1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Vortex Jiu Jitsu LLC is a Washington, DC Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy housed at the Edlavitch Jewish Community Center on 16th and Q Street NW. Led by black belt Kelly Quinn, the academy offers intro, gi, and all-levels jiu-jitsu classes with a program designed for first-time grapplers through professional combat sports athletes.
Great instruction and a tough but welcoming training room. If you live in downtown DC, I highly recommend Vortex. Talented practitioners and safe rolls.
Amazing training, great detailed instruction from coach Kelly.
I am happy to say that I was part of the Jiu Jitsu Vortex community this past year and it was a wonderful experience. I have never taken any Jiu Jitsu classes before and still felt very comfortable. The instructor is very professional, and the training are very much tailored to all levels. The classmates were so welcoming, and you really feel part of a community.
Very dedicated and knowledgeable instructor who builds a great training environment. Somewhere you can develop new skills naturally. Highly recommend.
Great gym! I’ve learned so much in such a short time of coming to Vortex. Definitely looking forward to attending more classes.
This club is so dope! Kelly is a wizard, his technical knowledge runs very deep. And the other club members are very friendly and knowledgeable, everybody grows and learns and teaches each other. The true spirit of martial arts, Osss!
Great teammates and great instruction: good environment for people with a little more experience as well
Kelly is a great instructor who breaks down each movement and will walk you through each step in order to improve your technique. Great spot for beginners and those with experience!
워싱턴에 여행을 왔다가 수련을 위해 하루 방문했습니다. kelly 코치가 매우 친절했습니다. 기술의 설명도 매우 디테일했고, 사람들에게 질문도 많이 받으며, 기술 훈련 시 계속 돌아다니며 부족한 부분이 있으면 자세히 설명해줍니다. 사람들도 열정적이어서 매우 즐거운 시간을 보냈습니다.
Amazing coach and awesome classes! I felt welcome right from the start- excited to continue training here!!
Vortex has shown to be a great place to start Jiu Jitsu. Kelly is a phenomenal instructor and everyone who shows up to class contributes to the positive environment. Would recommend to everyone including those just starting out and with experience!
Just moved to DC and vortex has been extremely welcoming and helpful on continuing my journey in jiujitsu. Coaching is diverse and focuses on learning by doing and playing instead of just watching a move done. The facility used and times are very flexible and conducive to a great learning experience.
Fantastic place to learn. The instructor, Kelly, was attentive and broke down positions and concepts in an easily understandable way. Some of the concepts I still use in different positions. So, whether you are a beginner or advanced this is a place where you can train and get better. Also, love the class schedule set up. It provides time to learn a new position and directly implement it into practice. I was only supposed to attend from 6:30 PM till 7:30 PM but ended up staying till 9 PM.
Rigorous training with an experienced coach, but more importantly, a fantastic and supportive community.
Went to DC for a vacation. I was trying to get in a good workout while here. It was great! Kelly and his students were all very technical and nice.
Good open mat, the trainer is patient and experienced, everyone is super friendly, good base to learn with or without experience, everything is super clean, 100% recommended.
Amazing gym with great facilities! The coach is super knowledgeable and breaks down techniques in a way that really helps you improve. The people training here are friendly and supportive. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to get better in a welcoming environment!
I was in DC for work and decided to drop in. Everyone was incredibly friendly and talented. I also loved the format and specific training/games. I will absolutely be back! 👏🙏 thank you vortex for having me and being so welcoming!
Very welcoming environment for both beginners and people with experience. Highly recommend if you're looking for a gym in town!
One of the best places to learn jiu jitsu from one of the best coaches.
Great academy, great coach
I’ve only trained here for a few weeks but I know that this is the place I want to be for the long run. The teaching is excellent and I’ve made noticeable improvements in a short time as well as the gym having a wonderful and welcoming community
Incredibly welcoming gym, as well as elite coaching! I could not recommend this gym more. Hands down the best place to train in DC.
Recommend this gym to anyone looking to train jiu jitsu. New to experienced. Kelly is here to teach you jiu jitsu and guide you as you explore your game. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re looking to try them out!
