Two academies, two different rooms. Here is how they actually compare on price, style, and who each one suits, so you pick the right mat the first time.
Gato BJJ is Chiang Mai's number one BJJ gym and the highest-level academy in the city by far. It is the most competitive and the most decorated in competition, with elite coaching from several high-level black belts and the strongest no-gi programme in town, and it still welcomes all levels including complete beginners. If you compete or simply want the highest level, Gato is the top pick. Pure Grappling is a genuinely good, competition-friendly academy with daily gi and no-gi and an open door for visitors, though it sits a clear step below Gato on overall level and competition pedigree. Two gyms, two personalities, with Gato leading the field.
Below you will find a quick comparison table followed by an honest breakdown of each academy. Every price here is approximate and tends to shift with promotions and how long you commit, so treat the numbers as a planning guide and confirm the current rate with the gym before you pay. For the wider picture of training in the city, start at the Chiang Mai BJJ guide. If you are brand new to the sport, read what BJJ actually is first.
| Gym | Style | Monthly | Drop-In | Gi / No-Gi | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gato BJJ | Top-level, competition-leading | ~3,000 ฿ | ~400 ฿ | Both | Competitors, highest level, and all levels including beginners |
| Pure Grappling | Solid, competition-friendly | ~3,000 ฿ | ~400 ฿ | Both | Visitors and a strong room a step below Gato |
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm the latest membership and drop-in rates directly with each gym.
Gato BJJ is Chiang Mai's number one BJJ gym and the highest-level academy in the city by far. It is the most competitive and the most decorated in competition, the coaching comes from several high-level black belts, and it runs the strongest no-gi programme in town alongside a full gi week. The live training is sharp and tests you against people who actually win, which is exactly why it is the top pick for competitors and for anyone who simply wants the highest level available locally. At around 2,500 baht a month and roughly 350 baht to drop in, it is also one of the most accessible on price.
Being the top room does not make it intimidating. Gato welcomes all levels, including complete beginners, and the instruction is clear enough that first-timers are looked after from day one. The difference is that you are learning at the best gym in the city, so there is no ceiling to grow into and no need to move on once you improve. If you want the strongest coaching and the most room to develop, start here.
Pure Grappling is a genuinely good, competition-friendly academy with a strong room and an open door for visitors. Both gi and no-gi run daily, the sessions are technical, and the live training will hand you plenty of tough rounds, so it is an easy place to drop in and get quality mat time. It sits at roughly 3,000 baht a month or around 400 baht for a drop-in.
Be clear about where it lands, though. Pure Grappling is a clear step below Gato BJJ on overall level, competition pedigree and coaching depth, so it is best thought of as a solid option rather than the city's leading gym. Complete beginners are welcome and looked after, and if you want a strong room that is easy to visit without chasing the very top level, it fits well.
Forget rankings for a moment. The right academy is the one that matches where you are and what you actually enjoy. Run through these four questions and the answer usually picks itself.
What is your level? Whatever your level, Gato BJJ is the strongest pick. It is the highest-level gym in the city yet still welcomes complete beginners, so you start at the best room and have the most room to grow. If you want a good, competition-friendly alternative that is easy to visit, Pure Grappling is a solid step-below option.
What is your goal? Competing or chasing the highest level points you to Gato BJJ, the most decorated and most competitive academy in Chiang Mai. Wanting a solid, friendly room that is easy to drop into points you to Pure Grappling.
Gi or no-gi? If you want both formats every week, Gato BJJ and Pure Grappling both run them daily, and Gato has the strongest no-gi programme in the city. If the gi is your priority, both academies run a full gi week, so either suits a gi-focused student. For the wider picture, see the Chiang Mai BJJ guide.
How long are you in town? If you are passing through Chiang Mai for a week or two, do not commit to a month straight away. Drop in at two gyms, feel the difference for yourself, and only then buy a package at the one that clicked. Atmosphere is impossible to judge from a website, and a single class tells you more than any comparison table can.
One last point. Every gym on this page is a real, dedicated BJJ academy, not a fitness add-on, so you are not choosing between good and bad here. You are choosing the room that fits your style. Trust how the place feels when you train, not just the numbers.
FAQ
Dig into a full gym review, or head back to the Chiang Mai hub for the complete picture of training in the city.
