# Checkmat Dublin 12

> Dublin 12, Ireland

## Overview

**Name:** Checkmat Dublin 12

**Description:** Checkmat Dublin is a beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team based in Ballymount Corporate Park, D12F751, right beside the M50 in Dublin 12, Ireland. Founded by Head Instructor John Kelly, the academy is part of the prestigious Checkmat international team. The gym proudly became the 2025 Irish Open Team Champions, demonstrating the high level of training and competitive success of the team.

The academy values friendship, respect, and creating a fun training environment that helps students learn effectively. Everyone is welcome from beginners to advanced individuals, with coaches actively ensuring even the most shy person is partnered up. The philosophy at Checkmat Dublin is that everybody is equal from white belt to black belt. The gym offers the option of attending classes with your children depending on their age, making it convenient for families.

Head Instructor John Kelly is a black belt with an exceptional competition record, including 38 IBJJF medals (19 gold, 7 silver, 12 bronze) as of May 2023. He is a two-time European No-Gi Champion and 2023 IBJJF Black Belt Master European No-Gi Middle Weight Champion. The coaching team also includes Nathan O'Callaghan (brown belt, World Champion and IBJJF European Champion) and Thomas Gilroy (brown belt, 2024 ADCC Masters World Pro Bronze medalist, teaches No-Gi Fundamentals). While there is no pressure to compete, Checkmat Dublin supports a very successful competition team that participates in local competitions.

**Status:** Active

## Contact Information

**Address:**
Ballymount Corporate Park, Tallaght, County Dublin D12, Ireland
Dublin 12 D12F751, Ireland

**Phone:** 085 270 5930

**Email:** jkellyie@gmail.com

**Website:** https://jkbjj.com/

**Social Media:**
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkmat_dublin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckmatDublin/?ref=page_internal
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWs0KD80LTFc5BsWnZigoCw

## Hours of Operation

- Monday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
## Instructors


### John Kelly - Black

**Role:** Head Instructor

**Bio:** Started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a late age after 25 years of martial arts experience in Shotokan, Kenpo Karate, Chinese Boxing, Kickboxing, Sprinting and Weight Training. Fell in love with Jiu Jitsu during the first class and dedicated himself fully to the sport. Founded Checkmat Dublin to train his daughter and help others discover Jiu Jitsu.


### Nathan O'Callaghan - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Been in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since a young age. World Champion and IBJJF European Champion. The team at Checkmat Dublin helped push him to achieve these titles. Believes sportsmanship and friendship are essential to success in the sport.


### Thomas Gilroy - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Came to Checkmat Dublin in summer 2023. All belts awarded by Mariusz Domasat. Received brown belt in October 2023. Recently started teaching No-Gi Fundamentals.


## Programs

### Adult No-Gi

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Beginner-friendly No-Gi classes suitable for all abilities. Includes technique instruction and sparring.

**Classes:**

### Adult Gi

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Beginner-friendly Gi classes suitable for all abilities. Includes technique instruction and sparring.

**Classes:**

### Adult Open Mat

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Members-only open mat for all levels. Head coach provides specific tuition to each student.

**Classes:**

### Kids & Teens No-Gi

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Beginner-friendly No-Gi classes for kids and teens. Includes technique instruction and sparring.

**Classes:**

### Kids & Teens Gi

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Beginner-friendly Gi classes for kids and teens. Includes technique instruction and sparring.

**Classes:**

### Weekend Open Mat

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Open mat sessions on weekends and bank holidays. Visitors should message before dropping in.

**Classes:**



---

**Last Updated:** March 13, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/ireland/dublin-12/checkmat-dublin-12)