Numerous studies have studied the relationships between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke. However, findings remain controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between MMP gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke by using a meta-analysis. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were systemically searched. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers, and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Eleven studies were enrolled, including a total of 589 cases and 494 controls of MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G; 1,817 cases and 1,731 controls of MMP-3 -1612 5A/6A; and 540 cases and 547 controls of MMP-9 -1562C/T. Under the dominant and recessive models, respectively, the overall ORs and 95 % CIs of -1607 2G were 1.54, 1.16-2.04 (P = 0.005) and 1.25, 0.95-1.65 (P = 0.457); the overall ORs and 95 % CIs of -1612 6A were 1.01, 0.84-1.21 (P = 0.003) and 0.88, 0.75-1.03 (P = 0.057); and the overall ORs and 95 % CIs of -1562T were 0.78, 0.59-1.02 (P = 0.460) and 1.65, 0.73-3.75 (P = 0.340). No publication bias was found in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G and MMP-3 -1612 5A/6A were risk factors for ischemic stroke, while MMP-9 -1562C/T was not associated with ischemic stroke.