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    Self Defense Centers

    5.0 (14 reviews)
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    Review Highlights - Self Defense Centers

    Tim has taught me confidence, body fluidity, and how to feel comfortable with my physical space.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    IMPACT Chicago

    IMPACT Chicago

    4.8
    (19 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Before I completed IMPACT's Core training program, I had a somewhat unrealistic narrative in my…read morehead of what would happen if I was physically attacked or assaulted. (Basically, I just imagined that I would turn into the Incredible Hulkess and stomp on the perpetrator's head.) Since completing the program I now possess an entire repertoire of self-defense moves and am much better prepared - physically, mentally, and emotionally - to take on an attacker. (And yes, one of the moves is a heel kick to the attacker's head, but from a safe, grounded position). The program isn't cheap, and the first couple classes can be challenging and triggering, because the drills are very realistic. It's tough to see your classmates getting harassed and assaulted. Everyone gets a turn in each exercise/simulation, so every student is berated and attacked by the padded-suit assailant (sometimes two assailants). You must go through these simulations to practice the moves and get them into your muscle memory. The instructors and padded assailants are very well trained, and everyone in the class is supportive. After each simulation there's a quick debriefing to emotionally process what happened, share, vent, encourage, and ask questions. By the end of the course, you'll see your classmates kicking the padded assailant's ass (just obliterating him). It's a very powerful thing to witness. The course also teaches vital techniques for self-assertion and boundary setting, using body language and voice. What I learned to do with my voice in this class was just as important and what I learned to do with my body. Overall, IMPACT was an excellent investment in my personal safety and well-being. Highly recommend.

    Designed to trigger survivors. Only sign up if you want a combination of group/exposure therapy in…read moreaddition to self defense. I hesitated to sign up for self defense precisely because I was afraid instructors would imply things could have been different if only I'd had the skills. That message was constant throughout the class, despite the fact it was labelled "trauma informed." The t shirts literally say "One day 'no' will be enough. Until then, there's Impact Chicago." Without getting into personals, self defense skills can be useful, but not in every situation. For me, I thought "trauma informed" would mean classes that are careful to teach skills without requiring people to disclose their past, which can amp up an already charged situation. Instead, you are asked to share your feelings frequently. When I did get triggered, instead of getting a moment alone, I was asked to disclose what was happening to a group of people of mixed genders I'd met hours ago. When I did not return for the second day, the instructor told me this is common for people who find the class too intense the first time due to their history, but then they come back when they know what to expect. If this had been billed as group/exposure therapy combined with self defense, I'd have know a bit more what to expect. I did not. Therefore, the people with PTSD are more likely to be triggered and if they decide to complete the course block off two full weekends instead of one. This may seem small but I believe a course like this should be designed with people who have PTSD as the priority, not the group whose trauma is a barrier yet again.

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    A recent class where two attackers began the fight, but none of them ended it.
    A recent class where two attackers began the fight, but none of them ended it.
    A recent class showing defense against two attackers at the same time.
    A recent class showing defense against two attackers at the same time.
    IMPACT Chicago

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    Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy

    Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy

    4.8
    (23 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    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!!

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    Little Spartans
    Little Spartans
    Kids Belt Promotion
    Kids Belt Promotion
    Rio Jiu Jitsu Academy

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    Redzovic Jiu Jitsu - Lincoln Square

    Redzovic Jiu Jitsu - Lincoln Square

    4.6
    (39 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    One of the best choices I have ever made was joining Team Redzovic. I joined early summer of 2015…read moreand am still very much a beginner, but everyone, from the instructors to the higher belts and my peers at white belt, have created a positive attitude of learning and respect. I often am partnered with a higher belt and each time, without fail, that person has taken the time walk me through our lesson without ego and with the utmost patience. The philosophy of every class is to get better each day, and not let a bad day of training deter you from the journey. The atmosphere is one of respect and teaching. I missed a few classes due to an serious illness and twice I got a call from the school wishing me a speedy recovery and welcoming me back whenever I was ready. This demonstrates the character this school exemplifies. I had already paid for my classes, those calls weren't about the money it was about keeping me on track and checking in on a student. Class organization. I recommend this school to anyone. It's a great workout, a challenging and humbling art that pushes your limits and requires one to step outside their comfort zone and test their own resolve to learn. Great experience-truly one of the best decisions I ever made.

    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.

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    Redzovic Jiu Jitsu - Lincoln Square
    Redzovic Jiu Jitsu - Lincoln Square
    Redzovic Jiu Jitsu - Lincoln Square

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    Self Defense Centers - selfdefenseclasses - Updated June 2026

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