The jiu jitsu Swartz Creek drives for.

Why Swartz Creek trains here

The west side of Genesee County has no dedicated jiu-jitsu gym, so Swartz Creek families end up driving anyway. The only question is where. Great Lakes BJJ is the closest academy with full-time black belt instruction, and the I-69 hop makes it an easy weeknight trip instead of a project.

• The closest real academy: Swartz Creek has no jiu-jitsu gym of its own. Great Lakes BJJ is the nearest option with full-time, black belt-led instruction, not a side program bolted onto a fitness studio. If you want the real thing, this is the short drive to make.
• A straight shot up I-69: Jump on I-69 East and you are at the gym in about fifteen minutes. Swartz Creek members fold it into the weeknight routine: school, dinner, class, home. It stops feeling like a drive after the first week.
• Beginners start comfortable: Most people who walk in have never grappled. Beginner-designated sessions focus on fundamentals and may run separately or combine with an all-levels class. Tell your partner you are new, and remember that live rounds are optional.

Getting here from Swartz Creek

12–15 minutes · about 8 miles · east on I-69 into Flint.

Great Lakes BJJ, 2014 Zimmerman Street, Flint, MI 48503.

Free trial options

Youth 1 starts with one free session. Eligible jiu jitsu, kickboxing, and conditioning programs start with a free 14-day trial. Fight Prep has no direct trial; evaluation and ongoing coach approval are required.