I have been training at Citadel since they opened. Matt Leighton and James Kelly have the highest quality training in Iowa City, hands down. Its beginner friendly as well as being the best place to train for top level competitors. As a female it at times can be difficult to find training partners but this has never been the case at Citadel. Top level training, and open to all.

Coach Kelly and Coach Matt are 2 of the very best! Great environment for all skill levels of BJJ and wrestling. The students here are very welcoming and respectful. Overall highly recommended place to learn and train!!

Absolutely the best training available. The coaches Jim and Matt are willing and able to work with every skill level from young kids to bjj black belts. They want you to succeed at whatever your goal is and are able to make it happen. The members are very inviting to new people even if they have never done bjj before.

I highly recommend! Since day one my son loved it and he looks forward to every class. James and the staff do an amazing & outstanding job with the kids.

Great spot to get in work! Head coach and owner Matt is a wealth of knowledge. You can tell the crew here study’s the game and takes the time to make themselves and each other better. Very team/family feel here. If you’re in the Iowa City area and love the sport or you are looking to get into it, this is the absolute number one pick. Thanks to everyone at Citadel for the great rolls today! I’ll be back for more.

I trained with this team for 5 years on and off due to travel, and I know everyone quite well on the team. I came back this year (2021), and ended up having a discussion with coaches Matt and Jim about some concerns I had surrounding my disability. I left that conversation feeling misunderstood and hurt. The next day I learned I had been kicked off the team, which doesnt allow me to train at citadel or any other affiliate gyms. Matt and Jim are refusing to have a conversation discussing their decision and have said its final.I love jiu jitsu and I love the people on my (former) team, but I feel that the coaches at citadel have created an environment closed to discussion. The coaching staff may know how to compete well, but their coaching and professional skills are lacking. I would not recommend this place to anyone anymore, especially other women.(Im reposting this after being told others couldnt see it, initially posted in July 2021)

I attended a Saturday class and was very impressed with the atmosphere and the quality of people there. Coach Jim effectively shares his knowledge with passion! I enjoyed the experience and would recommend to anyone aspiring to become a better individual.

Great place to train Jiu jitsu. Welcoming atmosphere, good rolls all around!

Great training. Great atmosphere. Did two days of training bjj and wrestling. Solid gym. Ill definitely come back.

Jim and Matt are amazing coaches! I have experienced Jim as a youth/HS wrestling coach and as a BJJ coach. Jim and Matt are an amazing duo of coaches for both youth and adults. If you are a youth wrestler looking for a great workout and addition to your wrestling skills check this place out! Their youth program is second to none and will only be a benefit. If you are a HS or former wrestler or just someone looking to better themself as an athlete and person go to Citadel right now! You won’t be disappointed!

This is the best gym in Iowa City; the other one in Iowa City is garbage compared to Citadel. The coaches are the best (world class), they truly want you to be best that you can be both in the sport and also in life.

I go to a different gym in Cedar Rapids but have came to a couple Friday open mats at citadel. I had a great experience and everyone was super friendly. The head coaches Matt and James were very welcoming along with the rest of the team. I am looking forward to coming back for some more open gyms and would recommend anyone in the Iowa City area to check out their gym if they are interesting in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Came in as a guest during a local wrestling camp, and was greeted with open arms! They are a very inspiring, gritty, and disciplined jiu jitsu gym! Very pleased, and will definitely come back! 👌🏼

Highly recommended for anyone looking to try something new or if you already have Jiu Jitsu experience. Great family atmosphere where everyone is very welcoming and always looking to help. I have known Jim for awhile and he has a ton of experience and knows how to really work well with kids of all ages. They have an amazing facility, great training partners with all skills levels and so make sure to stop by and give them a look!

Was in town visiting from Minnesota, got some awesome rolls in with a lot of tough wrestlers, and Professor Matt. Awesome place!

This has been the best experience. It’s a perfect valuable workout. Amazing atmosphere in the gym every time, amazing coaching and teammates. I went in after I had stopped working out for years, worst shape of my life, and literally after a couple of weeks I feel amazing. I was nervous at first but was 100% certain I wanted to do it (not just try it) but to do it. I’ve been getting the best sleep after those amazing training sessions. ⚠️WARNING⚠️ You will be addicted. Come train.

Great teachers, great leaders, great facility. Matt knows jujitsu and is very good at teaching people the art in a way that makes it easy to understand. Obviously the only way to get better is to put the work in, but it makes it easier to learn with such great teachers. Blessed to have learned under him.

