Great place to go. The staff is very nice and it's a great workout where your picking up great skills. I wish I would have started a long time ago. Give it a shot. read more

Five stars all around! My only regret is that I didn't start 20 years ago. It's been more fun than humans should be allowed, and it's apparent that, if I stick with it , I will learn Muay Thai skills that could be very effective in a real world situation. I run marathons, Spartan Races, strength train and am in better condition than the average 55 year old. But hey....I'm 55, and a relatively fit 55 year old is not as fit or flexible as a 25 year old. I was very nervous about being too old to start Muay Thai. The owners have been fantastic and encouraging. Tony made it clear from day one that skills take a while to develop and not to judge myself against anyone else. I wrestled and did some Judo in the past, but have never formally trained in boxing or kicking. I have only been at EKF a month and already feel that with enough time, practice, attention, and repetition that I will be able to use my Muay Thai skills effectively. One of my major concerns before starting martial arts was that the other students would be a bunch of gruff, tough guy types. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The other students have been fantastic and patient when working with me. I still am surprised every day when one second another student is throwing punches and kicks that could do some real damage and the next second they are smiling at you and partnering up with you to show you something very basic. The facility is all business, and I mean that as a compliment. It has all the essential equipment and is really functional. On the days I drive, parking has been easy to find. With COVID, the owners at EKF have gone out of their way to keep the facility and equipment clean and disinfected after each use and have scrupulously followed all guidelines to keep their students safe. I am hoping to be at EKF for years to come. read more

I love training at EKF. I have been going there for the past 2 years and i am looking forward to many years to come. I love the fact that regardless of your skill level, everyone is welcome and the training is then tailored to your ability. No one pushes you way past your limits. Both first timers and champions work out at the gym, so if you want to challenge yourself a bit more, you can find the right partner for that. What I love the most though, on top of skills, experience and professionalism, is the fact that it is a laid back gym where you can go sweat your day away surrounded by amazing people that you can easily become good friends with. read more

I've been taking martial arts classes at Extreme for over 7 months now. To this day, every time class is over, I'm already eagerly anticipating the next class. I always get an amazing workout and I've made a lot of friends here. I really appreciate the fact that there is no belt system and I'm not trapped in any type of contract. I can come in any day I want and take whatever classes I want. I personally only take Wushu, but other people will take Wushu and then take Sanshou and Wrestling and Boxing and so on. I think Extreme is really unique with these qualities. Another thing that I think is really notable is that the instructors are all so accomplished (even relative to other martial arts academies.) The Wushu coaches were all elite competitors in the U.S. and/or China with various movie/video game experiences. The MMA coaches are also real professional fighters with experience fighting in the ring and the cage. Without doubt, Extreme Kung Fu is the best place in Chicago to learn martial arts! read more

A good martial arts school is a combination of patient expert instructors, quality equipment, and friendly and driven workout partners. Extreme is one of the few schools in the midwest with all three. Professional wushu/tai chi instructors are from Mainland China. MMA, BJJ, and kick boxing instructors that are actual semi-professional fighters. If that is not enough you can also opt to check out Wing Chun, Ninjitsu, and Escrima classes each taught by their respective instructors. There's something here for everyone. The school is very large and can accommodate multiple classes at the same time. There is a huge workout floor, full size boxing ring, heavy bag area as well as every type of workout machine imaginable. Let's not for the little things that make a difference in convenience such as easy access by public transportation, easy street parking as well as it's own parking lot, showers, and changing rooms. Everyone is friendly and is genuinely interested in helping you reach your goals and develop as martial artist and a person. read more

Tony Marquez is a legend in Chicago martial arts. Besides being the 1996 Chinese NASKA Chinese forms champion, you might recognize him from Mortal Komabt 2 & 3 video games, in which he portrayed Kung Lao. He also was a stunt double for one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles movie from 1993. Tony is the head instructor at EKF, and teaches the wushu & san shao classes. EKF offers classes in Wushu, San Shao (Chinese Kickboxing), Tai Chi, MMA, Escrima, & Wing Chun. The instruction is top-notch, as is the facility. The facility features a full sized wushu floor, a comprehensive weightlifting facility, trainign mats for wrestling, mma, & a full size ring, which is excellent for training in san shao or MMA. Top notch instruction, top notch facility. read more

I joined this school since they opened in 2002 when they were in Evanston. I have had a great experience and am still working out at Extreme. The atmosphere is a more casual one that I prefer to the very structured/regimented system I've seen in most other martial arts schools. This doesn't mean the training is casual though, the workouts are intense. It's also great having access to both wushu and mixed martial arts classes in one school. The coaches in both areas are all top notch practitioners of their respective arts. The head coach Anthony Marquez is really passionate about martial arts -- in particular about creating a balanced martial artist that can appreciate both the form AND function of martial arts (hence the presence of both wushu and MMA programs). He's also quite a personality and pushes everyone (in a positive way) to continually improve their skills by developing good fundamentals and a solid work ethic. The facilities are great and well cared for: full size wushu floor, grappling mat area, a ring, an assortment of bags, a good complement of weight training equipment. read more

