone’s accounts and class access.
Enroll once, then contact us with the participants’ names to confirm coverage and connect their accounts. Ask us about eligibility before enrolling.
Choose your family membership:
Processing fees included. Finish signup in Wodify with your plan selected. Your first payment may be prorated; review the participant count, today’s charge, and monthly renewal before paying.
A few things to know before you join
Which option should I choose?
Choose Adults for yourself and Kids for children ages 5–12. If adults and children will train together as a family, explore Families. For another household arrangement, a student age 13–17, or help comparing an eligible adult discount with a family plan, ask the academy before enrolling.
What if I need to cancel or pause?
Contact the academy to confirm cancellation notice, pause options, and any applicable terms before choosing your membership. Review your membership agreement during signup.
Just visiting?
Single-class drop-ins: $21.14 for adults; $15.94 for kids. Processing fees included. Each pass covers one class. Adult passes must be used within 30 days; unused adult passes expire and are non-refundable. Open Mat is always free.
Adult Drop-In → · Kids Drop-In →Private coaching
One hour $75 · 3 sessions $180 · Add a partner $20 per session. Base lesson rates; confirm any payment fees with your coach.
Request a Private Lesson →Not sure which plan fits? Talk to the academy, or book your first week free.
The Coaching Team
Meet your coaches
Learn from coaches with experience in teaching, training, and competition. Get guidance on the details, build sound fundamentals, and keep progressing on the mats.
Brian Solly
Owner & Head Coach
A black belt under John Piper and the 2020 IBJJF Pan American Champion, Brian leads CJJA with a background in education. He is a Winthrop University graduate, former middle-school teacher, and longtime Cornelius resident.
Dr. Jen Case
Coach
A third-degree black belt under Renato Tavares, 15-time IBJJF Masters World Champion, and ADCC veteran. Dr. Jen holds a PhD in Human Nutrition & Performance and is a registered sports dietitian, strength and conditioning specialist, and author.
Steven White
Kids Coach
A purple belt and kids coach, Steven helps young students work through challenges with patience and steady practice. As a dad, he values making training engaging and helping kids become good teammates.
Our Judo team
Josh Roach, Brian Mynatt, and Soufiane Gdahfa coach Judo at CJJA. Explore Judo training →
The CJJA Community
The people make the academy.
Jiu-jitsu brings us onto the mats. The people keep us coming back. From kids learning with their teammates to adults sharing rounds, CJJA is a place to put in the work, encourage each other, and enjoy the time together.
Come as a beginner, bring your family, or visit from another academy. There is a place for you in our Lake Norman training community.
Book a Free Week
More life at the academy
From Our Members
From the people on our mats
Fantastic coaches who work with you, family vibes where everyone looks out for one another, and a conducive environment for growth. Cannot recommend this place enough!
— Brooke G.
If you're looking for a place that is family-friendly, has first-class instructors with a TON of patience, and is super clean… this is it. I've tried 5 different places around the area and this one is (by far) the best in all categories.
— Ted B.
Before You Train
Frequently asked questions
Which class should I book for my child?
Our kids program is for ages 5–12. Use the live calendar to find the current kids sessions. For a student age 13–17, contact us before booking so we can help you choose an appropriate class.
What should I bring to my first class?
For Gi classes, wear a clean gi: the jacket, pants, and belt used in jiu-jitsu. Loaner gis are available, and any color, brand, or academy patch is welcome. For No-Gi, bring a rash guard or fitted athletic shirt and shorts without pockets. Bring water and sandals for use off the mat.
How does the free week work?
Book your free week, then choose a class for your age group from the live schedule. Arrive a few minutes early to meet your coach and complete a waiver. Your free week covers group classes for your age group. If a session in our live calendar is missing from online booking, contact us to arrange your visit. Private lessons are booked separately.
Can I train here if I go to another academy?
Yes. We welcome visiting grapplers from every academy and affiliation. Open Mat is always free. For coached classes, choose an adult or kids single-class drop-in and arrive early to meet the coach.
Do I need experience or a certain fitness level?
No prior experience is needed. Start with the fundamentals and build your conditioning as you train. Let your coach know you are new so they can help you learn the movements and settle into class.
What is expected on the mats?
Respect the academy, your coaches, and your training partners:
- Wash your gi, belt, rash guard, and shorts after every session.
- Keep nails trimmed. Leave shoes off the mat and wear sandals in the bathroom.
- Train with control, communicate with your partner, and tap early when you need to stop. Release immediately when your partner taps. Ask your coach if you are unsure about a technique.
- Keep training respectful: no slamming, gouging, pinching, slapping, punching, or kicking. If tempers flare, both athletes leave the mats and speak with the coach.
Where are you located?
The academy is at 20488 Chartwell Center Drive in Cornelius, NC, just off I-77. We welcome students from across Lake Norman, including Huntersville, Davidson, and Mooresville.
Contact the Academy
Let’s talk training
Planning your first class, visiting from another academy, or looking for private coaching? Tell us a little about your training and we will help you get started.
Visit
20488 Chartwell Center Drive
Cornelius, NC 28031
Get directions →
Call
For private coaching, choose “Private coaching” in the form and include your experience, availability, and what you want to work on.
Your First Week Is Free
Your next step is onto the mat
Meet your coaches, learn with the team, and get a feel for training at CJJA. Your free week includes all group classes for your age group. Beginners are welcome.