All 3 of my boys train at Citadel BJJ and LOVE IT! The coaches here are absolutely amazing and strive for the best for all of their students from the little ones to the adults! My children have grown so much with Citadel. Not only are they teaching them the skills they need to succeed in jiu jitsu but they also are teaching them skills they need to succeed in life. I couldnt be more grateful for such an amazing school and beyond amazing coaches!

Citadel BJJ is a phenomenal gym! Matt and James are amazing coaches and even better people! They truly want to help each and every person develop in not only BJJ, but in life as well! The environment and atmosphere of the gym is amazing! People always pushing and helping one another. To top it off, Matt and James are both animals on the mat! I can’t say enough good things about this place! If you are in Iowa and want to train BJJ for health and/or for competition, this is the place to be!!!

My kids started 2 years ago and I joined last fall. I have had only positive experiences at Citadel. Coaches Matt and Jim helps us with any questions we have and even willingly stay after practice to help us on technics. Highly recommend.

I started my BJJ journey at Citadel in March 2021. This was by far one of the best decisions that I have ever made! I was in the military for 10 years and like many other former active-duty service members, I found myself looking for another mission when I left. I found that mission practicing BJJ and striving to get at least 1% better after each roll. Coaches Matt Leighton and James Kelly are high level coaches that will challenge you and provide high level one on one training when you need extra instruction. Coaches Matt and James have created a great atmosphere amongst the students that is extremely welcoming and will make you strive to become better. Whether your goals are self-defense, competition, or better physical fitness Citadel is the place for you. If you are on the fence about starting BJJ at Citadel, I highly recommend that you stop what you are doing and give them a call today. You will not regret it!

Citadel BJJ in Iowa City! I love this place! I have trained at some of the top BJJ academies in the country and can honestly say that Citadel is at the top of the list. The instruction from coaches Jim and Matt is second to none. The training sessions are tough but I find myself grinding through. Both coaches know what to say and how to say it to help you push through till the end. Being that I come from a wrestling background, I love the wrestling classes. I also love how they incorporate wrestling into the BJJ training. It’s just a great place to be. The training, the atmosphere, the coaching. It just doesn’t get any better.

I’ve been training since the beginning of the summer and got addicted my very first day. Matt, Tony and Jim is so knowledgeable and very patient!!! For the amount of time you can be in the gym and what they teach.... the price isn’t bad AT ALL!!!. I’ll recommend this place to anyone. From youth all the way to senior citizen age. Don’t be scared to come in, all of the guys and girls are good team members and will work with you on your level. If I could everyday for ALL of the classes then I definitely would. Love this place 🤙🏿

Matt is a great instructor. I would recommend this gym to anybody looking to improve their ground game or get into better shape!

Great, family-friendly environment surrounded by people who want to grow their passion in BJJ and help you along your journey. Jim Kelly is an excellent coach/teacher/mentor and would recommend to anyone looking to roll!

I enjoy the experience and the knowledge that Matt provides for the sport of jujitsu. The school is a wonderful environment that friends and family can enjoy.

Amazing school to learn jiu jitsu whether you have been doing it for years or have never been to a single class. Exceptional professors that teach great technique every week. Highly recommended.

I’m extremely grateful to the coaches and team at Citadel, everyone is friendly and made me feel comfortable right away. You get everything you need to accomplish your goals here especially if you plan on competing. If you have a question it will always be answered before you leave.

The jiu jitsu at this academy provided by Matt Leighton is next level! Highly recommend training with this team. Gym is clean and organized. Very professional, yet family environment.

Great community of people. Its not about just showing up and going through the motions, its learning and applying through hard work.

Got the pleasure of attending one of Matts seminars. His attention to detail is incredible and really will take your game to the next level

Great instruction, amazing people, awesome rolls... if you’re in the Iowa City area and love bjj, this where you need to be.

A great place to train for both women and men. Very knowledgeable coaches and lots of training partners.

The guys at Citadel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are top-notch people they care about your kids and really know what they’re doing my son loves going And is now asking to compete couldn’t be happier With the results we’ve got👌💪

This school is pretty top of the line. Great coaches that are very knowledgeable and the people are pretty cool too. Its a good environment to grow as an athlete and competitor. Jujitsu is a very useful skill in these troubling times and its a great sport. Try it out and get that thrill of competition.

