Tracy's System of Kenpo Karate…read more 5 Stars for this intense, practical, streetwise, and effective self defense martial art. This traditional discipline is amazing. I have finally found something I am passionate about that does not fizzle out the deeper I get into it. On the contrary, the more time I devote to this art, the more my interest is stimulated. Not only do SDC offer very affordable private lessons and packages, but this includes UNLIMITED group classes Mon-Sat. This is particularly beneficial since you are not just learning a new technique and forgetting it, you are given the resources to practice it daily, if you wish. In my book, practice makes permanent not perfect. At places like this the instructor either makes or breaks the school....in this particular case, he makes it. Tim is extremely patient, well-disciplined, and honest. As a natural leader & teacher, he tailors his teaching style to your needs. He pays significant attention to detail and you quickly learn to do the same, which only perfects your skills in the art. However, be forewarned: This place is not for those with a craven character. We like to hit....hard.

I've been very happy with Self Defense Centers and I have been taking classes there for almost two…read moreyears. It's practical, hands-on self defense training that's based on Kenpo, a type of martial art. I'm not really in it for the martial art part -- I started taking classes there after I got mugged and was terrified of being on the street (or anywhere) alone. I think it's done a lot for my self-esteem because what you learn is *very* practical. You learn how to kick, deflect punches, elbow, etc. As a female I've always been reserved when it's come to using violence but Tim, the trainer, has taught me not to feel so "afraid" to do things, like kick some in the balls, when necessary. :) Tim is really good about making the one-on-one sessions best meet your needs so whatever it is that you're there for you are likely to get a lot out of the classes. I highly recommend this place if you're interested in actual martial arts classes or if you simply want to become more streetwise and develop basic self defense skills.

They train well, positive attitudes, help you protect yourself and others, respect to other,…read moreeveryone is super nice including all of the instructors!

Krav Maga Illinois is not just a fitness or self-defense space. It is truly a school - a place…read morewhere our children have grown, learned, and improved both inside and out. The teachers and staff are welcoming while also firm, experienced, and superbly knowledgeable. They know children and treat them with care and respect that makes you instantly care and respect them in return. We have tried other forms of self-defense; Krav is the only one where we have actually seen real-life circumstances and situations addressed in concrete, actionable ways from day one. It's hard, it can be intense, and it demands focus - just what we wanted for our children. I cannot more highly recommend KMI, not just for the activity itself, but for the community in which its taught (arguably more important than any other feature).

Before I completed IMPACT's Core training program, I had a somewhat unrealistic narrative in my…read morehead of what would happen if I was physically attacked or assaulted. (Basically, I just imagined that I would turn into the Incredible Hulkess and stomp on the perpetrator's head.) Since completing the program I now possess an entire repertoire of self-defense moves and am much better prepared - physically, mentally, and emotionally - to take on an attacker. (And yes, one of the moves is a heel kick to the attacker's head, but from a safe, grounded position). The program isn't cheap, and the first couple classes can be challenging and triggering, because the drills are very realistic. It's tough to see your classmates getting harassed and assaulted. Everyone gets a turn in each exercise/simulation, so every student is berated and attacked by the padded-suit assailant (sometimes two assailants). You must go through these simulations to practice the moves and get them into your muscle memory. The instructors and padded assailants are very well trained, and everyone in the class is supportive. After each simulation there's a quick debriefing to emotionally process what happened, share, vent, encourage, and ask questions. By the end of the course, you'll see your classmates kicking the padded assailant's ass (just obliterating him). It's a very powerful thing to witness. The course also teaches vital techniques for self-assertion and boundary setting, using body language and voice. What I learned to do with my voice in this class was just as important and what I learned to do with my body. Overall, IMPACT was an excellent investment in my personal safety and well-being. Highly recommend.

Designed to trigger survivors. Only sign up if you want a combination of group/exposure therapy in…read moreaddition to self defense. I hesitated to sign up for self defense precisely because I was afraid instructors would imply things could have been different if only I'd had the skills. That message was constant throughout the class, despite the fact it was labelled "trauma informed." The t shirts literally say "One day 'no' will be enough. Until then, there's Impact Chicago." Without getting into personals, self defense skills can be useful, but not in every situation. For me, I thought "trauma informed" would mean classes that are careful to teach skills without requiring people to disclose their past, which can amp up an already charged situation. Instead, you are asked to share your feelings frequently. When I did get triggered, instead of getting a moment alone, I was asked to disclose what was happening to a group of people of mixed genders I'd met hours ago. When I did not return for the second day, the instructor told me this is common for people who find the class too intense the first time due to their history, but then they come back when they know what to expect. If this had been billed as group/exposure therapy combined with self defense, I'd have know a bit more what to expect. I did not. Therefore, the people with PTSD are more likely to be triggered and if they decide to complete the course block off two full weekends instead of one. This may seem small but I believe a course like this should be designed with people who have PTSD as the priority, not the group whose trauma is a barrier yet again.

