Fight Zone is Checkmat's main academy in Rio de Janeiro, known on social media as Checkmat BJJ – QG Fight Zone. It is at Rua Francisco Sá 36, at the Ipanema end of Copacabana, just off Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana.

The academy is led by Ricardo "Ricardinho" Vieira, a sixth-degree black belt. He started jiu-jitsu at age five in a kids class coached by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti and won the IBJJF World Championship at every belt from blue to black, taking the black belt world title in 2001. In 2008, he co-founded Checkmat with his brothers Leo and Leandro after they left Brasa. The team won the 2008 and 2009 No-Gi World team titles and the 2010 Brazilian Nationals in gi and no-gi. Checkmat now has more than 100 affiliated academies, and Wikipedia lists its headquarters in Signal Hill, California. Ricardo also founded the team's social project in the Cantagalo favela, which produced athletes such as Bruno Matias. Other athletes who came up in the team include Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, Lucas Leite and Michelle Nicolini.

Classes at Fight Zone are competition-oriented. Visitors describe Ricardo building the curriculum around positions rather than single techniques. He often spends a week on one position, covering its attacks and defences, and drilling is adapted to how the partner reacts. He also talks through strategy and his training philosophy on the mat. BJJEE lists Fight Zone among the best academies to visit in Rio, and says it offers plenty for visitors, including no-gi.

Visiting and first class

• Visitors: foreign students train here regularly, and many members speak English. A visitor's report recommends watching a class before you train.
• Prices: we could not confirm current monthly prices or a drop-in rate, so ask the front desk.
• Gear: gis and no-gi kit are sold at the academy.

Details above were checked on BJJ Heroes, Wikipedia, BJJEE and a visitor report in October 2026. Confirm the current schedule with the academy before you go.