ABOUT
Mission statement:
Promoting personal growth, both physically and mentally, through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Higher Ground BJJ is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school aimed at helping people from all walks of life grow as individuals. Jiu-Jitsu is an amazing activity to build confidence, both physically and mentally.
Higher Ground BJJ wants to help you use Jiu-Jitsu to your benefit. Whether you are looking for a competitive outlet, wanting to learn real world self defense skills, or are just looking for a great workout instead of going to the gym, you’ve found the right place.
No matter what your goal is for starting, Higher Ground BJJ is here to help you cultivate a better version of yourself through this never ending martial art.
Proudly serving the White Bear Lake, Hugo, Forest Lake, Centerville, Lino Lakes, Stillwater, Shoreview, St. Paul, Mahtomedi, Dellwood, Grant, North Oaks and Vadnais Heights area.
Higher Ground BJJ MN is also a proud training facility for the We Defy Foundation. We Defy works with disabled veterans to overcome their challenges through Brazlilian Jiu-Jitsu. Click the banner to learn how you can help this great cause.
Meet the Team
Co-Owner and Head Instructor: Chris Golv
Chris, a first degree Black belt, started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2010. He received his Blue belt in the fall of 2011. He then moved to a different school and received his Purple belt in the 10th Planet system in July of 2015. It was at this school that Chris started training under GFTeam Black belt, Joao Marinho and shortly after, Jose Varella. Joao and Jose opened RioJitsu Apple Valley in 2017, and Chris followed them there. He received his Brown belt in December of 2017 and his Black belt in December of 2019. Chris has competed since white belt, as well as refereed local events for many years. In addition to his decade plus of Jiu-Jitsu, Chris has also been a nationally accredited Certified Personal Trainer since 2014. This gives him a unique perspective to his approach for teaching and Jiu-Jitsu training.
GFTeam lineage;
Luis Franca-Oswaldo Fadda-Monir Salomao-Julio Cesar Pereira-Joao Marinho and Jose Varella-Chris Golv
Learn more about Julio Cesar Pereira
Co-Owner: Anna Golv
Anna is a Blue Belt and has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a double minor in Dance and Coaching from Gustavus Adolphus College. Her career has taken her to a variety of fitness industry experiences from commercial gyms, to corporate fitness where she was the Assistant Manager of the Fitness Centers at 3M headquarters, to her current role in community fitness as the General Manager of the Minnesota JCCs for EXOS. Anna is also a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and is an avid runner in her free time.
Kid's Instructor: Josh McHenry
Josh started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2016. He eventually found a home at RioJitsu Apple Valley in 2017 when it first opened. Under GFTeam Black belts, Joao Marinho and Jose Varella, Josh received his Blue belt in the spring of 2018, his Purple belt in the fall of 2020, and his Brown belt in the winter of 2022. Along with being an active competitor, Josh has had the opportunity to help coach Jiu-Jitsu alongside many great teachers, including Chris Golv. He looks forward with enthusiasm to continuing his Jiu-Jitsu journey while sharing his passion for the art with others.
PRICING
Higher Ground currently offers adult classes, ages 16 and up, 6 days a week of both Gi and Nogi, as well as Kids classes 3 days a week. Monthly Membership includes unlimited classes per week.
Come in for your FREE Trial!
Monthly Membership:
$154 per month
$99 enrollment fee
No contracts or cancellation fees.
Drop-in rate:
$40 per class
Combatives Pricing
(included in unliminted BJJ Membership)
Drop In: $25/class
Monthly Combatives Only: $80/month
Drop In for Law Enforcement/First Responders: $10/class
Monthly Combatives Only for Law Enforcement/First Responders: $40/month
ALL KIDS CLASSES ARE CURRENTLY FULL
CONTACT US TO JOIN OUR WAITLIST
Kid's Monthly Membership:
$134 per month (ages 8-14)
$79 enrollment fee
Little Kid's Monthly Membership:
$104 per month (ages 4-7)
$79 enrollment fee
No contracts or cancellation fees
Schedule
M/W/F
Gi fundamentals/self-defense
BJJ in the Gi focusing on fundamentals, live drills, and fitness. A great class for any level.
Gi advanced/sport
BJJ techniques used to dominate your next tournament. Plenty of overlap to self-defense, but geared towards sport play.
T/TH
Nogi All Levels
Nogi techniques, live drills, and fitness. A great class for any level.
SATURDAY
Combatives
Grappling techniques for self defense
Gi all levels
Review the techniques learned throughout the week, with some drilling and plenty of rolling!
CONTACT
Our Address:
5960 US-61 Suite 2, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, USA
Email:
Phone:
651-724-9088