Phenomenal coaching and rolling. Was here for a work conference and this was just down the road. Excellent training partners, no spazzes, awesome open mat after class. Loved every minute.
Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re visiting DC. Super friendly group with solid rolls, and a nice shower set-up on site.
If you're in DC and you train (or you want to start training), this is the gym you need to join. I am visiting DC and had Vortex recommended and it did not disappoint. Coach Kelly creates a welcoming and warm atmosphere with men and women of all levels and I immediately felt comfortable. The lesson was well thought out and flowed together. Coach Kelly did an excellent job explaining the drills and games and made the technique feel approachable even though at first it looked complex (to me as a white belt). I absolutely loved my time at Vortex and I can't recommend it enough. Training at Vortex made me want to move to DC permanently just to train under coach Kelly.
Kelly is a great coach. Promotes a welcoming environment. Great with scaling training to the group that he is that session!
I started training here about 1.5 months ago as a beginner and highly recommend it. The environment is welcoming and respectful. Kelly is a great instructor, and is really patient with those of us just starting out. The instruction is smart, well thought out, and strategic— the classes connect to one another in meaningful ways, and the instruction is adjusted to skill level. 10/10
Vortex is a great place to train! I specifically recommend it due to the welcoming atmosphere and the high level of involvement from the head instructor, Kelly. I also really enjoy the flexibility of the membership plan, which allows for monthly membership at reasonable prices as opposed to annual contracts.
Highly recommend Kelly's classes for people at all skill levels. Kelly has a ton of knowledge that he can tailor based on people's needs. The basic jiu-jitsu classes are a great way to get into the sport. There is no need for any fancy equipment, and Kelly puts a lot of focus on personal instruction, repetition, and safety. The people going to the classes are all super nice. It's a welcoming, tight-knit community which is great for people new to the area or looking to try a new sport!
Great experience training with this team, Kelly and his team were kind and very accepting. The class structure and techniques are great for people new to Jiu Jitsu or veterans of the sport. Vortex will help you whether you are a competitor or a hobbyist. I highly recommend training at Vortex Jiu Jitsu.
Kelly is a great coach and maintains a very welcoming environment. A great place for everyone from beginners to advanced students
I took my first BJJ class ever tonight at Vortex! If you're in DC, I highly recommend this place. I'm a complete noob, but Kelly made it approachable and fun. He's very patient and experienced. I was able to come to this class for free as a trial. The two other girls who were in the class with me were so friendly and kind too. A and J, if you guys see this, thanks for helping me feel welcome and putting me at ease. I've always been kind of intimidated by jiu jitsu, but again, Kelly made it approachable, walking me through each step. I did street parking, but there's also a lot right by the building.
I had to come to D.C. to work for a week, but still wanted to get some training in. I emailed Coach Kelly at Vortex and inquired about dropping in. He promptly replied and said that I was more than welcome. Initially, I thought I would try Vortex one night, and maybe try another one of the D.C. Jiu Jitsu schools another night, but after I had such a great time at Vortex, I just went there again. Coach Kelly is a super nice and a very knowledgeable instructor who provides great attention to detail in his teaching. This becomes even more apparent when rolling with his students. Everyone has fundamentally sound technique, and they do not accept bad positions. I got some great rolls in. Now here is the most important point that I wanted to get across, so pay attention here. I have been to a lot of jiu jitsu schools while traveling, and let me tell you, I don't think I have been to a school made up of nicer people top to bottom, full stop. EVERY SINGLE PERSON was kind and welcoming. Shoot, even after just two classes I had to look at my rashguard and double check that I didn't have a large tornado logo on it, because they made me feel like I was part of the team. If I had to give anything negative (so this doesn't come off like some sort of paid fluff piece) I would just say you have to give Coach Kelly a little time to grow and fill out his program to a full time schedule. At the time of this review, classes are Monday night, Wednesday night, and Saturday morning. I would have no problem recommending someone in D.C. to make Vortex their home school, or dropping in for a visit if you are from out of town. P.S. Currently the classes are held in a really nice community center, so the shower facilities are top notch!