Professor Matt is an amazing jiu jitsu practitioner with a great teaching style. Better make sure to check out this academy if you’re interested in beginning your jiu jitsu journey.

Excellent place to train, nice and prepared people. The place is big even when is crowdy there’s enough place to roll besides has a weight lifting area. Oss

Thanks to the coaches at Citadel BJJ for helping teach my kids not just Jiu Jitsu, but how to be a respectful, healthy, and goal oriented individuals. The coaches are world class athletes with great principles to teach your children.

Great place to learn and practice ju jitzu. Plenty of space for rolling, hands on and interactive teachers, very clean and inviting facility

Ive been training at Citadel for about a month. Its an awesome place to train. Great team environment where everyone is just trying to get better together. Tons of competition for all levels from beginner to advanced. Knowledgeable instructors/coaches that take the time to help you get all of the details right.

I went to Citadel when I lived in Iowa City. It is incredible to see what students from there can do within a year of training under Matt Leighton, Jim Kelly, and Tony Curry. Knowing Matt,Jim, and Tony for fours years I can tell you that they exceed in leadership and honing in the classes to teach both Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whether you are interested in competing or just looking to start a more active lifestyle Citadel is the school to go to. If you need any more convincing just give them a call and try out a class.

Im a blue belt from woodbine martial arts on the west side of Iowa, I happen to be in cedar rapids for the week so I stopped in to train. Awesome school, great facility, very professional I instructor. Very respectful students.

Citadel BJJ puts the T in tough. Many souls have walked through their doors over the years. Some stayed. Some left. The point is, Citadel is not a place for weak minded individuals. In every single class you are given the choice to either work hard or work harder. There are no handouts here. They breed champions and world class athletes. If you fight anyone here you should know that you’re in for a good scrap.

I just started less than a month ago and this place is amazing! The trainers are able to help anyone from the first day beginner to the experienced competitor. If you are on the fence about trying it I highly recommended checking Citadel out!

Jim, Matt, and Tony are high quality instructors that create an inclusive environment for all levels. They keep classes exciting and engaging. Give it a try, I guarantee youll have an awesome time.

This is a great place to train. Excellent Jiu-Jitsu, even better people. Would recommend this spot to anyone, especially those looking for some tough rolls.

Best gym you will find anywhere with an incredible environment that is inclusive and builds you up both physically and mentally. The coaches genuinely care about every student and take the time to get to know everyone individually. Please visit here!

Hands down top gym in the area for training bjj. Coach Matt, Coach Kelly are super welcoming, & very genuine characters. The atmosphere is phenomenal. Clean, friendly, and super down to earth. Everything you could want in a bjj gym! THIS IS THE PLACE TO TRAIN!

The owners, Matt and James, are very welcoming to visitors, and have world-class knowledge of bjj. Their classes are great for people at every level. The facilities were pristine and well kept. You would be hard-pressed to find a better martial arts school in the midwest.

Matthew is a great teacher and his classes are outstanding!!! 5-Stars

You cant ask for better coaches than what you get at Citadel BJJ and the friendships you make from day 1 is worth every penny. Learning BJJ is just the extra bonus from my experience there. The best group of guys and girls as you feel welcomed the minute you walk in. Thank you Jim, Matt, and Tony!

Wonderful technique, wonderful people, absolutely hands down the place to roll!

Ive been training at Citadel for over a year and its great. Matt and Jim are outstanding coaches and will push you to improve. Theres a wide variety of class times to work with any schedule. Check out a class, make some new friends, while getting a great workout.

I love how close knit this place is. Every time I walk in I learn something new. Wish I would put 6/5 stars!

As a student at the University of Iowa with a busy schedule, training at Citadel was immensely beneficial to my physical and mental health. Citadel has a diverse, dedicated, and disciplined team of students with a range of skills and experience. Citadels welcoming training environment prioritizes safety, camaraderie, and fun. Coaches are receptive and prepared to expand upon the instruction of techniques to ensure that everyone is able to improve everyday. At Citadel, theres no judgement; theres mutual trust, respect, and patience among teammates thats difficult to find.

Matt is a legend. Any chance you can take to learn from him do it

I just started my BJJ journey, around 3 months ago, here at Citadel BJJ. The instruction is stellar, and if you have an abnormal schedule from work, life or whatever, there is a class you can make daily.Personally, I work strange hours, and are able to make it in any day of the week.Stop in to get a good workout, learn a discipline and even enjoy some camaraderie!!!

