Pretty gym, friendly people, great instructor, champion students and friendly helpful and you…read moreshould try it

I took an hour long train ride up to Evanston just to drop-in to the 6:30am class. This is by far…read morethe most beautiful BJJ school/gym I've ever been to. It is in a new shared space called Gym 1801. The gym is very modern and has locker rooms with all the amenities (towels, hair dryers, soap/shampoo/conditioner, etc.) The instructor and students in the class were both very helpful and friendly. There were also two other women there which was awesome to see. We started with a pummeling drill to warm-up then did about 30-40 minutes of drilling. We finished with some positionals then rounds of rolling. If you are visiting the northern Chicago/Evanston area you should definitely check out Serafin BJJ. The only downside is knowing what I'm missing out on when I go back to my home gym that's in a warehouse :'(

If you're not sure what to do for summer camp this year, I highly recommend Connelly's Academy Tae…read moreKwon Do Day Camp in Evanston. It's available for first graders on up. If you're looking for a NON CONTACT martial art experience where they focus on mutual support & respect, development of skills and personal growth, this camp is a winning option. Benefits to students include improvements in fitness, self-confidence, character and leadership. They teach perseverance, integrity, courtesy, and emphasize developing an indomitable spirit, as well as compassion and self control. It's a positive, inclusive, non-competitive environment where kids get to be both physically active, as well as having some calm activities (music, learning some history, yoga, etc.). I cannot say enough positive things about the experience my family has had with Connelly's Academy. Camp runs June 8 through Aug 7, and the nice thing is that you can register in one week blocks, so if you want to sign up for a week here and a week there due to travel or other commitments, it's more flexible than many other camps. Here's the link: https://www.connellysacademy.com/summer-camp/

My kids and I have been going to Connelly Academy for over 10 years for the classes. And kids had…read morebeen going to their Summer Camp every summer as well. I can't say enough about the staff, and Grandmaster Connelly is absolutely amazing. He has such amazing way with hyperactive kids, he had been called 'the kid whisperer'. I like adult classes too, they are designed for all levels of fitness, and you are never too old to join!

Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for lessons…read moreabout a year ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible. He's moved quickly through the program and has now moved into the intermediate level class. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participated in his very first "Dojo Duel" last spring and loved it. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. All the participants are recognized and receive medals, but they still recognize the top competitors in every age group as well. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport and you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. We love Sensei Dave at the Wilmette Dojo, he clearly cares about his students and really invests his time in their development. My son often arrives early or stays after class (by choice) because he is so eager to learn from him. He also has taken private lessons (again by his own request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He will be participating in another Dojo Duel this fall and then his first major competition, the Fonseca Cup. This place is the real deal, you will not regret sending your child.

We had been told for years to try Karate. Unfortunately, we listened to those who had not tried…read morebefore, thinking that it would bring out aggressive tendencies in our kids and that they'd be practicing in each other all the time. We wish we had not listened to these people. Fonseca has been such a wonderful oasis for my kids. Let's begin with the heart and soul of the program: the amazing Sensei's. These men and women are such wonderful role models. They are always supportive, energized, and keep the class moving. They focus on the importance of character foremost rather than the outcome. My kids happily go at least 2 times a week - which is a miracle in itself. They are in a class where there is a wide range of ages and skill levels but no one ever feel intimidated or embarrassed. They get a very intense workout, while having fun, making new friends, gaining coordination and confidence. If you've ever thought of having your kiddos try Karate, don't wait! Sign them up. You will not regret it.

My son has been going there since he was 3.5 years old. He first went to a Tae Kwon Do class with…read morehis cousins in San Diego and had so much fun we looked for classes here. We visited 3 other places before finding ATA and stayed. The first three places weren't very kid friendly and the instruction was more geared towards teenagers and up. The ATA program is definitely designed better for kids and they teach confidence and respect.