Had the opportunity to train here at Vortex this past week. I had an a great time, professor kelly was very knowledgeable and welcoming. Everyone else was incredibly kind. If you’re ever in the DC area and need a place to train, don’t hesitate to check them out. Thank you again for allowing me to train with you all, had a great time. If you’re ever in miami, please don’t hesitate to visit us.
Came in completely green. Kelly created an extremely welcoming environment to learn and get better with every class. Highly recommend.
Came to DC for a visit and of course had to find an academy to roll at. Vortex was welcoming and had great talent. Next time I’m I. The DC area this will be the place for me.
Was in DC for a few days and found this gem of a gym! Great jiujitsu and even better people. Big shout out to Kelly and the coaches at vortex for the amazing class!
Highly recommended!!! Awesome instruction, great people and hard rolls….what more can you ask for!!!
While in DC for work, I went to one of Kelly’s classes. What a great surprise! He was welcoming and respectful. His student were just like him too!His classes were very well thought of and very structured. He always has time for questions and continuously makes sure nobody gets hurt while rolling. In addition, he is a very skilled and technical grappler. Highly recommend this place to anyone interested in learning new skills, hard rolls or meeting nice people.
I visited Vortex for a Wednesday night. I was only in town for a few days and needed a place to train for the night. Kelly answered my email quickly and told me to come on in. Everybody was super chill and the rolls were top tier. If I am ever in the DC area again this will be the only gym I go to.
Was as a guest in this beautiful dojo! Kelly is very cool coach! Very thoughtful, caring and gentle! Watching his game is a joy already! Come by if you know jiu jitsu and if you are totally new too! It is better to contact by mail! Thank you for your hospitality, dear Kelly! P.S. The building is very beautiful and the class could be a sightseeing event too!
The crew at Vortex is very welcoming. Great place for grapplers of all levels or even just dropping in to train. Looking forward to visiting again!
This is easily my favorite BJJ gym in DC. The vibe feels like a real community, something that's hard to come by from many of the other gyms in the area. Instruction, location, space are all pretty great as well. Will definitely be coming back here for all by BJJ in DC.
Great space to learn jiujitsu as a beginner. Kelly is knowledgable, respectful, and genuinely kind. The other members are fun to be around, too!
Kelly is a phenomenal jujitsu instructor whose unparalleled skill as an athlete is only matched by his ability to teach. He's created a commnunity which encourages the new and the experienced to try our best and while learning as much as we can.
I visited on a recent business trip. Kelly is a great instructor. And everyone made me feel welcome. The class was appropriate for all skill levels. I will be back on my next trip.
I had a great experience at this jiu-jitsu classes. I highly recommend! The training sessions are well-structured, challenging, and incredibly informative. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, the instructors tailor their approach to ensure everyone gets the most out of each session. The atmosphere is supportive and motivating. I personally feel more confident in my instincts. If you're looking for a great beginner friendly jiu-jitsu experience, look no further!
Kelly is not only a skilled and professional athlete but also an exceptional teacher. He is extremely patient and can explain moves in a way that just clicks. Kelly is methodical in his training plans, ensuring that students retain what they learn. He incorporates repetition and tailors his approach for different skill levels. I cannot recommend this place enough!
Attending class here is the highlight of my week. Really great instruction and kind people. Kelly is incredibly knowledgeable and a great communicator. Classes are time efficient and well organized.
Vortex Jiu-Jitsu is a great place for first-time learners of Jiu-Jitsu. Kelly is a great instructor and makes learning fun. I would highly encourage anyone looking to train to come to Vortex.
Kelly is a fantastic instructor first and foremost. With BJJ gyms vibe and the culture of the class is everything and Kelly has done an amazing job at fostering a solid community. If it's your first time ever training, I'd highly recommend it. If you've been training for a while, I highly recommend it even more for the quality of grappling.
I stopped in to Vortex to train while I was away for the weekend in DC. Coach Kelly put on a great class and the vibe was very good. It was a welcoming atmosphere and coach Kelly and his team made me feel like I was about of their academy. I will stop down and train with them anytime I’m back in DC.