Good Chinese martial arts school are few and far in between in the city. This is one of the good ones. The teachers are knowledgeable and have years of experience in the art. There are even some from professional teams from China. To say that it's just a kung fu / wushu center would be a misnomer however. The center also offers classes in tai chi, san shou (Chinese sport kick boxing), MMA as well as wing chun and ninjitsu. The facility is really spacious with large carpet floors for wushu forms, mats for MMA, and a ring as well as a pretty comprehensive weight training center. The atmosphere of the place is really warm and welcoming. There's no ego here. Everybody is respectful yet friendly. I really enjoy coming to class. There are people of all levels and we all take class together. It's good to be able to see people from all skill levels all striving to get better. I highly recommend coming in to check out the class to see if it fits you. read more

I found EKF through Groupon a few years ago and instantly got addicted! Initially joined the gym to sweat and make some new friends. To much of my surprise, I got more than just working out. EKF and martial arts became my lifestyle. EKF Is very laid back and welcoming. Coaches are encouraging and helpful. I can tell how much they care about their students getting techniques right. There's plenty of opportunities to compete in certain martial arts. AND the people I train with are awesome and supportive!! I'm very lucky to be training here!! read more

I was lucky to train here for two years and am so grateful for the experience I had. The people and coaches make EKF an incredible place to workout. There's no pressure and no ego at this gym. The first day I walked in here I had no idea how to wrap my hands properly and a regular at the gym did not hesitate to say welcome me and teach me how. Then, as I walked out of class that day Coach Anthony asked when I'd be coming back. Two sore days later I was back at EKF and ready for more. Whether you want to get some exercise in kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai, Sanda, Jiu jitsu, Wushu, or train to compete, EKF has it all. read more

Such a friendly environment! It is driven by community and not focused on macho energy. Great teachers too read more

Extreme is a great martial arts school for adults and children. My children have been training at Extreme for over two years. I looked and research different martial arts school around Chicago before deciding to enroll my children at Extreme. I am confident that I have chosen the best martial arts school for them. The instructors at Extreme are passionate and dedicated to helping my children succeed. The classes are challenging yet fun! It's a great way of helping children learn a sense of discipline while staying fit. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking to join a great martial arts school. read more

Great martial arts gym with a wide variety of classes. All coaches are very friendly. I went to boxing classes by coach Ivo for few years - he is extremely knowledgeable and focuses a lot on technique. Every his class is different, you will learn a lot going there. read more

This review is for workout with Izzy (www.izzyduzitfitness.com) at the EKF facilities. I am an endomorph-leaning mesomorph i.e I put on weight fast and lose it slow; add a dash of vanity and I am bracing for a brutal midlife (crisis) meltdown. After about of 10 years of lifting weights, jogging etc I fell victim to the workout plateau syndrome. The girlfriend has been taking boxing lessons with Izzy and talked me into taking a private class. I thought I was in good shape, but after 5 minutes with Izzy I was writhing on the floor in agony, my abs were on fire, actually no, felt more like napalm. Izzy does a combination of boxing (mostly), cardio and endurance training, but workout can be customized as desired. Every workout is different, in a bid to evade the much hyped muscle memory. After 4 weeks, results were visible and I am addicted to the endorphin rush. Izzy's prices are highly competitive and it is just fun working out with him, mostly fun until its time for cannonball crunches. read more

What kind of gym/martial arts place doesn't offer a day pass?! I'm visiting my sister for the weekend. I want her to get into martial arts, so we meet at EKF. It's 9am on a Saturday. It says "Open Gym" on the scheudle but little kids and parents are there. I just want to get a workout in with my sister and they tell me I have to sign up for a membership!! I'm not looking to buy the whole cow I just want a nice steak. Holy smokes. This place lost my business and should lose yours as well. read more

Until this day, seven months into this...my kids and I are stronger than before (they could barely do pushup), every time we go to class, it is a crazy, hard, intense workout. I don't regret it one bit of ever signing my kids and I to EKF. Coach Tony pushes all of us including his colleagues. I want to thank you for everything you have done. Your passion to teach everyone is phenomenon. read more

This place was my home away from home in Chicago for the three years I lived there. Great gym, great attitudes, no egos, and Coach Tony is the man! You can be as serious or unserious about competitive martial arts or MMA as you want. Some people go to compete, but many, like myself, just wanted something different to stay in shape and to meet good people. It can be very social. People often get together for other events (go see Coach Tony's band!), but it's also not cliquey or pretentious at all. Perhaps one of the most welcoming and laid back gyms I've ever gone to and I've gone to many all over the country (and world). I've since moved to San Diego and miss the friends I made here. read more