I came in as a groupon student - 16 classes, uniform, and belt test for $30…read more However, as a groupon student, you are not taught form, and you take a downgraded belt test which means you do not advance to the next belt. Instruction is poor. I have studied tae kwon do in three different martial arts schools. This place is in every way inferior. A mixed combat arts class at the local gym has more discipline and technique than the classes offered here. Or maybe that's how the instructor was with me, as the solitary female student in an adult class, and a groupon student at that. Further, not one of my classes ever started on time (7:45 p.m. class started at 8:25 p.m.). Instructor would frequently take breaks to chat with colleagues, play with his phone, or do his own thing. As a female student, and a white belt at that, I was severely injured by the black belt instructor and owner of this tae kwon do school. The instructor hit me hard enough to leave black and blue marks all over my hands, arms, legs, thighs, neck and back. I cannot even bend my right knee any more, and my doctor has ordered radiology tests and specialist appointments. I asked to wear padding before any contact activity, and was told it was unnecessary. I brought my own protective gear from home and insisted on using it during the entire class. Still, the instructor hit me with enough force that now, almost two weeks later, I still cannot walk without pain or stand up straight. The cost of the doctor's appointments alone negate any value obtained from the groupon. This is a martial arts school to avoid at all costs. If you like tae kwon do, try W. Kim Tae Kwon Do (Lake Zurich or Palatine) or Ki Martial Arts (Mundelein). The instruction is of higher quality, and female students are not discouraged from attending.

Our kids have had a wonderful experience here. They do a great job keeping the kids engaged while…read moreteaching them patience, respect and body control. The birthday party package is also top notch. The kids are moving and having fun plus cake cutting with a sword! highly recommend!

We had our daughters 6th birthday party at Agbon Martial Arts. They did a wonderful job, helping…read moresetup all the decorations, engaging all her friends to participate, and taking photos to share for everyone. Watching the kids faces to break a board was a highlight. Best birthday party. Master Mary Ann delivers great communication so it's very clear what to expect the day of the party. We can't thank Agbon Martial Arts enough for this wonderful party and what they provide each week in class for our daughter. Thank you!

This place is great! If you want your child to feel welcomed and also grow in character and…read moreconfidence. It's a family run business, and filled with heart. I truly enjoyed seeing my son run with excitement to class and see Master Shim greeting him with a big smile at the entry. Every class is different and the kids learn a lot and get their energy out. Master Psi typically teaches and has a great way of leading class, creating a positive and encouraging environment for all the kids of different age groups. Master Psi is impressive, and instills respect, integrity, and discipline. He is kind, patient, and truly great with kids and can run an entire class effectively bu himself. As I would observe him in practice, many parents would do the same and speak so highly of him, and also mention the positive influence this place has had on their kids - many growing in confidence and discipline. Truly a great place. My son was 5 when he started, the youngest of the bunch, and did 3 months of classes. We moved this summer, and he still misses the class and all his friends there! Truly a great program for all age groups. Thank you again Master Shim and Master Psi for your dedication, patience, and kindness.

