My son just signed up. The dojo space is amazing and the people are respectable, polite and very…read morewelcoming!

I am surprised that I am the first one reviewing Tohkon, which is one of the oldest, biggest, and…read moremost prominent judo schools in Chicago. I have been studying judo here for about three months, and I nothing but positive things to say about instructors and fellow students. All the instructors are volunteers, who donate their time to teach, following the educational spirit and tradition of judo. They are very attentive and kind (as could be when teaching you how to toss and slam someone) Plus, they are extremely knowledgeable. There are more than a dozen of black belts here, some of whom have been studying judo for more than thirty years. Fellow students are friendly and very interested in seeing you improve. The school has a very friendly atmosphere, and because there are many students, you get to try your moves against a wide spectrum of body sizes, weights and technical expertise. If you are interested in learning judo in Chicago, I cannot think of a better place. The school has a free parking lot, although it tends to fill up fast.

Took 3 hr. Renewal class on Tuesday evening Great…read moreinstructor Glen C. Especially liked getting the shooting done in the beginning of class.

Ok. I haven't been here in years. I used their range several times when they first opened up. Never…read morea problem, especially if you call ahead to reserve some range time. Fast forward to today. I had taken a few years off from shooting. But I got the itch again and shook off the dust at another range. Recently decided to start shopping for another firearm. I stopped by Maxon's as they had the 3 handguns in stock that I've been considering. While I did not purchase anything, Luis was extremely helpful, and knew his stuff. He was super friendly and patient with me as well. I really appreciated his relaxed, friendly attitude. Something you don't find too often in this scene. Their prices are a little high, but I think the employees make it worth it. I'll be back to use their range, and post an update if there are any issues. Minus 1 star for the price of their CC qualification target. $3. Ouch. The other range I go to in East Dundee sells them for ¢75.

Have loved bringing my daughter here. The staff is incredibly knowledgable and encouraging and the…read moreresults have been immediately noticeable. Jason is great as is Tyler and our last lesson with Luke was the best hour lesson of any kind we've had. He clicked with her and her swing was transformed with results in the next few games to prove it. Awesome place. So appreciative of what they do. Highly recommend.

For young kids, it's fun. It totally gamifies hitting. Kids can hit off a tee and see the ball "fly…read morethrough the air" in their favorite stadiums. For youth level hitters, there are three things that are next level: 1) The pitching machine is behind a synchronized video screen. It simulates kid pitch wind up, delivery and timing. (Most young hitter need "kid pitch" reps. 2) Immediate feedback. The hittrax tech is used by pro teams. Youth player can see ball flight, exit velo and launch angle immediately. They can mentally assign the feel of barreling the ball with the outcome 3) Stats. Want to see how results have improved session over session or over the duration of training? Check. Want to see how one bat performs compares to another? Check. Want to work on 30 straight pitches on the outer half and see how adjustments affect outcome? Check. It's a baseball amusement park for beginners or advanced players. Add top level instruction options and this is an ideal baseball business. Highly recommend.

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.

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.

I love this place! The instructors are great, everyone is kind and there's no macho tough guy…read moreenergy. Everyone wants to learn and get better and there is a true sense of camaraderie. It's a cool mix of young and old, male and female and again, an overall great vibe. They also seem to go out of their way to keep the place clean which is vital for a BJJ gym. I am very glad I joined and I plan to continue for a long time.

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!

The Evanston Township High School plays host to badminton players on Mondays and Wednesdays from…read more7pm to 9:30pm for a $5 entrance fee. If you're looking for a fun way to exercise during the winter, check out the open gym at ETHS for a game of badminton. No matter your skill level, there's usually partners to play with you. (I am an absolute beginner with almost zilch tennis experience, though I consider myself fairly athletic and competitive in sporting events. However, hitting a moving object with a stick, e.g. tennis, baseball, etc, is not my strong suit.) The courts are entirely devoted to badminton, so there's no worry about stray basketballs smacking you in the face when you're not looking -- a definite plus compared to other open gyms where anything goes. Some players are very serious, and unless you're a collegiate star or aspiring professional, it's better to stay away from those matches. It's still fun to watch those people play, as you stand in awe of the beauty and ferocity of the game when it is performed by players of skill, agility and power. For those of us plodding along, whiffing at the birdie and smacking shots into the net, the best way to enjoy the evening is to bring a group of four friends together. Take along rackets and a few birdies. A water bottle, too. (Drinking fountains are available in case you forget.) A line often forms for the main courts. Etiquette says you play one game to 21 and then see if another group of 4 is waiting for a turn. Their rackets will be lined up on the bleachers near the entrance to the gym. There's a secondary gym that is smaller and less ventilated -- you can usually find me there, as there's no competition for court space and you can hit your ridiculous-looking shots (or miss) and not make a fool of yourself when running around the gym picking up errant birdies. Occasionally you'll bump into someone who takes the whole affair far too seriously. He or she may even say something dumb or try to bully you and your friends. Happens in every minor sport with a dedicated following. Brush them off as you would any silly trash-talker, stand your ground when necessary. The vast majority of people are kind and welcome newcomers to the sport. After all, we're talking about badminton players, not angry arm wrestlers. You'll have a blast. Transportation tips: Free parking is a breeze across the street from the school. There's also a larger lot that is a few dozen yards farther away.

The review from josh K 2006 is quite accurate except for the part about beginners being openly…read morewelcomed. The players don't mind if beginners are out there for the first hour but you can tell that people would like them to leave so that more serious games can take the courts. The courts are typically really busy, with a waiting line to play (especially during the colder months). For this reason, the regular players would like to only see beginners taking the courts in the first hour or so. Though sometimes you might get taken under a wing and be shown some pointers by one of the advanced players. The mood seems to depend on the night and how busy the courts are. If you are somewhat good, well then you will have a real blast with the Evanston club. Most of the regulars are quite advanced.

Hands down the best fencing club in IL. My son has been training here for years and we love it so…read moremuch, I recently started lessons and classes myself. No matter what your level is, there is a class for you--from tiny beginners to national champions and everyone in between. The coaches are amazing career professionals with world titles themselves. The whole team is very supportive and the kids enjoy working together and competing locally, nationally and internationally. My son has learned so much beyond the sport--discipline, teamwork, focus on goals, self-care. We are grateful for every hour he spends in the club. If you ever though fencing may be something you or your child may want to try, call the club. If you are relocating and looking for a new club to join, WCF is your place!