The culture at this gym is awesome. Two world class coaches that know their stuff and both compete at high levels. All levels welcome and all goals acceptable. Want to learn some self defense and get in shape?...great! Want to compete in bjj?...great. the coaches will help you reach your goals. Ive been a member for over a year and think its the best investment of my time. The gym has drs, police, hippies, teachers, collegiate wrestlers, and everyone in between. Its amazing.

Training with everyone at Citadel is amazing. Everyone there is nice, even when we get competitive with eachother.If you want intense training, real techniques and great people ... look no further. (respect)BJJ is a practice that has parallels to many life lessons.Seeing how my ego acts and being patient with my own progress are examples of how jiu-jitsu is more than a workout.I can reflect and use these lessons to further my growth in my every day life too!Matt and Jim are awesome! Thanks guys!Thank you Citadel BJJ!

Incredible instructors, training, and atmosphere. Would highly recommend to anyone ranging from the most advanced combat sport training to brand new.

Great gym with great coaches! It’s a very welcoming environment where you can learn at your own pace and can always ask for help and receive the constructive criticism you need to better improve your skills!

Matt, Jim, and Tony are all phenomenal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors. They are extremely welcoming to everyone who walks through the door. Citadel is a home away from home for me and many others.

Had my first class there today and it was great! Everyone was very welcoming and the knowledge is world class. Definitely a great experience!

The coaches at Citadel BJJ are extremely committed to their students. I have had many great experiences with the staff. Very professional and well-run. Look for this gym to continue to grow in the coming years.

I visited this gym with a friend with no jiu-jitsu experience, and the owner was happy to let me try it out for a session. It was a great experience, and great people!

I started at Citadel BJJ January of 2020, everyone here is amazing. My confidence and skills in the sport have greatly improved since starting. Matt and Jim are very professional and top notch coaches. I really feel like the students and instructors are family to me.I also recently enrolled my 14 year old son, he does both wrestling and jiu jitsu on Saturdays. I know that he is going to have an advantage because of his experience here. Also, it is such a wonderful sport to do with your family, especially with teenagers!If you are looking for top notch training, a great workout and a challenge I highly encourage you to join Citadel BJJ!!

Super clean and a welcoming environment. New people will not feel lost in the shuffle that’s the a great for a new person. The individual attention given to make sure you execute the techniques properly is what makes the school stand out. The teachers have a great eye for detail and their instructions are clear and easy to follow. This is great especially for those with no martial arts experience. Great school, and even greater people!

Great place to get a workout in. Facility and coaches are great. Owner is also stunningly handsome.

Tough group of guys very nice Id definitely go again if Im out that way

Matt Leighton is a world-class competitor and a great guy, and students at Citadel will be in good hands with himIt’s important to find a coach who leads by example, and there’s no doubt here!

Fantastic coaching and friendly environment!

Citadel has really changed my health and attitude. Very challenging and rewarding learning/training with the best.

Im visiting Iowa City for work and wanted to drop in. I got a hold of Jim, the owner of citadel. He told me their schedule of gi and nogi. I got to the 6pm class. I loved the vibes there. Everyone was super friendly and the instructors were great. If I lived here, Id definitely call this place my home. Id recommend Citadel to anyone interested in BJJ here in Iowa City

Great environment to learn, very fun and positive people to train with, great coaching, everything you could want in a gym

I am visiting from out of town. Dropped in for an open mat session. Both Senseis greeted me and made me feel welcome. As a white belt it was a friendly place filled with people who wanted to train and enjoy I enjoyed the vibe. Clean and professional. I will definitely go back.

Fantastic spot with excellent instruction. Visiting from DC and this place allowed me to keep training without missing a beat - James and Tony offered excellent instruction and the entire club was very welcoming. Only downside was the lack of merch for purchase!

What makes this place so awesome is that it gives each person a chance to find that warrior mentality and discipline their lives as a whole. Matt is a savage who will show you technique that will make you feel 6 ft tall and bulletproof. The co-owner, Jim Kelly, is bearded house of stone who not only will make you into a monster on the mats, but make you find something in you that you didnt know you had. Plus they let goofy tattooed midgets like me quote Point Break and other movies from the 90s. All in all, theyre the best. Go Hawks.

Great training with some good people

Top notch instructors. Matt Leighton is one of the best in the world, with multiple IBJJF achievements. Large number of brown and purple belts able to help. Facility is a bit sparse, mostly just a mat, a change room, and a small bathroom. If you value high end instructors over these amenities, then this is a great place to train.

