My children went to Strive Martial Arts for quite a while and learned a lot from the instructors…read more However as they got older they found other activities they enjoyed and we stopped going. This is when the issues started. Our last class was in April or May 2025. We were billed in July and I emailed that I'd like a refund since we haven't been in a couple months. I said our schedule was busy and when school started we might return. Our account was placed on hold and I was refunded. We did not return when school started but I was billed again. I emailed asking for a refund and to close the account that we would not be returning. This one took several attempts to get resolved but I was eventually refunded but told the account would be placed on hold. I stated that I wanted it closed so we wouldn't run into this situation again. February 2026 comes and I'm billed again. This time I inform my credit card company and they sent me a credit and stopped future payments from Strive Martial Arts. It's obvious they didn't close my account even though I've asked multiple times. I started receiving phone calls from ABC Fitness to update my credit card information at this time. I ignored these calls because fuck this place. Yesterday June 3rd 2026 I receive a letter saying my account is being sent to collections that I owe payments from March, April and May 2026. My kids haven't been to a class in over a year. I've been trying to resolve this with zero success. Whoever is considering joining Strive Martial Arts should find somewhere else to go. Thanks for reading my long rant. Edit* I spoke with Master Bill from Strive Martial Arts and he informed me that my account is now closed and it was not sent to collections. He apologized for the inconvenience and billing issues I've been dealing with. He's switched billing companies. I appreciate that he called me to resolve this. I did tell him that my children liked the instructors, especially Mike. The instructors challenged the students and were very supportive and encouraging to everyone. I've changed my rating to 3 stars because of the instructors and my issue has been resolved. I noticed my location says I'm from California. This isn't true. I live locally near Glen Ellyn.

There are many martial arts schools today. Some focus on perfecting forms, others on competitive…read moresparring, but very few offer training that prepares students for real life situations while also instilling true martial arts discipline. Strive Martial Arts is not simply a school, it is a path. A path open to all ages, where training evolves with the student and instruction adapts to the individual. Under the guidance of Master Bill Thompson, Taekwondo is revealed not merely as a collection of techniques, but as a discipline for life. Each movement carries intention. Each lesson asks for presence. Training is designed to develop awareness, restraint, and responsibility alongside strength and skill. Techniques are explored not only for their precision, but for their relevance beyond the dojo where judgment, self-control, and courage matter most. Every class and every test becomes a mirror, offering lessons in perseverance, humility, and resilience. Progress is measured not only by belts earned, but by the growth of character and clarity of purpose. In time, the question changes. It is no longer about how high you kick, how fast you react, or how perfect your form becomes. What matters is what you carry with you into daily life, the discipline to act wisely, the confidence to stand firm, and the integrity to choose the right path.

This academy definitely emphasizes safety and solid technique. The kids class starts with…read moreunderstanding the best techniques to avoid or escape from physical conflict and then leads to techniques that can be used to keep you safe if your in an unavoidable situation. Once these basic skills are mastered you learn sport jujitsu techniques that can be applied in a tournament situation. The initial emphasis on self defense without permanently hurting your opponent is a great skill for all kids to learn. If there is an interest in competition the academy can get you there. Adult classes are accelerated with an emphasis on flow drills that can get you to the point that you can walk into any academy, train with confidence, and not worry about getting hurt or hurting others. If you're a goon or a bully, this is not the place for you. If you want to be a great training partner, stay (or get) in shape and be safe; this is a great place to begin your jujitsu journey.

You won't find better and more authentic Kung Fu place than Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu, for both,…read morekids and adults Kung Fu training. I've been training there for a year and a half together with my teenage son, and we both love it. We love authenticity of the place, love Master Chen and Sean and their style of teaching, love learning Forms and working with different weapons /staff, sword, broad sword, nunchucks, spear, even bull whip - we both love working with all of these, and I am a female/. To train with real Shaolin Master, captain of Shaolin Temple Performance Team side to side and to watch him going over the movements is unforgettable experience. Don't get me wrong, it's a hard work /that what kung fu means, hard work/, the warm up is like a bootcamp , cool down is another one , but you will definitely get in shape you've never been in and maybe loose few pounds. I also love flexible schedule, they have classes for every level almost every day, weekends too, you even have 2 options. I love parents train together with kids, we practice together with my son at home and test together, we have fun together. I also take Tai Chi class there and I highly recommend trying this one too. I can't speak of this place and quality of Master Chen's training highly enough. Thank you Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for this opportunity!

I was a former student at this school and I really enjoyed being in the class for the first few…read moremonths although I did started to gain anxiety over the belt tests and trying not to mess up all the time which was a problem for me. Although Kung Fu did helped me to learn some self defense, but it's mostly motion movements. I would recommend who is really into martial arts but I'm personally into more self defense techniques which wasn't shown up in Kung Fu.

We love Pica Pau! My 5 year old son has been in the young kids program and is really loving it. He…read morewas nervous to try something new and "tough", but the instructor has been consistently supportive, kind, and patient. I can already see his confidence blooming! Tam let us try out a few classes to make sure he liked it before committing financially, and has flexible pricing. Overall everyone has been very understanding and transparent. If you're on the fence, take this as a sign to just try it!

