World Champion Opens Community-Focused Jiu Jitsu Gym in DC

On January 11, 2025, world champion Danielle Gallo and her fiancé, Aidan Oates, inaugurated Underworld Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) on H Street in Washington, D.C. The gym aims to provide a welcoming environment for individuals and families, offering various classes that promote fitness, competition, and community engagement.

Transforming Lives Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Underworld BJJ features a diverse schedule with classes available seven days a week. The gym caters to all age groups and skill levels, offering beginner-friendly classes, children’s sessions, women’s-only training, and competition preparation. Gallo, who recently became the 2025 Purple Belt Jiu Jitsu World Champion, emphasized the profound impact that BJJ has had on her life. “Jiu jitsu was the thing that entirely rebuilt my life,” she stated. “It taught me how to pick myself up again after I fall and has become the vehicle I use to teach people how to do the same in their own lives.”

Gallo’s journey in BJJ began during a challenging period in her life. Weighing only 82 pounds and feeling isolated, she found solace and strength in the sport. Her success in BJJ has not only transformed her physically but also led her to establish a business and build a supportive community around the sport.

A Commitment to Community Building

With the opening of Underworld BJJ, Gallo and Oates envision creating a space that fosters human connection and camaraderie. They aim to provide an inclusive atmosphere where families can bond, learn new skills, and find a sense of belonging. In the past year, a decline in community engagement due to federal layoffs highlighted the importance of such initiatives. To address this, the couple offered free memberships and self-defense workshops, organized free movie nights for children, and hosted community picnics.

These efforts reflect their commitment to bringing people together and showcasing the power of community. “A community can be built around a group of people who are committed to showing up and working hard,” Gallo noted. The gym’s grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring games and sparring for children from 11:00 to 12:00, followed by open sparring and refreshments for adults from 12:00 onwards.

As Underworld BJJ opens its doors, Gallo and Oates are dedicated to ensuring that their gym becomes a cornerstone of the H Street community, reinforcing the idea that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be a transformative experience for individuals and families alike.