About Us
We use our proven and detailed curriculum to provide each student a great Jiu-Jitsu training experience at Checkmat Knoxville. It doesn’t matter why you start – our team is ready to help you achieve your goals. The vast experience and expertise sets us apart, creating an environment for students to learn from World Champions. On top of that, we bring in a positive, enthusiastic outlook into every martial arts class. The culture and knowledge makes our Knoxville martial arts academy a place for everyone!
Explore What Checkmat Knoxville Offers
From world-class programs to a flexible schedule and exciting trial opportunities, Checkmat Knoxville has everything you need to start your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey.
CHECK OUT OUR
MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAMS
We have NINE different martial arts programs! This includes FOUR different BJJ programs! Make sure to take a look at them all to find the right program for you and your family.
TAKE A LOOK AT
OUR SCHEDULE
Our martial arts class schedule has plenty of options for you to join. With 7 days a week, you can find the right time for you and your kids to hop on the Checkmat Knoxville mats!
SIGN UP FOR A
FREE WEEK OF CLASSES!
Looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Knoxville? If so, you can start at Checkmat for a free week of BJJ classes! We can’t wait to see you in the academy!
MEET OUR
WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTORS
Our Checkmat Knoxville team includes experienced black belts and world champions who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals. Come train with the best in Knoxville!
Sign up for a free week of BJJ classes!
Start your journey with a week of free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes! Join us and find all the benefits we have to offer at Checkmat Knoxville.
meet the leaders of
checkmat knoxville
Our team at Checkmat Knoxville is filled with several qualified professionals who are here to help students grow. They provide a positive atmosphere for students to thrive and have a great time. This is accompanied by multiple 2023 World Champions! Check out their bios and see who is helping you build up your BJJ and life skills!
Kevin-James Gonzalez
3rd Degree Black Belt | Multiple-Time World Champion | Licensed CCW Protective Agent | Community Leader
Professor Kevin James Gonzalez is a world-renowned 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, multiple-time world champion, and a man whose life is dedicated to more than medals—he’s devoted to people. As the founder and head instructor of Knoxville’s premier BJJ academy, Professor Gonzalez brings a rare blend of championship-level expertise and heartfelt leadership to every student, family, and community member he serves.
His passion for Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond the competition mats. For Professor Gonzalez, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a tool for transformation—a way to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in students of all ages and walks of life. He believes deeply in the power of family, loyalty, and community, and he’s built his academy as a place where students become teammates, and teammates become family.
Empowering Women & Protecting Children
Professor Gonzalez is a proud advocate for community-driven programs, including women’s self-defense workshops and bully-prevention courses for children. These programs are designed to empower, educate, and equip the most vulnerable members of our community with practical skills and life-saving knowledge.
Whether it’s teaching a mother how to defend herself and her children, or giving a young child the confidence to stand tall in the face of bullying—his mission is simple: create safer, stronger communities—one class at a time.
Working with Law Enforcement – With Integrity and Purpose
As a licensed CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) Protective Agent, Professor Gonzalez also plays a vital role in training law enforcement professionals. He specializes in teaching officers how to use effective, non-lethal control tactics that both subdue threats safely and respect civil liberties.
His experience in both high-level combat and civilian protection allows him to bridge the gap between defense and de-escalation, helping officers operate more ethically, more confidently, and with greater accountability in the communities they serve.
“It’s not just about fighting—it’s about protecting. It’s about responsibility. It’s about knowing when to engage and how to control a situation with skill, not force.”
– Professor Kevin James Gonzalez
Checkmat Knoxville
Certifications
Our BJJ Schedule!
Make sure to take a look at our class schedule! Open 7 days a week, we have plenty of time for you to sign up for martial arts classes!
Ready to start your
Jiu-Jitsu Journey
Are you interested in joining our Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy? Then make sure to sign up or reach out with any questions. We’re happy to answer any questions about our academy, Jiu-Jitsu training, self-defense, and more. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Us!
We are proud to provide Knoxville Jiu-Jitsu, as well as everyone within a 50 mile radius. You can find us perfectly located off the I-40 Rutledge Pike Road!