I have been a member of Pica Pau for 10 months now because I became interested in their striking…read moreclasses (a mix of boxing and Muay Thai). I'm 39 and have never been athletic in my entire life and was just over 300lbs back when I joined. I joined after my first class, even though they were more than generous in offering me more time to check the place out. I joined because it was immediately clear that the mantra-mission statement of "Train Hard, Be Kind" is fostered in and is alive in every single person at this gym and I wanted very much to be a part of it. Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in Aaron and Tam - the captains of this ship - and all the instructors across Pica Pau's deep and diverse weekly schedule. In the striking classes you will find no better coach than Ulysses and no better group of training partners. There is space for everyone of every skill level here. Everyone has the same expectation - train hard, be kind. BJJ is a challenge I am continuing to work at, but what has never been a challenge is feeling like I didn't belong. I've never seen a single person hesitate to help anyone who needs it. I have never seen, or even heard gossip of, the kinds of toxicity that multiple YouTube videos will tell you exists across the vast expanse of jiu jitsu gyms. The expectation and mission of "Train Hard, Be Kind" could not describe the culture better and it's infused in everything about Pica Pau. This place will rise to meet all the effort and drive you are willing to bring to it. It's an amazing ride being a part of Pica Pau. 5 out of 5 stars, no notes, would train at again.

I've been a student here for almost three years. The instructors are all fantastic and truly care…read moreabout the students. This is NOT a black belt factory like so.e schools I have visited. They have made sure that I earned every single belt so far. I cannot recommend this school any higher.

This school is run by Master Greg Washington and it has been such a blessing to my family. My son…read morestarted when he was 5 here and Master Washington helped turn around some pretty bad behavior traits. He started listening more and was way more respectful after having things reinforced at the school. Beyond just the behavior bonuses the training is top notch in TaeKwonDo, with my son winning both State and National Championships in 2013 in sparring and placing 3rd in both tournaments in forms. This year (2014) he took 2nd in Sparring at State, and 3rd in forms, with Nationals coming up in July. Another aspect is that he has made so many friends, that go beyond just the school. He regularly goes to his TKD friends houses for playdates, probably more so then the kids from his school. It is a no contract school which means you can pay month to month without being locked in. I think this is super important as a parent because why get locked into a contract if your kids do not like it after a month or so? Everything is very family oriented and Master Washington makes a personal connection with the kids in class, following up with how they are doing in school and other parts of their lives. Master Washington has a first class free policy so the kids can give it a try so you have nothing to lose for coming in and giving it a try!

Can't say enough good things about Master Greg and his Martial Arts Academy. I brought my…read moregranddaughter here and could not be happier with her progress. Master Greg is great with all the kids. He takes his time and works with them on an individual need basis.Prices are very reasonable with no contract. I would recommend to anyone

We first joined ACE Taekwondo in Yorkville back in February 2021, when my daughter--then in the…read moremidst of a full-blown Naruto obsession--begged to become a "ninja". To be honest, I was hesitant at first. My daughter had tried T-ball previously and lost interest quickly, and I worried Taekwondo would be another short-lived hobby. The commitment felt long, and while the cost was reasonable for area martial arts classes, it felt like a risk if she didn't stick with it. On top of that, we were still deep in the pandemic: my daughter wore a mask to every class, and I waited outside in the car. But she loved it. Despite all the challenges, she kept showing up to class, excited and engaged. As Covid restrictions lifted, I started coming inside to watch occasionally, but mostly kept to myself--I'm not much of a "people person." Still, as the months turned into years and my daughter worked her way toward her black belt, I realized this wasn't a passing phase. Her dedication inspired me. Eventually, I started bringing my toddler to the Toddler classes and got to know Master, Instructor White, and the other instructors. When my daughter earned her deputy belt and began preparing for her black belt test, I decided to join her on the mat. I signed up for Taekwondo and, being an overachiever, added Hapkido too! A year later, my daughter and I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to South Korea with ACE for an international tournament and cultural trip. It was amazing to share this experience--and our training journey--together. If we stay on track, my daughter will earn her 2nd Dan (2nd degree black belt) on the same day I receive my 1st black belt. I can't think of a better milestone to share as a family. Now, my 4-year-old is also a Tiny Tiger at ACE. The instructors are wonderful, and the kids we've met through ACE are some of the kindest, most respectful kids I've ever known. They truly embody the tenets of Taekwondo, and ACE is helping shape future leaders in our community. I am so proud to be part of the ACE family. If you're looking for a place where your child--and your whole family--can grow in confidence, discipline, and community, I highly recommend checking out ACE Taekwondo!

I've been attending ACE (Formerly BH) for about 10 years now. I can confidently say that learning…read moremartial arts has made a significant impact on my life for the better. Learning discipline and techniques from the skilled staff has helped me grow as a person as well with being able to compete in tournaments. The people I've met have become like a second family to me, couldn't recommend this school more.

The instructors at 10th Planet Naperville are very detailed in their coaching. They are able to…read morebreakdown techniques that are understandable to beginners. Everyone is very welcoming. I would recommend to anyone looking to start jiu jitsu.

Great place to learn both sports and self defense jiu jitsu. Omar is a great instructor and really…read moredetailed when he teaches.