Martial Arts Schools in Chicago

“TDC is absolutely place to go If you’re looking to get into jujitsu. My experience here was absolutely awesome and I’m super grateful for all the people on that especially the coaches such as Kyle, Jeremy and, of course, Dino. All the coaches truly care that you’re having the best and safest experience possible. If anyone ever asks me where they should go to learn, improve or compete in jujitsu, TDC will be the first and only place I would send them to.“

“I had my first class today, and it was a great experience. Coach Christian was very knowledgeable and took the time to help me understand the techniques. Everyone was respectful and welcoming, which made for an excellent first experience.
Also If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, this is also a great place to train and network, as many law enforcement officers train here.“

“5 stars are not enough to award Master Frank, Miss Amanda and Mr. Richard for what they do! My son has been taking taekwondo classes with them for a year now and his behavior and attention improved TREMMENDOUSLY! With his ADHD diagnosis and lack of attention at school my husband and I were very worried and didn't know how to help him. Fortunately, signing him up to Master Frank's Martial Arts studio has been a real life changer. Thank you team =)“

“Mission delivers everything you’d want from a MMA facility: knowledgeable coaches, a welcoming atmosphere, and training that pushes you to grow every single session. It’s a clean environment with everything you need under one roof.“

“One of the best jiu-jitsu gyms in Chicago. Everyone is friendly, respectful, and supportive. Training here feels like being part of a family while still getting top-quality instruction.“

“My son has been a part of this dojo since 8/13/2024, and I can honestly say joining was one of the best decisions we made. Trust me, it hasn’t always been easy. Growth, discipline, confidence, and learning how to push through challenges does not happen overnight. It’s a marathon, not a race.

When I first enrolled him, I was hesitant and unsure, but over time this dojo became so much more than a place to train — we gained a family. The instructors genuinely care for these children like they are their own. They encourage them, hold them accountable, support them, and truly want to see them succeed in every aspect of life.

I’ve watched my son grow mentally, emotionally, and physically since being here. Most importantly, I feel my son is in a safe place — a positive environment where he is protected, supported, challenged, and believed in. As a parent, that means everything.

I’m beyond grateful for this dojo and everything they continue to pour into my son.“

“The teacher, Mr. Mujica, is very professional and my granddaughter is learning the taekwondo skills plus discipline, obedience, we are so happy of how our granddaughter is improving her physical skills and her character.“

“Great gym - would highly recommend. Truly feel like Arnold working out here. Plus, it’s at a very competitive price. My only wish is that they would do monthly pricing but nevertheless, still got me roped in.“

“My son has attended their summer camp, after school program, and kids night out events and he LOVES this place. The coaches are very responsible and fun!“

“Great place to train and learn discipline. You do not have to sit on the bench to wait on a turn to show your skills. Everybody hits the mat!“

“The skating director is phenomenal. The ice is always smooth as they zamboni the ice after every class. The people at the facility are nice and are very welcoming. Whether you are a seasoned skater or brand new you will feel at home there. We used live close by but even now that we've moved far away I still travel to this rink. It isn't crowded and it is clean, modern and new. My kids and I love it there!“

“They train students to the best of there ability there Loyal and overall great people whether it’s in taekwondo or teaching everyone to be a leader !!“

“Joe, Caleb, Pat and all of the instructors are welcoming, helpful, modest and inclusive. Your peer students are also helpful. I'm always learning something new with each class. My initial plan was to just learn the fundamentals but I'm planning on staying long-term for the value of the instructions, repeating good habits and sparring/rolling with peers. The gym also has plenty of space so it never feels crowded especially compared to other gyms. Amazing place, thanks Joe and team!“

“Great place to learn martial arts and shorei-Goju sensei weiss is a amazing teacher for discipline and karate itself i love the community there.“

“I dropped in for a session while visiting from out of town and it was great. I’ve been boxing for 10 years and this crew knows what they’re doing. Ray and Shaun were so hospitable, picked up on my vibe and we had a blast. I would highly recommend this gym for all experience levels.“

“PLEASE,ONE DAY SOON HAVE SOME MORNING CLASSES FOR SENIORS ,ALL SENIORS DON'T FEEL SECURE GOING OUT AROUND HARDEN THUGS IN THE EVENING, PLEASE HELP THE SENIORS,?️♠️?️?️“

“I highly recommend HU SHIN KAI — 1000%! It’s an excellent dojo that teaches children independence and discipline. The instructors are firm yet fair, and students earn their belts only when they truly deserve them. This dojo organizes tournaments both nationally and internationally. My son is currently participating in one in Canada! I visited several other dojos while searching for the right one, and without a doubt, HU SHIN KAI is the best!“

“I’ve been attending classes weekly for the last two years now. I’ve enjoyed the master/instructor. He’s respectful, patient, and kind.

Classes have helped me with my overall fitness and cardio conditioning. I can feel myself getting more flexible and can see the visible progress of my forms and techniques.

I really appreciate the class schedule/format that allows me the flexibility to attend around other time commitments. I have a busy schedule, so it’s been comforting to know that if I miss a day, I can just show up on another weekday that works better for me.

The class sizes vary each night due to that flexibility. However, whether you train solo or with a group, the instructor/master keeps it professional and a good workout.

I personally enjoy my classmates. It’s predominantly BIPOC and chill people. No drama. We take training seriously and there’s room for fun and socializing.“

“I had the pleasure of meeting Sensei Pedro and Sensei Yohn before attending a training at SENSHI, These two are gentlemen and very kind! I attended a training and I have to say, it was energetic, focused on Kihon, Kumite and Kata ( three basics of Shotokan), and extremely inclusive. I love this School and These Senseis! Wether You have been training Shotokan for a long time or You are new and looking for a Martial Art to start, I highly recommend and believe in SENSHI Karate!“

“Have been a student for over 20 years. Chief instructor is an excellent role model for the youths that attend.“

“I achieved the rank of orange belt in Taekwondo/Hapkido and Master So is the best instructor in the city. He's extremely patient and kind and worth every penny for the discipline, physical activity, and indomitable spirit!“

“Our kids have been going here for just about a year now. In an effort to get our kids a little more physically active (and mentally disciplined), we started looking around for a martial arts class. After doing trials at a couple of places, we settled on Longman, and could not be happier with our choice.

Instructor Bret has built an exceptional program at Longman Martial arts. His teaching style is patient yet firm. He understands when to be strict and when to be compassionate, and the results are undeniable. My kids both love going to class, and their progress has pretty remarkable. They are both so much more coordinated and confident in their bodies, and I see progress in their discipline as well.

Perhaps the most important thing that separates Longman from other martial arts studios is the flexible scheduling. The tuition includes up to 3 days a week, and kids’ classes are available 5-6 days a week, depending on which class you’re enrolled in. That flexibility makes it so much easier for parents, because you’re not tied to a rigid schedule.“

“My child loves this place. The teachers are very patient and work so well with young kids.“

“My kids have been attending Cardenas TKD for over 4 years now, and I can honestly say that Master Cardenas has done an incredible job not only with my kids, but with our entire family. One of the things that has truly stood out to me is his willingness to be inclusive and supportive.

One of my children has a physical disability, and when I approached Master Cardenas to ask if it would be possible to modify certain activities so she could join her brother in class, he didn’t hesitate to say yes. What’s even more amazing is the progress she’s made—so much so that her doctors have seen significant improvement and she no longer needs physical therapy.

We are beyond grateful for the care, encouragement, and dedication he brings to every class.“

“Great place to learn martial arts. Very welcoming, friendly to beginners, an all-around very good group of people.“