About Meru Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Arvada, CO
Built on BJJ. Rooted in Community.
More than an academy — a family.
Meru Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded to bring world-class BJJ instruction to the Arvada, CO community. Our coaches are experienced, passionate, and dedicated to helping every student — from first-timers to competitors — reach their full potential on and off the mat.
Our story
Opening Summer 2026
Meru Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a family-owned martial arts academy in Arvada, Colorado, serving families across the greater Denver metro area including Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and the surrounding communities.
Our mission is simple: strengthen the people and families of our community through the practice, discipline, and lifelong lessons of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Meru BJJ was founded by Chris, a black belt under Jorge Gurgel, with nearly two decades of experience on the mats. Chris's individual passion quickly became a career, competing professionally in MMA for both Strikeforce and Bellator before realizing his true calling wasn't fighting, but teaching.
In 2020, Chris introduced his wife, Brittney, to Jiu Jitsu. What started as a shared hobby quickly grew into something far greater. As the years progressed and they welcomed their first child, the vision shifted. Jiu Jitsu was no longer just a sport or a hobby. It was a lifestyle they wanted to build their entire family around.
That's where Meru BJJ was born.
We started this school with one picture in our heads: our kids growing up on the mats. Our friends and their kids growing up on the mats. A place where families in Arvada, Westminster, and the Denver area come together around something real. Something that builds discipline, confidence, resilience, and character in both kids and adults.
At Meru BJJ, we believe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. The 22-year-old athlete and the 45-year-old parent. The shy 1st grader, and the competitive teenager. The person who doesn't consider themselves to be athletic and the lifelong martial artist looking for a new home. Everyone is welcome here, and everyone will be challenged to grow.
We also believe it's our responsibility to maintain the quality and integrity of the art. That means holding every one of our students, from the newest white belt to the most experienced practitioner, to high technical standards. We don't hand out belts for showing up. We develop real skill, real understanding, and real practitioners of Jiu Jitsu.
But what matters most to us goes beyond what happens inside the academy. We want our students to carry the lessons they learn on the mats out of the academy and into the greater Arvada and Denver community. Discipline, respect, perseverance, humility. Into their homes, their workplaces, their schools, and their relationships. The goal isn't just to build better grapplers. It's to build better people who strengthen their immediate circle of influence through the values they develop with us.
Meru BJJ is more than a martial arts school. It's a place where families grow together; where people become the best versions of themselves; and where the community we've always envisioned starts to take shape, one class at a time.
We're building something special in Arvada. Come be part of it.
Meet the Staff
Meet the experienced instructors behind Meru BJJ, dedicated to helping you learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grow on and off the mat, and reach your full potential.
FAQs
Do I need any experience to start?
Not at all. Meru BJJ welcomes complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Your Free Intro is designed specifically to introduce you to the basics in a low-pressure, supportive environment.
What should I wear to my first class?
Just show up in comfortable athletic clothing — shorts and a t-shirt work perfectly for your first visit. Once you decide to join, we'll help you get set up with the right gear.
How old do kids need to be to start BJJ?
We welcome kids of varying ages in our youth program. Reach out and we'll help you find the right fit for your child based on their age and experience level.
Is BJJ safe for kids?
Absolutely. Our Kids BJJ classes are taught in a structured, age-appropriate environment with coaches who prioritize safety, fun, and positive development above all else.
How often should I train?
That depends on your goals. Most beginners see great progress training two to three times per week. Our unlimited membership makes it easy to build a consistent routine at whatever pace works for you.
The Mat Is Waiting. Come Train With Us.
Meru Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is Arvada's home for Adult and Kids BJJ. All ages and experience levels welcome.
