Salt Lake City's home for world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction
At Marangoni BJJ, we don't just teach Jiu-Jitsu — we change lives and build communities.
Our academy is led by Gabriel Marangoni, an internationally decorated competitor and world-class referee whose experience on the global stage shapes everything we do. He doesn't just know what championship-level Jiu-Jitsu looks like — he's lived it, competed in it, and judged it at the highest levels. That perspective is woven into every class, every correction, and every belt promotion.
Behind that leadership is a curriculum that stands apart. Structured, clearly defined, and time-tested, our program gives students a genuine roadmap — not a random collection of techniques, but a progressive, purposeful path that builds real skill at every level. You'll always know where you are, and where you're going.
But what truly makes Marangoni BJJ different is the people. Our team operates as a family, and our students as a community. Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or preparing for your next major competition, you'll be surrounded by people who genuinely invest in your growth.
Through Jiu-Jitsu, we've witnessed lives transform — weight lost, confidence found, friendships forged, and goals achieved far beyond what students thought possible. Our mission is to help good people become even better, guided by the life lessons that only Jiu-Jitsu can teach.
Welcome to Marangoni BJJ — your path to a healthier, stronger, and more connected life.
Gabriel and his older brother Rafael co-founded Marangoni BJJ in 2008. Gabriel was first introduced to BJJ at the age of 13, and after watching a demonstration class at his school, he dedicated himself fully to the sport. Training three times a day, six days a week, he earned his Black Belt at age 19 — in just 4 years and 8 months.
Gabriel's development was guided by his brother Rafael and strongly influenced by 12-time world champion Caio Terra. To this day, he competes under the Caio Terra Academy (CTA) flag. Professor Marangoni has competed and taught seminars in over 30 countries, sharing his expertise with thousands of students worldwide. He also serves as an IBJJF referee worldwide at events including Worlds, Master Worlds, No-Gi Worlds, Pan Ams, No-Gi Pans, Europeans, and others — including a memorable match featuring Mark Zuckerberg.
Gabriel began teaching classes in 2008 as a purple belt, bringing nearly two decades of teaching experience to every class at Marangoni BJJ.
Anh's martial arts journey is proof that it is never too late to find your passion. He discovered Judo in 2007 in his thirties, dedicating over a decade to “the gentle way” before earning his Judo Black Belt on August 5, 2018, from the renowned Cahill's Judo Academy in Northern California.
In 2013, Anh expanded his grappling horizons by stepping onto the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mats, but it was in 2022 — under the guidance of Professor Marangoni — that his passion for BJJ truly ignited. Training with a renewed, serious focus, he has since earned the rank of BJJ Purple Belt. Anh's Judo background brings a powerful, dynamic takedown and leverage dimension to the academy's instruction. He is dedicated to providing a motivating, safe, and fun environment where students of all ages can realize their full potential on the mats.
Outside the academy, Anh's life reflects a deep commitment to building both communities and homes. He began his professional path as a community organizer and youth counselor before going on to receive Master's degrees in City Planning and Architecture. He then channeled that expertise into a career as a project architect and construction manager, eventually retiring as a custom homebuilder. In his retirement, he enjoys spending his spare time snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and enjoying some lively horseplay with his three kids and two dogs.
Coach Gerardo is a brown belt under Professor Gabriel Marangoni and teaches the 6:00 AM classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. He is very passionate about Jiu-Jitsu and wants others to enjoy it as well. He is happy to help and teach all who walk through the academy doors.
Gerardo's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey started in 2018. After two weeks of training, he signed up for his first tournament and has tried to compete as often as possible.
Recently, his focus has been to become a better coach and training partner on the mats. Off the mats, he enjoys watching comedy and martial arts movies, and he has recently picked up dancing Cumbia!
