# Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

> Knoxville, United States | #<Affiliation:0x000063240c66ba50>

## Overview

**Name:** Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

**Affiliation:** #<Affiliation:0x000063240c66ba50>

**Description:** Checkmat Knoxville is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Knoxville, Tennessee, proudly affiliated with the legendary Checkmat organization founded by Leo Vieira in 2008. As part of a global network known for producing world champions, Checkmat Knoxville upholds the highest standards of technical excellence and competitive success in BJJ training.

The academy was founded by Professor Kevin James Gonzalez (known as "Professor KJ"), a 3rd Degree Black Belt with over 20 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor KJ is a BJJ No-Gi Absolute World Champion who opened Checkmat Knoxville to share his passion for Jiu-Jitsu with the community. He credits BJJ with saving his life and is dedicated to helping others through martial arts training. The academy's mission is to serve the local and global jiu-jitsu community by helping people grow stronger in body, mind, and character.

Checkmat Knoxville offers a comprehensive curriculum proven to teach thousands of students worldwide. The academy provides programs for all ages and skill levels, including Kids BJJ (ages 5-12), Teens BJJ (ages 13-17), Adult BJJ (18+), Master BJJ (50+), Women's Self-Defense, MMA classes, Competition Training, Law Enforcement Tactics, and Aerobics. The coaching staff brings experience, patience, and enthusiasm to every class, creating a welcoming family-friendly environment where students can pursue greatness whether for competition, physical health, self-defense, or personal development. The academy emphasizes respect, confidence, discipline, wellness, longevity, nutrition, and community character building.

**Status:** Active

## Contact Information

**Address:**
4638 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914
Knoxville, TN 37914, United States

**Phone:** 1-855-765-5255

**Email:** info@checkmatknoxville.com

**Website:** https://checkmatknoxville.com/


## Hours of Operation

- Monday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sunday: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
## Pricing

## Instructors


### Kevin James Gonzalez - Black

**Role:** Head Instructor

**Bio:** BJJ No-Gi Absolute World Champion with over 20 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor KJ founded Checkmat Knoxville to share his passion for Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art he credits with saving his life. He is dedicated to helping others improve their health and self-confidence through martial arts training.


## Programs

### Kids BJJ (5-12)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program designed for children ages 5-12. Students learn life skills, BJJ basics, and self-defense skills in a fun, supportive environment.

### Teens BJJ (13-17)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Teen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes focused on building skills and confidence. Students can train for health and self-defense or pursue competitive Jiu-Jitsu.

### Adults BJJ (18+)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Comprehensive adult Jiu-Jitsu program for weight loss, mental health improvement, and self-defense skills. Open to all skill levels.

### Master BJJ (50+)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Specialized program for practitioners 50 and older with highly-individualized instruction tailored to mature students.

### Women's Self Defense

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Self-defense program designed for women and girls to build skills for real-life protection situations.

### No-Gi

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** No-Gi grappling program similar to MMA training, open to all adults.

### MMA

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Mixed martial arts classes for health improvement, self-defense, or competition training.

### Competition Training

**Skill Level:** Intermediate

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Advanced program focused on developing competitive skills and confidence for state and nationwide tournaments.



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**Last Updated:** March 03, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/tennessee/knoxville/checkmat-knoxville-brazilian-jiu-jitsu)