This is such an amazingly support and inclusive dojo! Started with zero martial arts background and…read morehave learned so much! Excited to keep learning! Osu!

I enrolled my granddaughter in karate and she loves it. It has brought happiness, discipline,…read morepride, knowledge and enforced her self esteem and confidence level on trying new things. And i started have financial problems and their scholarship program helped my granddaughter to keep on going to classes. They deserved your business. They care about each individual student. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS KARATE SCHOOL. They even have a special 2 MONTHS UNLIMITED CLASSES INCLUDES UNIFORM. THEY ARE A BLESSING IN MY GRANDDAUGHTER LIFE THANKS A MILLION WITH ALL MY HEART.

I started training jiu-jitsu back in Feb. of 2014 at a different school where my brother-in-law and…read moresome friends currently train. After about a year, I started to look for other schools due to scheduling (I couldn't make it to as many classes as I wanted to). I'll never forget the first time I walked into Carlson Gracie HQ - Master Carlson Gracie Jr. himself signed me up. He was very warm and welcoming, and continues to be to this day (to all of his students). Master Gracie's level of instruction and attention to detail is top notch as many other reviews have noted. On the days where Master Gracie is not teaching, Master Andre Madiz runs the BJJ classes and also does an amazing job. It's a win-win situation. The facility is incredible. It's super clean and roomy. There is enough mat space to have a BJJ class AND Muay Thai class going at the same time. It's also air-conditioned which is such a bonus here in Chicago. Lastly, there's something to be said about the culture at Carlson Gracie HQ. I look forward to my BJJ days because I know I will be challenged mentally and physically. I know I will gain something from each class. But equally as important, I look forward to spending time with my training partners and instructors. This gym has such good vibes, is super welcoming, and It really does feel like an extension of my family. Oss!

I had the amazing opportunity to train at HQ with Andre Madiz and had the amazing pleasure to meet…read moremr Carlson Gracie Jr himself. Great guy and extremely humble and welcoming. Will definitely come Back to train here everytime I'm in Chicago

Being a MOM I was super reluctant when my husband said we should sign up the kids for Tae Kwan Do,…read moreBoxing and Wrestling. All I could think of was all the injuries my little ones would come home with. It's been a year and a half now and even though there's been a few bruises I can't imagine not being part of the Hybrid family. Everyone there has been so welcoming and they constantly encourage everyone to be their best. The kids have learned not just TKD, Boxing and Wrestling skills they are learning self defense and more importantly respect for everyone and everything. Hybrid will always be part of our family.

Josh Bulak is one of the best instructors you could possibly have when training Muay Thai. I walked…read morein those doors new (and massively out of shape), and he helped me grow with zero judgement throughout my time at his gym. He is patient, very knowledgeable, and all around fun. Every friend i brought with me wanted to sign up after just one class, and the friendliness and atmosphere of this gym is incredible. If work life didn't get in my way, I'd still be going to this gym to this day. I could not recommend this gym more. If you're new to MMA or a veteran, go in for a trial, and see for yourself.

I recently contacted the owner, Pete, through their website to drop in and train while I was in…read moreChicago for business. He was very open about the idea (some gym owners aren't) and told me to download the class schedule off their website as it was modified due to Covid. After my visit I was pleasantly surprised by the level of Jiu Jitsu being taught by Pete as well as his students skill level. I was required to pay a small drop in fee, but it wasn't a big deal as I've been asked the same of several gyms I've visited. Overall I would definitely suggest you check out Rio Jiu Jitsu if you are in the Chicago area, I'm glad I did

So, to be completely honest I wanted my child to do martial arts but I didn't know the difference…read morebetween them all. Rio Jiu Jitsu opened up behind my house & I was still reluctant despite my husbands excitement to enroll our daughter there. Probably because I didn't know a lot about Jiu Jitsu. Well the first day we brought my daughter I fell in love with this place! Changed my mind in a second! They are so great there! Their kids classes are awesome! My daughter has grown so much in the short time she's been doing this! The coaches are so great with the kids! Firm but gentle. They give the children discipline & goals. I am so happy that we are there. There's a real sense of community there too. Everyone is welcoming! I can't wait to see my daughter grow there. She is determined to win a medal one day and I believe she can there!!