I highly recommend Vortex Jiu Jitsu to anyone who is looking to train in BJJ, whether they have previous experience or are a complete beginner. Not only is Kelly extremely talented, knowledgeable, and skilled in BJJ, his ability to explain, demonstrate, and teach the art is unparalleled. Kelly's structured and organized curriculum effectively builds upon previous techniques which helps lead to an improvement of skills in an efficient and steady manner. In addition, Kelly demonstrates great patience, respect, attention, and care for all his students and is always available to answer questions and clarify techniques. There is room for everyone to learn and be challenged in these classes regardless of knowledge or skill level. He also has an awesome music playlist! I'm not sure why you're waiting, if you're reading this it's time to give it a try - you won't regret it! :)
Great training, instruction, and atmosphere. Kelly Quinn is a talented teacher and grappler and this is a wonderful space for new and experienced BJJ athletes alike.
This is such a great spot ! Great locally owned and operated gym. I was in town for work and wanted to stop by and train. Coach Kelly was so warm and welcoming, as was everyone else. He paired me with a nice and patient student as I'm newer to BJJ myself and was able to do all the drills by end of class! I hadn't trained in a couple months and I've only been to one other gym (my home gym) so I was a little intimidated to train but so glad I went. Will try to stop by again before I leave town. Thanks Coach Kelly and crew 😊
Kelly is a great and technical instructor who really hones in on his experience in JJ, MMA, and wrestling to make a fun and always evolving curriculum. I could write paragraphs on what he does right, but I think the best thing would be for someone to just take a trial class and experience it for themselves!
Kelly is one of the best coaches/training partners I’ve had. He is very knowledgeable and a killer on the mats. I recommend Vortex for anyone from recreational learners to aspiring competitors.
Great gym! Kelly is an awesome instructor for all levels, including brand new beginners. Vortex has a great group of athletes--very welcoming vibe. Highly recommend.
Vortex is a great gym, especially for newcomers to jiu jitsu. I trained with a few instructors when I first started jiu jitsu, but it wasn't until I trained with Professor Kelly that I finally started to enjoy & understand the sport at a different level. Kelly teaches jiu jitsu in a way that enables each person to apply techniques to their physical strengths, which is not something that every gym emphasizes. Kelly is also a frequent competitor and admirably continues to grow his own knowledge base and ability alongside his students. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone interested in starting jiu jitsu or leveling up their game.
I’ve trained with professor Kelly since 2018, and can confidently say that he not only knows what he’s doing, but knows how to communicate what he’s doing. I’d highly recommend Vortex to all levels of people interested in BJJ, wrestling, and conditioning
Kelly is an excellent instructor. As an experienced practitioner, I would highly recommend taking his classes if you’re looking for jiu jitsu in the district. There’s something for everyone, from white all the way to black belt.
I had an incredible experience with Vortex as someone completely new to Jiu Jitsu. I especially wanna shout out instructor Kelly, as he is so generous with his time and attention during class, especially with beginners, and it’s really impressive how he’s able to lead classes that include people from all experience levels, from first day ever to competition-ready, where everyone is equally training and challenged in their respective ways. I can’t recommend it enough.
Vortex is a top notch Jiu Jitsu training center in DC. The training experience is enhanced by the environment. Vortex facilities are at the EDCJCC. The mats are setup in a classic architectural, high ceiling room I never trained in such a unique setting. I went to the advance class (it definitely was advance). The lesson was technical and practical. Coach Kelly was an excellent instructor. He was able to break down difficult modern jiu jitsu series in a intuitive way. To those interested in trying Jiu Jitsu and those who have years of experience, I highly recommend training at Vortex.
I first met Kelly around two year ago at GW BJJ club where he was teaching as a professor ever since. I can assure that Kelly's instruction will satisfy most students regardless of their level. As an active competitor, Kelly taught us state of the art techniques that work in high-level competitions. At the same time, his instructions on basic techniques was so detailed and helpful so that I could have built strong foundation. Apart from his pedagogical skills, Kelly is always nice and respectful to everyone he encounters and that's what makes him a respected leader in BJJ community in DC area. For all those reasons, I would definitely recommend Vortex jiu jitsu to everyone who are interested in learning BJJ.