If you want to join this Martial Arts class, you will notice Master Shim will force you to pay for…read moreatleast 3 months. There is no monthly option. Actually he will convince you to pay for a year. And there is a SOLID reason behind it! UNLESS you have a super athletic body and have been doing gymnastics for years, YOU WILL INCUR AN INJURY IN THIS CLASS!! And then Master Shim WILL NOT REFUND YOUR MONEY but will try to CONVINCE you to continue the class even after incurring an injury. I incurred a leg injury while doing this class since there is no prep. training and you will be thrown into class which can be mild or severe depending on the "mood" of the trainer, who is the son of Master Shim. My knee injury was so severe in Shim's class, I had to be treated by Bone & Knee institute and furthermore had to consult with a medical doctor who put me into a rehab and strictly prohibited me to continue Shim's training. I was affected for a whole month with my work and travel plans adversely affected. So I approached Master Shim with a doctor note and showed my injury and asked politely for a partial refund, ONLY for unused time since he received 3months advance ( remember Master Shim always charges you for 3 months and even try to convince you for 1 yr advance payment). First he gave me a lot of BS, saying that I should be a "man" and continue this class even I was in Rehab for a month. I left that day but approached him a few days later and told him that I will never be able to continue this class, so please refund my unused time only (which was 2/3rd). Master Shim told me to come after a month since he was "tight" on money to provide me any refund. So I waited one month and went back to him again. Master Shim started to act upset with me and said that he talked to his son, who is the actual owner of this Martial Arts operation (Which is a lie, Master Shim is the real owner), and that his son has advised Master Shim to only refund me $100 (instead of $350). I was quite shocked but knowing that something is better than nothing at that point, asked him to refund only $100. He again asked me to come back again (4th time) and made an appointment with me at 5pm the next day. When I went at 5pm the next day, he was nowhere to be found. I left disappointed but came back around 6:30pm (5th time) and he was still nowhere to be found. I asked his son where he was, and Master Shim was apparently hiding in the backroom instead of in his front office, as he always is. By this time I was convinced that Master Shim is a CROOK. But I waited patiently outside his office as he said he will write me a check. After a couple of minutes, he brought out an empty checkbook showing me he ran out of checks and that I should come again tomorrow. I have had enough with this sleazeball named Master SHIM by this time. I simply told him firmly that I will contact an attorney and take him to court for running an operation which causes injuries to people. I also informed him that I will contact Attorney General's office and Better Business Bureau about his dishonest business practices. But that time his son came outside and was witnessing the conversation who inculcated some sense to his dad to just refund the money instead of jerking a customer around. Master Shim still refused to provide a refund, which he had promised!! At that point his son pulled out his cell phone and offered me a refund of only $100, when they actually owed me around $350. The moral of the story here is that Master Shim runs a business which is causing major injuries to people and there is a reason why they ask for 3 months or years worth of advance upfront. Unless you are an athlete or a gymnastics person or know Martial arts already, you WILL INCUR AN INJURY HERE. And guess What? You will receive a goodbye from this operation if you ask for any refund. Actually they will encourage to bring your injured self back again, and continue to get injured because there is no money back. JOIN THIS SHIM'S TRAINING AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Ive had the privilege of being an instructor at ATA Martial Arts of Franklin Park, and it's one of…read morethe most rewarding roles I've ever had. This school offers far more than just Taekwondo classes -- it delivers a complete martial arts experience built around discipline, confidence, leadership, and physical fitness. From kids taking their first martial arts class to adults training for personal growth, every student is treated like family. The programs are structured, age-appropriate, and designed to help students succeed in school, at home, and in life. As an instructor, I see daily how martial arts improves focus, respect, and perseverance. Families looking for kids martial arts near Franklin Park or a Taekwondo school in the Chicago suburbs will find an incredible support system here. The leadership team sets a high standard, and the instructors work together to create a safe, positive, and motivating environment. If you're searching online for martial arts in Franklin Park, IL, ATA Martial Arts stands out. I'm proud to be part of a school that's been serving the community for years and continues to make a real difference in students' lives.

Review from Max Jarzyna -- Instructor…read more As an instructor at ATA Martial Arts of Franklin Park, I get to see firsthand what makes this school special every single day. This is not just a Taekwondo school in Franklin Park, Illinois -- it's a community that builds confidence, discipline, respect, and strong character in kids, teens, and adults. Our martial arts program focuses on real skill development: proper Taekwondo technique, physical fitness, goal setting, and leadership training. I've watched students come in shy or unsure and grow into confident, focused leaders both on and off the mat. Parents regularly tell us how much improvement they see in behavior, attention, and self-esteem. What sets ATA Franklin Park apart from other martial arts schools near Chicago is the culture. The instructors truly care about every student's progress, and the environment is positive, structured, and motivating. Whether you're looking for kids martial arts, teen programs, or adult Taekwondo classes, this school meets you where you are and helps you grow. If you're searching for the best martial arts school in Franklin Park or the surrounding suburbs, I can confidently say this is the place. I'm proud to be part of a team that changes lives through martial arts.

My child has been attending WTMAC for 3 years now. No complaints at all. My child has disabilities…read moreand normally attends outside therapies as well. Due to her attendance in classes she no longer needs outside therapies to help with her muscle weakness.

We've been sending our 3 kids (11, 8, 6 year olds) to White Tiger since January 2022 and we have…read moreloved it! The Master works really well with kids. You can tell that he knows how to instruct them well. Our 6 year old didn't even want to do Tae Kwon Do and we just kind of pushed her a little. She loves it now and is a dark blue belt. More to come!