I love to train here and I would definitely recommend going here if you are in the area and want to…read morelearn martial arts. Professor Catherine and Professor Nick are very nice people and I hope to keep training here!

Pure BJJ has a cool vibe. I visited from out of town for a week and had the pleasure of training in…read morethe gi classes. The instructors, Catherine and Nick, are very welcoming and attentive to their students. They give verbal during the rolls. I found all their students - white, blue, and purple - to be intelligent and courteous partners. On the nights I was there, it was 15% instruction, 40% drilling, and 45% open rolling. I thought that was a great distribution. The school is home to both hobbyists and competitors. I also greatly admired that there were almost equal numbers of women and girls in the class compared to the men. It seems to be an environment in which women can flourish. Lastly, I was impressed with the willingness of the instructors to teach leg locks to their white belts with proper instruction and safety. I look forward to returning to Pure BJJ in the future.

Amazing facility, with everything you could ask for in a boxing gym. Instructors and everyone who…read morepartakes has a no nonsense attitude. We come to work the smiles and laughs come naturally

I went there throughout my high school years to learn boxing and to also get in shape,the owners…read morebogdan and andrejz fonfara are the best,everyone know what they are doing,Highly recommend

We just started taking our son who has been having behavioral issues at school and we have seen a…read moremajor attitude shift since we've started coming here. I've done martial arts since I was a kid and it changed my life so I was hoping my son would love it as well and I'm so happy to have found this place! He was so nervous the first day but everyone took such great care of him and immediately seeing him smile and enjoy himself was enough for me but the staff is great as well! Instructor Paul is absolutely amazing with all the kids!! If you have kids and want to get them into a great program this is the place!

We are happy with our experience at Max Martial Art! Master Jeong has made taekwondo enjoyable for…read moreour 4 and 7-year-old kids. As parents, we couldn't be happier with the positive impact this martial arts class has had on our children. It's more than just a physical activity; it's a meaningful experience that helps shape their character, discipline, and confidence. Master Jeong has done an exceptional job in making taekwondo enjoyable for them. We highly recommend Max Martial Art.

We have been part of the Fonseca family for over 3 years now. Sensei Jaime has an amazing ability…read moreto joke / mess around with the kids while still requiring them to focus and do their best while in class. For our 3 year old, I am genuinely shocked at what he is able to do during the tots class. A few weeks ago, Sensei Jaime had an entire class of tots successfully walk their feet up the wall and go into a wall-supported handstands. They have so much fun, all while building confidence and practicing impulse control. It has been really incredible to watch Sensei Jaime work with our 9 year old and the various ways he keeps his lessons engaging and motivating. Both of our sons love going to class and to say they are elated whenever they reunite with Sensei Jaime would be a huge understatement. While most of our experience with Fonseca has been with youth karate, we often have the opportunity to watch the adult classes as we are coming and going and from what I have witnessed, the adult classes share the same infectious, positive energy as the youth classes. I cannot finish this review without highlighting the warm, friendly community that comes with Fonseca. We are so grateful to know the fellow Park Ridge families and for the whole team of instructors at this dojo.

On a whim we did a free introductory karate class at Fonseca in Evanston. Seeing our son with as…read moremuch intensity and focus as he had during that first class was inspiring! We knew almost immediately we would be enrolling! When we heard they were opening a location in Park Ridge, we were excited about the shorter commute! Sensei Jaime teaches the kids' classes in Park Ridge and is absolutely incredible with them! He knows when to challenge them to try harder and when to be humorous. It was at the top of my list to find a dojo (Karate school) with a sensei (instructor) who connected well with kids, making learning fun but also challenging each child. Sensei Jaime has exceeded that. The studio itself is clean and minimal, which I think is the norm. It just opened in December and I can't wait for them to peel the paper off the windows! Your kids will learn about more than karate in class. At the end of each class they kneel, breathe and say, "Be the best person you can be! Respect the rule! Be truthful! Never give up! Self-discipline!"

Great coaches and training partners. Friendly atmosphere. Every time I leave training there, I know…read moreI've gotten better.

Great gym with amazing people. Always talent in the room, and always tough rounds. Bernie and the…read moretop level team do a lot for the MMA and Martial Arts Community.

I've been a member and friend of Degerberg Academy since 2007, but over the past 5 years or so Jiu…read moreJitsu has become my absolute favorite martial art. It's something of a healthy addiction. The more I roll the happier I get. I am a green belt under Robson Moura Nova Uniao so when my favorite teacher Branko announced he was opening his own RMNU school I followed him and his family over to the new Irving Park location so I can train at least 5x a week minimum. About Branko; he's unbelievably supportive. A few months ago he encouraged me to compete at the IBJJF Chicago Open and I took him up on it. We trained hard to get ready and the experience was life-changing. I lost 22 pounds and 3 pants sizes in just only 6 weeks. No crazy diet, no starving, Just healthy foods and Jiu Jitsu. Oh, and I gave my opponent at the tournament a very difficult time : ) Branko is a great teacher for anyone from absolute beginner to advanced blue and purple belts. He has limitless patience and loves the game with so much passion you can't help but get caught up in it yourself. He and his family are very friendly also so you get the feeling you are welcome right away.

ML is one of the best places to study Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Chicago. It is conveniently located on…read morethe north side and easily accessible by car or public transportation (there is even parking in back!). There are classes several times a day, which is super convenient for those who have busy work/school/home schedules. There is always a time to train, and the facility is super clean with excellent equipment. Branko is a fantastic bjj coach and instructor. He has a very deep knowledge of the sport and is extremely supportive of all of his students. He is very friendly and puts in a lot of effort to make everyone feel right at home regardless of how much they have trained. If you are new to the sport, or have been training for years you will enjoy training here.

Chicago Thai Boxing Academy is a true Chicago family owned and operated business, and that shows…read morefrom the moment you walk through the door. Everyone here is friendly, approachable, and welcoming. I honestly thought joining a Muay Thai gym would be intimidating, but it's been the exact opposite. The owners, coaches, staff, and members have created an environment where beginners and experienced athletes alike feel comfortable and supported. The academy emphasizes a respectful, inclusive community and welcomes people of all skill levels. One of my favorite features is the weight room, which is a great bonus alongside the training. The facility is well maintained, and I've heard they are constantly making improvements and upgrades to keep the academy growing. If you've ever been curious about Muay Thai but felt nervous about trying it, don't be. Take advantage of their free trial class and see for yourself. Chances are you'll get hooked just like I did. The combination of authentic training, great people, and a strong community makes this place something special.

My daughter absolutely loves attending her Muay Thai classes every week! The trainers and front…read moredesk staff are so helpful and my daughter feels very comfortable here. She takes pride in all she learns each week