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I have studied Aikido and Jiu Jitsu for many years and I strongly believe that everyone should have good hand to hand combat skills. While I do believe that Jiu Jitsu is an excellent martial art, Skiprr's comments are valid about some of the potential "problems" with the art. Every art has it's strengths and weaknesses and Hollywood has badly blurred the line of reality.
Here is my .02 cents. To learn a martial art requires a lot of time, patience and dedication. You have to do it for the love of the art. If you just want practical self defense skills, get into a boxing class. If you can learn basic striking, movement, footwork, and balance, you will know 90% of what you need to protect yourself on the street. Supplement that by taking a grappling class or studying a grappling art like Jiu jitsu, Judo, or even Aikido so that you will have some skills if the fight goes to the ground. There are no magic bullets unfortunately.