Over the past eight years I've trained at a lot of different martial arts schools in a variety of…read morestyles and locations, and by far, Tandang Garimot is the best place I've ever trained at. The level of instruction is top notch, the facilities are extremely clean and well looked after, and the environment is really friendly but without sacrificing an ounce of legitimacy for the martial aspects of the martial arts. All of the instructors both know their s***, and present the principles of each art in a way that anyone at any level can benefit from. I've seen absolute beginners come in and get coached to join in the fun really quickly, and have trained with other folks here with years of experience - people at all levels learn something new every time. There is no testosterone-fueled ego trips going on here - people are treated respectfully across the board, and have fun with training. Even while sparring hard, testing each others' skills, egos are left at the door. Sadly, I can no longer train here, as I moved away from Chicago. But fortunately not too far, and will definitely be back for the awesome workshops they often offer on weekends. If you're anywhere in the Chicago area, and want to train serious but fun martial arts, get in great shape, and meet some great people, then Tandang Garimot is the spot.

Tandang Garimot made a great decision when they brought Graduada Sucuri (Rhodora) on board to teach…read morecapoeira classes at their studio. She is a talented capoeirista and an all-around amazing person. As a teacher, she knows when to push and when to be patient. For folks who are not as familiar with the capoeira universe, ABADA-Capoeira (the group she is affiliated with) is based in Rio de Janeiro and, over the past 25 years, has expanded to a number of countries across North America, Europe, and Asia. What makes this group unique is its philosophy of being all-inclusive and its strong emphasis on technique. Sucuri is a student of Mestra Marcia, an extremely accomplished capoeirista from Rio, who is in turn a student of Mestre Camisa, the president and founder of ABADA-Capoeira. In other words, she is the real deal. Her classes expose students to all aspects of this rich art form - martial arts, acrobatic movements, music and rhythm, and Afro-Brazilian culture. Try it out - you will not regret it!

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

Five stars all around! My only regret is that I didn't start 20 years ago. It's been more fun than…read morehumans 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.

I came to visit from Los Angeles because one of my instructors suggested I check out this gym while…read morein Chicago. Admittedly it was a little difficult to find because it's in the back of a weight/strength gym. Like ... waaay in the back. So it took me a bit to find it (thank you front desk gym people for helping me). I had no idea that Saturday was a conditioning Saturday. It kicked my ass and felt glorious. The instructor Mike Gnoren that day was extremely patient with me and gave me pointers to help after each roll. I'll probably be back again next summer and look forward to getting my butt kicked in conditioning again!

Sent numerous emails and no one ever responds. Also called and left messages-got the number from…read moreyelp. Went on their website and tried to find a phone number.....they don't have a number? What kind of place doesn't even have a phone numbet??

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.

We worked with Torriente to provide beginner self-defense training for our 4th grade Girl Scout…read moretroop and had a wonderful experience. Booking was simple, seamless and responsive. We had the option of going to the studio or reserving a space closer to home, and we opted for the latter for a small travel fee given the distance and Cubs game. Our kiddos had fun but took the class seriously. Torriente was a great coach and super responsive to the kids' questions and experience level. I would absolutely recommend Torriente for other troops!

I love this place. Torriente is a great teacher - you can tell he loves doing it and that in turn…read morereally rubs off onto his students. Many of the people I asked have been there for at least a year even if it's off and on. Torriente is challenging, fun, and can accommodate many students at once, which was something I was especially impressed with when I came into the mix - a left-handed, brand-new student. ;) I really enjoy the small class size as well as how community-driven it feels - everyone is so supportive and flexible.

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!!

I have been attending Systema classes at Aikikai for over a year on-and-off…read more Kevin taught me the key principle that sustains Systema: non-destruction. I came to this Dojo with a strong Judo background having trained for over three years at a very competitive dojo that features top notch national and international athletes. I had two major injuries there and I came to realize that that kind of training was everything but realistic and also can seriously harm your own body. I'm now aware that it's not only possible but also legitimately desirable to develop exceptional combat skill without damaging your own body and/or psyche. Kevin teaches you first how to understand and "read" your own body and how to control your breathing. Once you have achieved this knowledge you can move on and develop the exceptional Systema combat skills that are based on spontaneity, instinct, precision and cost- effectiveness. Also, this is a friendly and welcoming environment for new students.

We did a bachelorette party "sword" workshop and Aikido intro with Dwight's group and absolutely…read moreloved every minute of it! The instruction group was so engaging, friendly and knowledgeable. The perfect intro and sword work for a group of beginners looking to have fun for a special event. The Dojo is beautifully designed and the perfect setting. Very impressed!

This is place has become my second home. It has the look and the feel of a old school boxing gym…read morethat makes you want to train hard. The staff are very cool and friendly to everyone that decides to start classes or just come to check out the set up. You can bring in friends or family to check out one of the classes. I've been coming off and on since the place was Jab back in the day. Boxing is a great full body workout and you definitely get your money's worth. So when you want to get that beach body or if your looking to become a fighter... come train at Oakley fight club with me.

Started going a couple of weeks ago and I am hooked. Clean gym and great team of coaches. Great for…read moreany level of experience