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Gym network

Checkmat gyms

Checkmat is a competition-focused BJJ team founded in 2008 by Leo and Ricardo Vieira, and 2021 world team champion. 8 Checkmat academies in 8 cities are listed below, ordered by our editorial rank.

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Checkmat was founded in 2008 by brothers Leo and Ricardo Vieira, two of the best-known competitors of the 1990s, after they left the Brasa team. Leo Vieira leads the team from Signal Hill in Southern California, and its main Brazilian academies are in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Botucatu.

Competition record

Checkmat built its name on competitors. Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida won multiple world titles in its colors, and Michelle Nicolini, Lucas Leite and João Assis all came through the team. Checkmat won the adult male team title at the 2021 IBJJF World Championship, breaking Alliance's run.

What to expect at a Checkmat gym

Like most teams, Checkmat is an affiliation: each academy has its own head instructor, schedule and prices. Expect a mix of gi and no-gi classes and a competition team at the larger schools.

Checkmat in United States (5)

  1. 4Checkmat HeadquartersSignal Hill, California, United States · CheckmatCheckmat’s Southern California headquarters and a frequent presence near the top of IBJJF academy rankings.
  2. 40Checkmat MiamiMiami, Florida, United States · CheckmatMiami Checkmat affiliate connected to a globally competitive team identity.
  3. 83Checkmat San DiegoSan Diego, California, United States · CheckmatSan Diego Checkmat affiliate near the team’s Southern California base.
  4. 85Checkmat NorthridgeLos Angeles, California, United States · CheckmatCheckmat school on Reseda Blvd, Northridge, led by Arnaldo Maidana, a 2017 IBJJF No-Gi world champion at black belt. Gi, no-gi, kids and private classes.
  5. 90Checkmat AustinAustin, Texas, United States · CheckmatAustin Checkmat affiliate adding another competition-team option in Central Texas.

Checkmat in Brazil (2)

  1. 25Checkmat São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil · CheckmatSão Paulo Checkmat school tied to the Vieira brothers’ competitive lineage.
  2. 93Fight Zone (Checkmat Rio)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · CheckmatCheckmat's main Rio academy at Rua Francisco Sá 36, Copacabana, led by co-founder and 2001 world champion Ricardo Vieira. Competition-focused, visitor-friendly.

Checkmat in United Kingdom (1)

  1. 48Fight Zone London (Checkmat)London, United Kingdom · CheckmatCheckmat academy in East London, founded in 2012 by Marco Canha, a black belt under Ricardo Vieira. Jiu-jitsu, no-gi, MMA and striking, 150+ classes a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Checkmat?

Brothers Leo and Ricardo Vieira founded Checkmat in 2008 after leaving the Brasa team.

Has Checkmat won the IBJJF Worlds?

Yes. Checkmat won the adult male team title at the 2021 IBJJF World Championship.

Who are the best-known Checkmat athletes?

Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, Michelle Nicolini, Lucas Leite and João Assis all competed for Checkmat.