BJJ Gyms in Valencia

Checkmat Valencia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Checkmat Valencia is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Valencia, California, proudly affiliated with the Checkmat team under Master Leo Vieira. Led by Professor Alessandra "Leka" Vieira, a 6th degree black belt and the highest-ranked female BJJ practitioner in the United States, the academy offers world-class instruction in both gi and no-gi grappling. Leka is a legendary competitor with an impressive resume including 3x World Champion and 4x Pan American Champion titles, with her most recent Pan American gold medal victory in 2019 where she submitted all opponents on her way to the podium. Professor Leka's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in 1992 in Minas Gerais, Brazil, after a handball injury led her to discover her true calling. Training intensively from the start, she earned her blue belt in just 6 months and achieved black belt status in 1998. After moving to the United States in 2001, she became a US citizen in 2010 and eventually opened Checkmat Valencia in 2014. In March 2022, she was awarded her 6th degree black belt by Master Leo Vieira, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished female practitioners in the sport's history. Her professional attitude, passion, and aggressive competition style helped elevate the women's division to what it is today. The academy offers comprehensive programs for all ages and skill levels, including adult BJJ fundamentals, intermediate and advanced classes, no-gi grappling, and specialized kids programs (ages 8-12 and teens). With a strong emphasis on respect, discipline, and building confidence, Checkmat Valencia provides not just self-defense training but also stress relief, physical fitness, and a supportive family environment. The curriculum includes anti-bullying education and stranger danger awareness for younger students. All no-gi classes require no-gi uniforms, and the academy operates by appointment only with no drop-ins allowed.