Martial Arts Schools near Glen Ellyn

“My daughter has been attending classes for over 3 years and loves this school over others we tried. Very thorough instruction and very caring atmosphere. And fun and engaging! We love it here!“

“We have positive experience with CKC and with all the coaches. What we like about the Sensei is that he is gentle and tough when it comes to discipline which was the main reason we put my nephew in Karate. He has earned brown/black belt and working towards his black belt. Thanks to CKC Sensei and other coaches.“

“Great place, great people. If your considering enrollment there's a completely free class to check out the place.“

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been a member of the teen and adult class at World Class Taekwondo for three years now. I cannot say enough good things about the school and Master Eskew, Master Polanski, and Master Gates who pour their hearts into making this place so welcoming, fun, and challenging. There are very few times in life that you get to meet folks who have dedicated their lives to a craft and they want to come alongside you and share it with you. When you decide to try something new and learn a martial art for the first time as an adult, you count your blessings when you find people who want to cheer you on and support that journey, wherever it may take you! There is so much beauty in a practice that requires your mental and physical dedication. I am never bored, and I leave each class feeling proud of myself and my classmates. My time in class is precious to me, and I am always grateful for the 45-minute break from the stress and chaos of life. This is a very special school, where anyone can find their own Taekwondo!“

“We are so pleased with the program. My son has built skills in focus and confidence as well as physical skills. The staff is amazing. They are always checking in to make sure you are satisfied with the classes and to see where they can improve. I would recommend TBK to everyone!“

“My son started at the Bartlett location a year ago. The staff is really friendly and encouraging of all the kids. It’s a great atmosphere for them to be a part of. I have recently started the adult program myself. It’s a lot of fun and I recommend checking it out.“

“Sonny is great with the kids. He is fun and has a great teaching style. Mr. Nelson is awesome. Kids listen to him and pay attention. Great place. Very flexible with the classes and accommodating the times /days that work best for parents!“

“Best Jui Jitsu and MMA in the area, they have unlimited training partners and the best coaches. Coach Joey Diehl is a class act.“

“A fantastic place to learn karate and important life skills. The coaches are professional, supportive, and motivating. Highly recommend this academy.My son is really enjoying his classes ..“

“Dropped in while visiting the area and had a great experience. The gym was very clean, the instruction was excellent, and everyone was welcoming from the moment I walked in.“

“I don't have anything to compare it to but my 9 year old daughter enjoys her classes, they offer a good mix of times, and the instructors are engaging and passionate. Would recommend to families looking to get their kids in to martial arts.“

“We love Master Jay! My kids 12 & 14 yrs old love coming here. They’ve gained confidence and focus. He seems to easily adapt to whatever learning style a child needs (adults too).
I love the flexibility that he offers to drop in to any class day.“

“The best mma classes for kids in Naperville! All of the senseis are amazing and they put their heart in what they do!“

“Recently took on the Muay Thai class; Coach Silv is a great instructor & has a lot of patience for beginners & runs a great kids class also! Great environment!“

“Love KMA of Bartlett!!! Ms Sugino is an incredible instructor. My first son was lucky to be part of her very first Mini Ninjas class. It was so amazing to watch him grow & develop under her guidance. If we hadn’t moved away, I would have had all three of my boys coming to her classes. Ms Sugino is such a kind & compassionate soul who undoubtedly loves what she does, teaching her students to be of good character & grow in confidence.“

“Great school that have a truly inclusive culture. They focus on balancing the traditional with modern day training concepts. Instructors are also great at adjusting training for each student.“

“Amazing place for your kid! Watching my 5-year-old grow in listening, confidence, and strength has been truly heartwarming. The Taekwondo instructors are so patient, encouraging, and kind. They help kids believe in themselves while teaching discipline and respect in a fun, positive environment. I’m so grateful we found this place—highly recommend!
It feels amazing being part of such a great group of people! Thank you for all you are doing for our kids!

Vuk’s mom :)“

“Have been training for past 10yrs and I love it... highly encourage parents like me to sign up“

“I love going to karate every single day. the instructors are so nice to me, and make me feel like home. i love the support they give me every day to help me learn and feel like family“

“Coach Mike is top of the top. He knows exactly how to pass on his knowledge in a clear and effective way. Very professional great attitude, and real experience you can feel on the mat. High level training great atmosphere, and serious results. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to truly learn and improve.“

“I always wanted to get into a combat sport but i was very nervous in going to the gym. I heard about Top Notch and i wanted to give it a try and i absolutely love it. The environment here is very welcoming, im able to train with people who have way more experience than me and they are good to work with especially since i dont have the same experience. Finding the right gear for me was also a little hard but Mac who is the owner has very good gear for good prices. Overall this gym is awesome and if you are someone like me who is nervous to start, i recommend coming to Top Notch and train with the best.“

“JKD and Krav Maga are the best combined training for self defense Ive found in 20+ years. Of training.“

“Excelent place for Martial Arts for your kids. World renowned organization that excells in Martial Arts. I highly recommend!!!“

“My girl started taekwondo at the age of 4 ,Now she is 7 ,She have 1st degree black belt ,She goes to Aurora location , She is super flexible ,strong .Thanks to Master Carlos of Aurora YK center for all support and help to grow her .“

“A good school with not only fun in mind, but Taekwondo skills as well. While the majority of people enrolled in this place are mostly young children, there are plenty of older children, and some adults. This place teaches all ages, and does it quite well.

Masters Kim and John work to provide a safe environment for young ones, and facilitate learning there. Master Kim is an excellent authority figure, but at the same time can be delicate in situations. Master John will usually take charge of the classes, and is good at understanding when is the right time for humor. Both are very skilled in the art of Taekwondo. They teach an important concept, that Taekwondo should only be used for self-defense.

The place also offers classes for Hapkido, another martial art. There is also a Demo team available for enrollment to students that have the red belt or higher. Demo team develops and practices fight scenes, martial arts forms, and an overall action-packed performance, which is performed at the start of belt tests. Tournaments and Taekwondo events – usually involved with the World Taekwondo Federation – are advertised here, good for the kid who really wants to take his Taekwondo experience to the next level.

Last but not least, Black Belt Excellence offers Ninja Night, a good 3 hour funorama for kids. You bring nerf guns and a snack, and of course money to pay for the event, and it’s basically a good time for kids. Good if you want a night out with your spouse. Its popular with – and to a small degree, oriented for – younger kids.

Overall, this is a flexible and wonderful place to learn taekwondo.

EDIT FEB. 2026: Master John has not worked at B.B.E. for five years. I was a student for several years, but have not been a student for several years. I was a student at the time of posting this Google Maps review. B.B.E never employed me.“

“My Son and Daughter takes classes here. Great Place, Great Instructor.
Kosta Shamata
Luxara Real Estate LLC“

“This is my ninth year doing Taekwondo at P.S. Academy, and it has been an amazing community from the start. We learn not only how to strengthen the body but also the mind. Discipline, confidence, and resilience are topics we practice every day.

The staff are incredibly kind, patient, and help every student at a customized pace. The environment is extremely motivating and the parents are just as hardworking as their kids.

P.S. Academy is a great place for all ages to grow into their best version of themselves at their own pace.“