Coach Matt's martial arts journey began in 1998 when he entered the United States Marine Corps. As a combat veteran, he has experienced firsthand how Jiu-Jitsu builds resilience, applying its lessons to his daily life and teaching style. Training under Professor Gabriel, Matt seamlessly integrates his military background and tactical expertise into a highly practical approach to grappling.
A dedicated instructor, Matt spent nearly eight years as the head of combatives and conflict resolution for the Utah juvenile corrections system, and frequently teaches women's self-defense and law enforcement clinics. At Marangoni BJJ, he currently leads our Baby Sharks classes, bringing the same patience, structure, and passion to our youngest students. He remains a lifelong student of the game, believing there is always something to learn from everyone on the mats.
Outside the academy, Matt coaches his son's lacrosse team, enjoys the outdoors, and is an avid nature and macro photographer.
Roger is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt under Professor Gabriel and leads the Wednesday evening Beginner's Class. His jiu-jitsu is defined by economy of motion, technical precision, clean transitions, and deliberate structure — a minimalist approach built on principles rather than athleticism. He stumbled onto the art in 2006 at a small gym near his college dorms, and what began as an accidental discovery became a first love.
To Roger, jiu-jitsu is an infinite and beautiful game of strategy — dynamic problem solving under pressure, medicine for the mind and soul. There's nothing he enjoys more than sharing it with those just beginning the journey.
Off the mats, Roger is an emergency physician and entrepreneur. His six-year-old son also trains at Marangoni BJJ and has a gift for taking the back when least expected.
This academy is arguably one of the best in the country. Professor Gabriel's level of understanding is exceptional. Not only is...
I was in town for a work trip and wanted to get some rolls in while I was away from home, so I dropped by Marangoni...
Training at Marangoni BJJ was one of the best Jiu-Jitsu experiences I've ever had. The academy is spotless...
Amazing instruction at a beautiful academy! Whether you are new to jiu jitsu or have trained for a number of years...
This is the best place for Jiujitsu, no matter your skill level! Gabriel is an experienced and dedicated instructor...
Great gym with a super clean beautiful space and an awesome, female-friendly vibe. Gabriel is a knowledgeable and respectful professor...
So I was visiting the area and unfortunately professor was not there, but the people there to open the gym were very welcoming...
Super high quality instruction from Professor Gabriel! The academy is very clean and welcoming...
Training here has been an incredible experience. Professor Marangoni is not only a world champion but also an outstanding teacher...
Amazing instruction, organized curriculum, great attention to detail that Professor Gabriel adapts to make applicable at any skill level!...
The academy is beautiful and the instruction is top tier. Gabriel is not only a great competitor but also an amazing teacher...
Just recently moved to Utah for school and I stumbled upon this place. This gym is amazing and Professor Gabriel is one of the best in the world!...
New and clean gym. I have been training with Gabriel for months and his instructions are always clear and detailed...
Gabriel Marangoni is not only a great teacher with a set and proven plan but an excellent competitor and expert on all things BJJ...
World class instruction in a clean, safe, motivating environment! The curriculum is organized and technical...
Hands down the best martial arts dojo in Salt Lake City. Professor Gabriel is a world class athlete and very knowledgeable...
I'm new to Brazilian jiu-jitsu but I have a wrestling background and I can say that Marangoni is a great place to roll...
My daughter has been going to Marangoni since January. It's been wonderful watching her develop skills and progress through jiu-jitsu...
Professor Gabriel is excellent. I am 51 years old and started on my BJJ path in January 2025. I look forward to class...
Thank God this place opened up! Been looking for a place to train for 3 months since I moved from California...
I had such a big progress in my BJJ while training with Professor Marangoni. I was having a hard time after many years of...
If you're looking for a top-tier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school with an outstanding instructor, Gabriel's academy is the place to be....
During my Jiu-Jitsu journey, I've had the opportunity to train in several places across Brazil and the United States. When I...
Professor Marangoni is an outstanding instructor who seamlessly blends his extensive experience in competition and teaching with...
Your first class is free. No experience needed. Just show up.