I came here because a buddy had been asking me to come for over a year. I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed that I waited as long as I did. Three weeks in and I love it. Coach Tony and his staff are high energy and professional. With a large variety of classes and styles you can undoubtedly figure out what you want and accomplish your goals. For me it's weight loss and in just the three weeks, I'm already seeing results. Wushu, MMA, Boxing, Jujitsu and the non-stop eliminator class will get you where you need to be! read more

I really enjoyed my first week of training here. At first, I was intimidated by going in and trying something completely out of my comfort zone. Coach Tony, the rest of the staff, and other trainees made me feel at ease. The environment at EKF is very warm and welcoming. I look forward to learning more and continuing training here. read more

AWESOME place. Dedicated, friendly, and excellent instructors. I mostly take Muaythai, boxing, and Sanshou here. Really great place for all different levels. Some of the people who train here fight competitively, others do it mostly to stay fit, and still others are just starting out. You can also train in MMA/jiujitsu, Wushu, take tai chi, yoga... A great crowd, a great vibe. Whether you have been training for years and have a few fights or have never thrown a punch before - whether you are super fit or trying to get in shape - old or young, man or woman - this place really does it all, vey effectively, in a way that makes you want to keep coming back!! read more

I don't know what Tyler V. (below) is talking about. Before I moved to Chicago I came to EKF several times and was on a day pass. He must have talked to someone who doesn't work there or not have asked at all. This is a laid back atmosphere gym with an excellent staff and a phenomenal head coach (Anthony Marquez). 5/5 always recommend. read more

Every instructor is amazing! I always leave having learned more and looking forward to my next visit.

EKF welcomes everybody. I first worked out at EKF when I was 38 and in terrible shape. Nobody judged me and I had fun learning the ropes. I lost close to 100 pounds and actually become pretty good. While I never take my workout very seriously people that want to grow and learn all the combat sport can do very well. The coaches know and understand what people are looking for in a work. They push the people that want to take the next and possibly fight. They are also great with people like me. Sometimes to stop and breath when I need or slow down when I feel so pop in my back, knee or anybody part...did I mention I am now 46. If you want to have fun go here. If you want to get in shape go here. If you want to fight in tournaments and win go here. I hope you get my point. If you have ANY desire to try Martial Arts go here meet Coach Tony and workout for night. You will be glad you did. read more

I have to leave Chicago for a job in Boston. I feel really sad about having to leave Extreme Kung Fu. I have not only become much more flexible, coordinated and athletic during the year and half I trained there, I also made great friends. People there, coaches and students, are all very nice and supportive. Anybody there will take the time to teach me as long as I ask. We also hang out on weekends, for movies and food. Attending Extreme was one of the best things I have done during my 5 years here in Chicago/Evanston! read more

Best place I have ever trained in with the most wonderful group of people. High level of teaching in a friendly and relaxed environment. Each one progresses in their own pace, beginners train alongside experts and everyone is supporting each other. Awesome place. I highly recommend.. read more

This place is awesome. From the variety of different courses offered, to the spacious facility, and the best part: amazing instructors! Friendly, inviting, and non-intimidating instruction gets you rolling right from your first class. Offerings include wushu, Muay Thai boxing, tai chi, sanshou, and others. Check the online schedule. There is even an area supplied with free weights where you can do some strength training in your spare time. I happened to get a Groupon allowing unlimited classes for two weeks, which gave me the opportunity to explore the different types of classes to see what each was like. The students are very friendly too. The head instructor, as you've probably heard, is Tony Marquez, who provided the Mortal Kombat video game franchise with his likeness for the Kung Lao character, and I got a few mins of one-on-one instruction and sparring with him starting with the first class. Very exhilarating! Highly recommended and a lot of fun! read more

Great Great Great. Caring and instructors that know how to communicate. They spread the schedule around very well too. The best part is that you feel respected by everyone in the gym regardless if they are professional, amateur, or weekend warrior. Everyone's ego is checked at the door. Regardless if you want to train to just learn MMA, striking, or jujitsu you will be challenged in a safe environment. I can't recommend it enough. read more

EKF Martial arts has been part of my life for 6 years and has only resulted in me becoming better not only physically but emotionally. EKF has a very friendly heavy atmosphere and people who push you to the absolute limit. I came here as a child and returning home as a man. As the Mulan song goes "They'll make a man out of you!". 5/5 Hen hao read more

I found Extreme on the web about a few years ago and honestly, it actually played a part in my decision to move to Chicago. I joined about a year and a half ago and I couldn't be happier with my decision. The school manages to balance a fun and supportive atmosphere with a serious training ethic and top notch world-class instruction. The staff and students are just a fantastic group of people - diverse in ethnicity, gender, age, and skill level. If you are looking for a place that is all about hard work with no attitude or ego, this is your place. read more