Carlos Gracie learned Kodokan Judo from Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 1900s in Brazil, after Maeda had immigrated to Brazil from Japan. This curriculum was passed within the Gracie family up till the modern era, whereas it was developed through cross-pollination with both other rival schools in Brazil and other traditions such as Vale Tudo.

Helio Gracie is one of the most prominent historical members of the Gracie family in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and served formerly as its nominal head until his passing in 2009. He fought a noteworthy series of exhibition matches popularizing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in and outside of Brazil. After Helio Gracie's passing, Rickson Gracie, a son of Helio Gracie, was chosen to represent Gracie Jiu-Jitsu since.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was famously promoted to the USA and the world in the UFC (the Ultimate Fighting Championship) that the Gracie family used as a means to prove the superiority of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu over other challengers from other martial arts. This led to the wide and rapid spread of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu outside of Brazil. Royce Gracie is regarded as legendary for his participation in the early UFC. Rickson Gracie is similarly regarded due to his extensive fight record and participation in PRIDE and other venues.

Other notable members of the Gracie family include Royler Gracie, Relson Gracie, Rorion Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr, Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, and more.