I love this place! It’s inside the JCC which means you have access to the showers and locker rooms. The people in the class are great. You will find all kinds of athletes at Vortex. I think the structured curriculum that Kelly, the head coach proposes allows people to improve their game not matter their level so its common to find complete beginners to people that competes often. Kelly is an amazing instructor. He’s great at combining his experience and technical knowledge with a welcoming and inclusive approach that allows me and I think everybody else to feel seen and safe. I have enjoyed my time here very much.
Vortex Jiu-Jitsu is one of if not THE BEST option for Jiu-Jitsu in the DC Metro Area. Professor Kelly is welcoming and understanding. He is an active competitor but his academy is not an aggressive space. I wish all the best to this academy.
Vortex Jiu-Jitsu: Where Community and Growth Collide If you're looking for a welcoming and supportive environment to learn the art of Jiu-Jitsu, look no further than Vortex Jiu-Jitsu. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted by friendly faces and a palpable sense of community. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and they take the time to ensure that every student feels comfortable and challenged. Kelly Quinn: A Beacon of Passion and Expertise But what truly sets Vortex Jiu-Jitsu apart is the amazing instructor, Kelly Quinn. Kelly's passion for jiu-jitsu is contagious, and his enthusiasm shines through in every class. He is a gifted teacher who has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible steps. He is also incredibly patient and encouraging, always taking the time to answer questions and provide individualized feedback. If you're looking for a small, positive and supportive environment to learn jiu-jitsu, I highly recommend checking out Vortex Jiu-Jitsu. You won't be disappointed!
In my opinion the best option in The DMV when it comes to BJJ and instruction thru a great practitioner Kelly Quinn.
Training at Vortex under Kelly Quinn has been an amazing experience that I recommend to any BJJ practitioner. I have trained at top level gyms before, including those such as Alliance and Atos, and I have improved more at vortex than any other gym I have trained at. Kelly has a modern approach to BJJ in the sense that he focuses on moves and concepts popular in the meta of competition-style BJJ. He also focuses on improving teammates' skills in areas of their interest rather than a traditional "my way or the highway" style of coaching I have seen at other gyms. Practices are typically 2 hours with an optional 30 minutes of rolling at the end. The structure is a hybrid of technique drilling and live positional sparring spread throughout the class that I believe is a more efficient method of training vs pure drilling or pure sparring. Ultimately, the environment generated by both the coach and the teammates at this gym is the driving factor for me. Everyone has a positive mindset and really cares for each other's well being and success while striving to improve their own BJJ game. I plan to continue training here for the foreseeable future and I highly recommend others to come experience this amazing gym. Oss!
Kelly Quinn was especially an amazing coach. He was so good at instructing me as a beginner and has been essential to my growth in bjj
Training under Kelly has been nothing short of phenomenal. His expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is unmatched, evident in every session. Kelly’s personalized approach caters to every student, fostering growth and camaraderie within the class. His patience and encouragement make learning both enjoyable and rewarding. If you’re seeking a dedicated and inspiring coach, Kelly is the one to train with. Grateful for his guidance on this journey!
Vortex Jiu Jitsu is one of the most welcoming BJJ programs that allows for any level of entry. Kelly has established a organized training environment that builds on foundational skills which then evolves into advanced maneuvers. He brings more than a decade of competition experience to the classroom with great pacing and embraces two-way feedback. If you are just starting out or want to get serious with taking your training to the next level, then Vortex is the obvious choice!
Classes structured in a way great for beginners, enthusiast and those expanding their game.
Kelly is the best!
I've visited and trained at a number of BJJ schools over my almost 10 years of BJJ, and this is an excellent place to train. Kelly brings high-level jiu-jitsu instruction all while maintaining a safe environment (for women who train, this is not a given!). Highly recommend Kelly and Vortex!
