LIVE · PITTSBURGH / PA LAT 40.52°N · LON 80.03°W EST / 2015 · TAC TEAM AFFILIATE REV 4.6 / HOMEPAGE
Pittsburgh's #1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

True Believer Jiu-Jitsu

Your first Jiu-Jitsu class is free.

Detailed technique. Hard training. A room that actually remembers your name — and a coach who cares if you come back. No experience needed. Beginners start here every week.

Claim Your Free Class Or call the gym 878-203-9985
✓ No contracts ✓ No experience needed ✓ Loaner gi provided
5.0 Google · 47+ reviews
10+ Years on the mat
400+ Students trained
TAC Team affiliate · 2025
// 001 · Start Here

For people
who've never
been on a mat.

Most of our students walked in nervous. None of them have regretted it. True Believer is built around a simple promise — we meet you exactly where you are, and we get you better every week.

01

"I'm not in shape
for this."

You don't have to be. Jiu-Jitsu is the conditioning — show up consistently for a month and your body will keep up. We pace beginners, no exceptions.

Zero fitness requirement
02

"I've never
trained before."

Good. That's most of the room on day one. Our Intro Jiu-Jitsu program is a no-sparring on-ramp that teaches the movements, positions, and vocabulary before you roll with anyone.

Beginner-first program
03

"What if I don't
fit in?"

You will. Kids, teens, women, competitors, executives, first-responders — if you walk in with respect, you're part of the room. It's the TAC Team culture: welcoming and serious about getting better.

Inclusive by design
Cinematic training shot — True Believer Jiu-Jitsu
Inside True Believer Jiu-Jitsu — Pittsburgh
No-Gi training session at True Believer
Women's BJJ class at True Believer Jiu-Jitsu
// 002 · The Program

Six ways
to train.

Programs for every age and level — from a first day on the mat to advanced grappling. Adults, teens, and kids all train in a structured, welcoming environment.

Intro Jiu-Jitsu class
CL / 01

Intro
Jiu-Jitsu

The perfect starting point. Basic movements, positions, and concepts with no sparring — a comfortable on-ramp for complete beginners.

ADULT · BEGINNER→
Adult gi Jiu-Jitsu class at True Believer
CL / 02

Jiu-Jitsu

Core adult program. Technical instruction, drilling, and live rounds covering the full range of positions and submissions.

ADULT · ALL LEVELS→
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique at True Believer
CL / 03

Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu

Deep focus on the gi game — guard work, sweeps, submissions, and the technical details that separate good from great.

ADULT · ALL LEVELS→
No-Gi grappling at True Believer Jiu-Jitsu
CL / 04

No-Gi
Jiu-Jitsu

Grappling without the gi — faster pace, body control, scrambles, and submission chains used in modern competition.

ADULT · ALL LEVELS→
Teens Jiu-Jitsu class
CL / 05

Teens
Jiu-Jitsu

Structured training designed for teens — builds discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in a positive environment.

TEENS · ALL LEVELS→
Kids Jiu-Jitsu class
CL / 06

Kids
Jiu-Jitsu

Fun, safe, and age-appropriate. Kids learn movement, respect, and self-defense while building friendships on the mat.

KIDS · ALL LEVELS→
// 003 · Head Coach

Coach
Jake Miclot

Black belt. Opened True Believer in 2015 because Pittsburgh deserved a serious room. TAC Team affiliate since 2025.

Coach Jake Miclot teaching technique at True Believer Jiu-Jitsu HEAD COACH

True Believer Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 2015 by black-belt Jacob Miclot. Since day one, the school has worked to foster an inclusive and safe environment for practitioners of every size, age, and experience level.

In 2025, True Believer Jiu-Jitsu became a part of TAC (Thursday Afternoon Crew) Team — a prominent association committed to the development of great citizens through the art of Jiu-Jitsu. The team emphasizes a strong, supportive, and competitive, community-focused culture.

Jake's philosophy is simple: anyone who walks in should leave a better version of themselves. That happens through detailed instruction, a welcoming room, and a genuine investment in each student — from their first day on the mat to their first competition medal.

10+Years Coaching
7Weekly Classes
1Family of Athletes
Read the Full Story
// 004 · Field Reports

What
students say.

Unedited quotes from students who've actually put in the time. Read all 47 Google reviews →

via Google

The place has nothing but a loving crowd of kids. Just like this is a family, I just don't want to leave. They have all welcomed me in with open arms. Regardless of what I'm going through, I walk in and feel at home. They teach in a profound way, and give all students the tools to better themselves.

Adam WhiteStudent · 2y
via Google

Jake Miclot is the real deal. If you want to learn BJJ the right way — detailed instruction, a welcoming room, and people who genuinely care about your progress — True Believer is the spot in Pittsburgh.

Joanna RodrigoStudent · 3y
via Google

I have been training for a little over a year and it is one of the best decisions I have made. I walked in knowing no one and left day one feeling part of a team. The coaches break things down in a way that makes BJJ approachable for anyone.

Andrew DeMartinisStudent · 1y
// 005 · Free Intro Class

Step on the
mat this week.

Show up fifteen minutes early. Borrow a gi if you don't have one. Try a class, meet the room, and decide for yourself. The only wrong move is waiting another week.

Book My Free Class Get Directions
  • When7 days a week · evenings + weekend
  • Where997 West View Park Drive · Pittsburgh, PA 15229
  • BringAthletic clothes · water · a good attitude
  • Cost$0 · No contracts · Cancel anytime