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Gym network

Alliance gyms

Alliance is the most successful competition team in BJJ, with 15 IBJJF world team titles and over 300 academies. 26 Alliance academies in 26 cities are listed below, ordered by our editorial rank.

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Alliance was formed in 1993 by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, Alexandre "Gigi" Paiva and Fernando Gurgel. It grew into one of the biggest teams in jiu-jitsu, with more than 300 affiliated academies, led today from Atlanta by Jacaré, from São Paulo by Fabio Gurgel and from Rio de Janeiro by Paiva.

Known for winning

No team has won the IBJJF World Championship more often. Alliance took its 15th team title in 2025. Its black belts include Marcelo Garcia, Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles, Bernardo Faria, Lucas Lepri and Gabi Garcia, several of whom now run their own academies.

What to expect at an Alliance gym

Alliance academies are affiliates, not franchises. Each head instructor runs the school their own way, so class structure, uniform rules and the balance of gi and no-gi vary. Most schools have a strong competition culture, but beginner and hobbyist classes are the norm. Ask about a trial class and what to wear before you visit.

Alliance in United States (17)

  1. 21Alliance Jiu Jitsu Atlanta (HQ)Atlanta, Georgia, United States · AllianceAlliance's American headquarters in Sandy Springs, north Atlanta, led by co-founder Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti. 8,000 sq ft, three mats, kids from age 5.
  2. 27Alliance AustinAustin, Texas, United States · AllianceAustin Alliance affiliate bringing the team’s competition culture to Central Texas.
  3. 30Alliance NYCNew York, New York, United States · AllianceNew York Alliance affiliate in one of the world’s densest grappling cities.
  4. 36Alliance ChicagoChicago, Illinois, United States · AllianceChicago Alliance affiliate for gi and no-gi training in a major Midwest hub.
  5. 39Alliance Coconut GroveMiami, Florida, United States · AllianceAlliance jiu-jitsu in Coconut Grove on Grand Ave, with a sister school in Brickell on SW 3rd Ave. Kids and adult classes, with a free first class.
  6. 42Alliance BJJ HoustonHouston, Texas, United States · AllianceAlliance's Houston headquarters since 2015, on the South Beltway near Pearland. Gi, no-gi, women-only, competition, kids from 5, Muay Thai and walk-in friendly.
  7. 45Alliance Jiu Jitsu DallasDallas, Texas, United States · AllianceAlliance school on Royal Ln in northwest Dallas, run by heavyweight João Gabriel Rocha, a multiple Pan champion and two-time ADCC runner-up. Gi, no-gi and kids.
  8. 62Alliance SeattleSeattle, Washington, United States · AllianceSeattle Alliance affiliate for gi and no-gi training in Washington.
  9. 64Alliance DenverDenver, Colorado, United States · AllianceDenver Alliance affiliate in Colorado’s growing BJJ market.
  10. 66Alliance PhoenixPhoenix, Arizona, United States · AlliancePhoenix Alliance affiliate for Arizona competitors and hobbyists.
  11. 71Alliance Jiu Jitsu San FranciscoSan Francisco, California, United States · AllianceAlliance school on Bush St, San Francisco, led by fourth-degree black belt Lucio Muramatsu of Alliance São Paulo. Gi, no-gi, kids from 3, $29.99 drop-ins.
  12. 73Alliance BostonBoston, Massachusetts, United States · AllianceBoston Alliance affiliate for New England competitors.
  13. 75Alliance PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States · AlliancePhiladelphia Alliance affiliate for Pennsylvania students.
  14. 77Alliance Washington DCWashington, District of Columbia, United States · AllianceD.C.-area Alliance affiliate for Mid-Atlantic competitors.
  15. 79Alliance Jiu Jitsu Orlando (Bruno Malfacine)Orlando, Florida, United States · AllianceTen-time world champion Bruno Malfacine's Alliance academy in College Park, Orlando, opened in 2020. Five classes a day, kids and adults, free trial.
  16. 82Alliance Jiu Jitsu San DiegoSan Diego, California, United States · AllianceAlliance school on Miramar Rd, Mira Mesa, led by Johnny Faria. Toddlers from 3.5, youth competition, women-only, no-gi and adult competition classes, 7 days.
  17. 86Alliance Jiu Jitsu Los Angeles by CobrinhaLos Angeles, California, United States · AllianceRubens "Cobrinha" Charles's Alliance academy on Wilshire Blvd at Highland, open since 2011. Beginners, women's, competition, no-gi, kids and teens.

Alliance in Brazil (2)

  1. 1Alliance Jiu-Jitsu São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil · AllianceHistoric Alliance headquarters and one of the most decorated competition environments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  2. 92Alliance RioRio de Janeiro, Brazil · AllianceRio Alliance affiliate connecting students to Brazil’s most decorated competition team brand.

Alliance in Australia (1)

  1. 53Alliance Jiu Jitsu DrummoyneSydney, New South Wales, Australia · AllianceAlliance school on Victoria Rd, Drummoyne, in Sydney's inner west. Kids from 4, fundamentals with a free one-to-one, advanced, no-gi, competition and open mat.

Alliance in Canada (1)

  1. 50Alliance TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada · AllianceToronto Alliance affiliate for gi and no-gi training in Ontario.

Alliance in France (1)

  1. 58Alliance ParisParis, France · AllianceParis Alliance school for French students seeking an international competition affiliate.

Alliance in Japan (1)

  1. 56Alliance TokyoTokyo, Japan · AllianceTokyo Alliance affiliate for Japanese students seeking a competition-team brand.

Alliance in Spain (1)

  1. 97Alliance MadridMadrid, Spain · AllianceMadrid Alliance affiliate for Spanish competitors and hobbyists.

Alliance in United Arab Emirates (1)

  1. 99Alliance DubaiDubai, United Arab Emirates · AllianceThe UAE's first Alliance academy, in Green Community Village, Dubai Investments Park. Gi, no-gi, ladies' and kids classes; day pass AED 150.

Alliance in United Kingdom (1)

  1. 47Alliance LondonLondon, United Kingdom · AllianceAlliance's European flagship at Imperial Wharf, Fulham, opened in 2024 with Fábio Gurgel. Gi, no-gi, beginners, women's and kids classes, free trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many world titles has Alliance won?

Alliance won its 15th IBJJF World Championship team title in 2025, the most of any team.

Who founded Alliance Jiu Jitsu?

Alliance was founded in 1993 by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, Alexandre "Gigi" Paiva and Fernando Gurgel.

Where is the Alliance headquarters?

Jacaré leads Alliance from Atlanta, Fabio Gurgel from São Paulo and Alexandre Paiva from Rio de Janeiro.

How many Alliance gyms are there?

Alliance has over 300 affiliated academies worldwide. Open BJJ lists a selection of them by city.