Best MMA Gyms in Iowa

Starting an MMA is both thrilling and a little overwhelming. The idea of joining a gym sparks excitement, yet it’s normal to feel unsure about taking that first step.

You might find yourself questioning which gym aligns best with your personal ambitions whether you’re chasing competitive glory, enhancing your fitness, or simply refining your mixed martial arts skills. Each objective calls for a unique training setting.

To steer you in the right direction, ThunderMMA has assembled an exclusive list of top MMA gyms in Iowa. This guide is tailored to help you find the ideal training facility, ensuring you kick off your journey with certainty and enthusiasm.

Find a MMA gym near you in Iowa:

Discover a curated selection of Iowa top cities. If you have a specific area in mind, just select the city nearest to you to explore a handpicked list of exceptional MMA gyms in that region.

MMA Gyms by City:

Best MMA Gyms in De Monies

Best MMA gyms in Iowa

Ready to explore the top MMA gyms in Iowa? Below, we’ve put together a curated list of standout gyms across the state. Please note that the order is not a ranking—just because a gym appears first doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. What works for one person may not suit another, so we recommend visiting the gyms that catch your eye, trying a class, and figuring out which facility is the best match for your unique goals.

Iowa Top Team Boxing & Jiu-Jitsu

Location: 123 Main Ave, Clinton, IA 52732

Number: +15732893921

Weekdays: Monday–Thursday: 5–7 PM, Friday: 6–7 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Iowa Top Team Boxing & Jiu-Jitsu, originally based in Clinton, Iowa, offers comprehensive training in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for individuals aged 7 and above. Under the guidance of Coach Todd Monaghan, a seasoned mixed martial artist and The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) veteran, the gym provides a structured environment for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

Their class schedule includes boxing sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 5:00 PM, and BJJ classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. While I haven’t personally visited Iowa Top Team, their established online presence and community engagement suggest a reputable and dedicated martial arts facility.

Myriad MMA Academy

Location: 417 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010

Number: +15153576579

Weekdays: Monday: 5:30–8 PM, Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30–9 PM, Wednesday: 6–9 PM, Friday: 5:30–8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–1:30 PM
Sunday: 4–7:30 PM

Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy, located in Ames, Iowa, offers comprehensive training in various martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. The academy caters to individuals of all skill levels, fostering a community united by a shared passion for combat sports. Their programs are designed to build discipline, fitness, and self-defense skills. While I haven’t personally visited Myriad MMA Academy, their active online presence and positive community engagement suggest a reputable and welcoming environment for martial arts enthusiasts in the Ames area.

Jiu Jitsu Unlimited

Location: 6009 Gordon Dr, Sioux City, IA 51106

Number: +17125222845

Operating Hours:
Weekdays: Monday–Friday: 5:25–7 AM, 5–8:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 12–1 PM

Jiu Jitsu Unlimited, located in Sioux City, Iowa, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy offering self-defense training for individuals aged 7 and above. The academy provides a structured environment suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners. While I haven’t personally visited Jiu Jitsu Unlimited, their active online presence and positive community engagement suggest a reputable and welcoming environment for martial arts enthusiasts in the Sioux City area.

No Coast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Location: 8104 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322

Number: +15158229425

Operating Hours:
Weekdays: Monday: 12–1 PM, 4:30–9 PM; Tuesday–Thursday: 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4:30–9 PM; Friday: 12–1 PM, 6–9 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM–2 PM
Sunday: Closed

No Coast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, located at 8104 Douglas Ave in Urbandale, Iowa, is a premier martial arts academy offering comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai Kickboxing. The facility boasts spacious training areas, including two mat spaces dedicated to BJJ and a separate room for Muay Thai.

Amenities such as multiple bathrooms with showers, lockers, and cubbies enhance the convenience for members. The academy fosters a welcoming and positive atmosphere, with instructors and students alike encouraging newcomers and providing constructive feedback.

Classes typically encompass warm-ups, technique drills, and sparring sessions, catering to both beginners and advanced practitioners. While I haven’t personally visited No Coast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, their strong online presence and numerous positive reviews suggest a reputable and esteemed martial arts school in the Urbandale area.

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines

Location: 4711 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Number: +15156128355

Operating Hours:
Weekdays: Monday & Wednesday: 6–7 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 6–8:30 PM; Tuesday & Thursday: 12–1:30 PM, 6–8:30 PM; Friday: 6–7 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 6–7:30 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday: 10–11 AM

Renzo Gracie Academy Des Moines, located at 4711 University Ave, offers comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training for all skill levels. Led by head instructor and owner Carsten Carlsen, a second-degree black belt with over 25 years of grappling experience, the academy emphasizes a “feet-to-floor” approach, integrating techniques from Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo. The facility provides a variety of classes, including Gi and No-Gi sessions, fundamentals, and specialized programs for kids. While I haven’t personally visited, the academy’s active online presence and positive community engagement suggest a reputable and welcoming environment for martial arts enthusiasts in the Des Moines area.

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Whether you’re exploring new training techniques, searching for the perfect gym to match your goals, or seeking comprehensive MMA guidance, our expert insights are here to support your journey.

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