# Checkmat Woodbury > Woodbury, United States ## Overview **Name:** Checkmat Woodbury **Description:** Defiant Jiu-Jitsu opened its doors to the Woodbury, Minnesota community in late 2024, founded by owners Dave Margraf and Kenzie Swartz. The school serves the Woodbury, St. Paul, and Oakdale communities with a mission to bring people together through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The academy is proudly certified as a We Defy Foundation Training Facility, partnering with WDF to provide combat veterans coping with military-connected disabilities a long-term means to overcome their challenges through BJJ and fitness training. The training philosophy at Defiant emphasizes camaraderie, discipline, and hard work. Students are empowered through learning self-defense, improving fitness, and building skills for competition while becoming proficient in BJJ, grappling, and submission wrestling. The academy applies a hands-on approach during instruction that supports individual fitness goals and allows students to truly enjoy themselves. The school offers programs tailored to meet a wide set of goals—from character development in kids' classes to technique refinement for adults, and empowerment and support at women's-only events. Head instructor Dave Margraf is a black belt who has trained for over 20 years with nearly a decade as an instructor, earning his black belt in 2016 and winning multiple IBJJF competitions. Kenzie Margraf, who runs the youth program, is a certified personal trainer with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology (exercise science) and a minor in sports coaching. She offers personal training for general fitness and specializes in programming tailored to Jiu-Jitsu athletes. With their combined experience, Dave and Kenzie have built a strong culture where positivity grows through camaraderie and encouragement between students and instructors. The school hosts frequent open mat opportunities, guest seminars, and women's-only events to provide comprehensive training experiences. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 8160 Coller Way Ste E Woodbury, MN 55125, United States **Phone:** 651-392-5750 **Email:** dave@defiantjiujitsu.com **Website:** https://defiantjiujitsu.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiantjiujitsu/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564191067350 ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 5:45 AM - 7:30 PM - Tuesday: 8:45 AM - 7:00 PM - Wednesday: 9:45 AM - 7:30 PM - Thursday: 3:45 PM - 7:00 PM - Friday: 9:45 AM - 7:30 PM - Saturday: 9:15 AM - 12:30 PM - Sunday: Closed ## Pricing ## Instructors ### Dave Margraf - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Black belt with over 20 years of training experience and nearly a decade as an instructor. Earned black belt in 2016. Multiple-time IBJJF competition winner. ### Kenzie Margraf **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Certified personal trainer with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology (exercise science) and a minor in sports coaching. Specializes in programming tailored to Jiu-Jitsu athletes. ## Programs ### Youth Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Fun and educational BJJ program for children ages 5-15, focusing on character development, discipline, and fundamental techniques **Classes:** ### Youth Jiu-Jitsu (No-Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Submission grappling program for children ages 5-15 without the gi, emphasizing fluid movement and wrestling-based techniques ### BJJ Fundamentals (Gi) **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly BJJ program focusing on core techniques, grips, leverage, and technical precision in the gi **Classes:** ### All Levels Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** BJJ program suitable for all skill levels training in the gi, emphasizing technical development and live training **Classes:** ### Advanced Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Advanced BJJ program for experienced practitioners focusing on complex techniques and competitive training **Classes:** ### Submission Grappling (No-Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling program focusing on fluid movement, wrestling-based takedowns, and rapid transitions **Classes:** ### Standup Grappling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Wrestling and standup grappling techniques including takedowns and clinch work **Classes:** ### Jiu-Jitsu Drills **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Focused drilling sessions to refine technique and build muscle memory **Classes:** ### Breakdancing for Jiu-Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Movement and mobility training using breakdancing principles to improve BJJ performance **Classes:** ### Open Mat **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Free training time for all members to practice techniques and spar **Classes:** ### Youth Jiu-Jitsu Homeschool Class **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Daytime BJJ class designed for homeschooled children ages 5-15 **Classes:** ### Sparring/Strength & Conditioning **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Members-only strength and conditioning sessions tailored for BJJ athletes **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 13, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/minnesota/woodbury/checkmat-woodbury)