Awesome academy for all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced competitor - Citadel is the place to train. Matt and James are both high level and reputable instructors. James has an extensive background in wrestling and Matt has a clear style of teaching. If youre feeling hesitant to get into Jiu Jitsu or any martial art, they will welcome you with open arms and you will be glad you started training with them.

Visiting from out of town and decided to drop in! Wonderful school very friendly and lots of very technically sound guys to roll with! Definitely a great school to attend

World class training by some expert coaches. Matt Leighton and Jim Kelly are some of the best to step on the mat. Best place to go to get in shape, learn self defense skills, and make awesome friends. Great training and great community.

Citadel BJJ is more than just a gym, it’s a community of beautiful and kind people. Sure the training is world class because of its incredible coaching staff, but I keep coming back for the people.If your looking for a top notch workout that’s more exciting than mundane weightlifting machines, while also becoming a part of a community of stellar human beings, than you owe it to yourself to give them a try.

Matt and Jim provide dedicated and top notch coaching. Clean facilities, open to all skills levels. Take the opportunity to go in and see for yourself!

I’ve been training with these guys for the last couple years and they are awesome. Matt’s jiu jitsu is off the charts and Jim brings a deep knowledge of wrestling. Both are able to communicate what they know. They know how to coach.This is a very positive atmosphere where everyone can learn. I’m in my 50s and definitely not the most gifted student but my coaches and classmates are totally helpful and friendly and I’m learning. I’m in way better shape and having a blast. You’ll love it but don’t believe me come check it out!1

Great place to train for people of all skill levels and ages. The instructors are very welcoming and knowledgeable. Whether youre looking for self defense, to compete, or for a great workout, this is the place to go to.

Citadel is the real deal! Literally best quality instructors you could ask for. Great energy. Would highly recommend to anyone in driving distance!

This was my first time training Brazilian Ju Jitsu in my life. I have wrestled for 25 years and Jim and Matt made me feel extremely comfortable with all of the transitions between the two sports. They were heavily involved the entire class time and helpful in pairing me with proper partners and encouraging me to try new things. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to get involved in BJJ. One of the best activities for adults looking to learn combat sports at any level or just stay fit and learn basic self defense!!!

This is the place to train if you are in the area! World class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!

Citadel has been the perfect place for my return to BJJ. Top notch instruction + great competitors, in a welcoming & relaxed environment. My former coach recommended Citadel with highest regards and I echo that recommendation. Come check it out!

Fantastic place to learn, get better and get in shape

Ive been on the mats for 15 years and I can tell you first hand that this is a great place to train. For sure hit it up if you are in the area, no matter your experience level.

In Iowa City for work and decided to stop by and check it out. Great experience! Awesome people and environment. Matt Leighton is humble and a great instructor. Will definitely be back. Much appreciation for Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Thanks!

Having trained BJJ in Iowa City since 2006 - It has been long overdue and amazing to have such an awesome space to train. Head coaches Matt and Jim foster an environment that makes the sport I love into what many in the BJJ community feel it should be - a place for that teaches not only technique, but a way to view the world and build a healthy community.

The best gym with the best coaches! And private lessons are amazing too

Coaches Matt Leighton and James Kelly welcomed me with open arms as I began my BJJ journey. Havent looked back since. They really know their stuff. What really makes Citadel standout for me is the level of personal instruction you get here. Its not like your visiting some foreign gym & these guys are guest speakers. Nah, your right in the middle of the heat and theyre right there with you. Its a family, a team, a community of BJJ practitioners being led and instructed by the best coaches. Theres never a dull moment with this team. We laugh and joke, we learn from each other, we challenge each other, and we all love Ju-jitsu. We all have different backgrounds, different goals and aspirations, different body types and different lifestyles. But at Citadel were all ONE! I couldnt even imagine training BJJ elsewhere because this IS the ideal training environment.

Excellent gym. Great instructors. Top quality jiu jitsu and a top quality group of people!

Joined a friend in going there and everyone was very welcoming and the atmosphere was great with good instructors

Citadel has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The instructors are world class. Citadel BJJ is great fit for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

My son is in the kids program with Jim and he and I both LOVE it! He’s not only learning Jiu Jitsu in a safe and instructed environment, but also learning respect and self control. Couldn’t recommend this place any more than I do!