Not only is Kelly Quinn an excellent black belt, he's an even better teacher. His attention to detail is incredible and he treats his students with the utmost respect and kindness. There is a reason his classes are so well attended and inclusive. I would give Vortex 10 stars if I could.
Great place to train on many fronts. Founder/instructor Kelly is a proven competitor and talented teacher who excels at breaking down complex systems into manageable components that students can work on and apply to their game. In my experience lots of academies just teach you a move or two each class with no context, not so here. Also great vibes from everyone at vortex and a very clean facility. Highly recommend!
I’ve been training at Vortex for four months now and I absolutely love this place! Kelly is an incredible teacher, knowledgeable, super patient and attentive to his students. His curriculum are thoughtfully designed to make you assimilate complex techniques smoothly. I’ve noticed a lot of improvement in my jiu jitsu since I joined. Vortex is a safe place to come train, with a warm and welcoming community - I felt immediately at home on my first class. Trainings at Vortex have become one of the highlights of my weeks, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!!
Kelly is a wizard of a jiujitsu practitioner. His classes are designed to really gain skills. Highly recommend his program.
Kelly is a top-notch instructor, with a wealth of BJJ training and competition experience. Definitely recommend training with him if you’re in the DC area!
Professor Kelly is an extremely gifted BJJ practitioner and an even better teacher. No matter where you are in your journey, he will make you feel accommodated while pushing you to become better than when you stepped foot on his mats. Highly recommend Vortex for everyone!
With over two decades of competitive experience and knowledge, Kelly is an accomplished fighter and martial artist with the accolades to prove his prowess; and not just a great competitor, he's also extremely patient and responsive in guiding you through the techniques he's teaching and drilling. He makes sure that you have full understanding of each movement and concept, which ensures greater safety during rolls for yourself and the other person. The community he's nurturing through his students and friends speaks for itself, and I'm happy to be part of it.
I started training with Coach Kelly in September, with no martial arts experience, and have learned so much in a short time, even competing in a regional competition. He is kind, patient, and cultivates a wonderful BJJ community. His instruction is thorough and applicable for both beginners and those with extensive grappling experience. Kelly’s teaching is perfect for those looking to learn self defense and/or participate in competitions at a high level. I cannot recommend Vortex, and training with Kelly, enough.
Kelly is an amazing teacher and has a true gift for spreading the gift that Jiu-Jitsu is. A great player doesn't always make a good coach however Kelly is truly both. He has a real talent for pushing you while still helping you every step of the way. Kelly is the perfect person to began your Jiu-Jitsu journey with and I could not recommend a better place or person to start with.
Kelly is a great coach. Highly recommend any beginner to observe and learn self defense techniques at Vortex.
Love being a student here. Kelly is such a great teacher and even better person. Really makes a difference 💯
Kelly is a great instructor and competitor, I would definitely recommend for people of all skill levels.
Professor Kelly is an amazing instructor! He is a master in the art of jiu jitsu and his attention to detail always makes for a great class. He is an instructor that is very committed to the constant improvement of his students and community. I would highly recommend training with him at Vortex.
As a complete stranger to BJJ, I was extremely lucky to have Kelly as my first instructor. His understanding and explanation of each of the techniques/mechanisms he teaches alongside the patience and care he has for all of his students makes him one of the most remarkable teacher I’ve ever had. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to start or continue with Jiu Jitsu
Best jiu jitsu in the area! Great atmosphere & knowledge!
Vortex is welcoming for beginners and serious athletes. Kelly keeps the space clean and he is a true professional. What are you waiting for. Start jiu jitsu!
Kelly is a phenomenal instructor and Jiu Jitsu practitioner. His classes are engaging and the instruction is always super clear. Vortex is an excellent space with a ton of room, clean mats, and cool people to train with. Highly recommend!
Kelly has been training me for quite some time. He’s very skilled and knowledgeable, as well as empathetic. In less than a year he took me from a complete newbie to competing successfully. And he's a great guy besides!
Amazing place. Kelly is just an awesome person & trainer; definitely recommend to anyone who wants to try.
Underworld BJJ
810 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
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