This is long overdue. I tried out movimento because I wanted to become more active, and wanted…read moresomething different. I found a Groupon for 2 weeks or one month of unlimited kickboxing classes, and I went with the one month. Israel was very helpful and all members were welcoming towards me despite me being a newcomer and complete beginner. I definitely learned a lot in the jiu jitsu classes. Isreal pushed me to learn moves even if I thought they were too difficult for me. In one day he had me flip him onto a mat! I really wish I could have come more often. Herc was amazing, too. He didn't take people aside and show them different beginner techniques like Isreal did. He was more as a learn as you go type teacher. The kickboxing classes really made me feel sore the next day, which made me feel like I put in a lot of effort. Overall, I had a very positive experience with this place and the people who run it. If I could, I would join movimento permanently! I would highly recommend this place to anybody who is interested in experimenting with martial arts.

I have trained at this gym for 3.5+ years…read more This was my 1st bjj gym and I was extremely new and naive to this world and the type of people in it. And in my opinion, and based on the years I spent training at this gym, I feel the owner took advantage of this fact. From my experience as a woman who has trained here, I do not think this gym is a safe place for any female. And I would not recommend any of my friends, specifically any of my female friends (of any age) to train under this gym or under this owner.

I messaged to the gym and I got a call back from coach Jim for a same-day private lesson in Muay…read moreThai late at night because of my job driving into town. He was able to make it happen with Coach Ryan and I trained with Coach Ryan for over an hour and it was great. Thanks for the accommodation I will definitely be back if I'm ever back in town.

I wanted to try this gym free trial and wanted to test it out before getting the membership. God…read moreforbids i was honest when i called and told them that I'm currently at a Thai gym and was told directly through the phone that I no longer qualify for the free trial due to that reason but instead have to pay $40 for a drop in class. I could've just lied, but wanted to be honest. This is a bit closer to my job and I'm new to Thai. I wanted to keep exploring options around me but this overall ruined the motivation to try this gym.

One of the best choices I have ever made was joining Team Redzovic. I joined early summer of 2015…read moreand am still very much a beginner, but everyone, from the instructors to the higher belts and my peers at white belt, have created a positive attitude of learning and respect. I often am partnered with a higher belt and each time, without fail, that person has taken the time walk me through our lesson without ego and with the utmost patience. The philosophy of every class is to get better each day, and not let a bad day of training deter you from the journey. The atmosphere is one of respect and teaching. I missed a few classes due to an serious illness and twice I got a call from the school wishing me a speedy recovery and welcoming me back whenever I was ready. This demonstrates the character this school exemplifies. I had already paid for my classes, those calls weren't about the money it was about keeping me on track and checking in on a student. Class organization. I recommend this school to anyone. It's a great workout, a challenging and humbling art that pushes your limits and requires one to step outside their comfort zone and test their own resolve to learn. Great experience-truly one of the best decisions I ever made.

Joining Redzovic Jiu Jitsu 6 months ago has truly changed my life. I was badly out of shape, always…read morewanting to do better - but failing constantly to get started, stay committed, or make real changes. I keep the "free trial class" tab open on my browser for 6 months before coming in - I was nervous I'd be too out of shape, too old to get started, just no good... Then I finally hit a breaking point and decided to just try one. While very very hard and extremely humbling - I was hooked right away. Felt incredibly motivated to get better... the kind of motivation you can only achieve by being repeatedly choked, swept, and submitted by people much smaller than you. Professor Greg and Coach Sandino have provided me consistent encouragement, education, and drive - they are great coaches, and if you are just starting out, their "fundamentals" weekday classes get ton of 1:1 instruction and depth. I've lost weight, improved my fitness levels, and generally feel a much happier and more confident person. Also been able to bring my 6yr old daughter along with me. She loves the kids classes, the hands on attention from the coaches, and learning self defense and discipline. I strongly recommend coming in for a trial class - the gym is welcoming, a great community, with tough competition but support along the way.