This is a great place to train if you are interested in trying self-defense, martial arts, or even just general conditioning. There are Krav Maga, Boxing, and Tacfit classes for adults and Taekwondo for the kids. I started with the 3 months membership which was a great way to try out all the different classes, figure out what I liked and which times worked best with my schedule. All instructors are knowledgeable, professional, and patient and will push you hard every single workout. Classes are kept small so you will receive lot of individual attention (sometimes too much attention if you are lazy like me :) and learn fast. And you will make new friends from all walks of life. BOXING can seem intimidating but the techniques are explained and broken down and demonstrated clearly and from day one, you are moving around with a partner and punching. Experienced classmates are friendly and helpful and will slow down for you until you catch up. And you will get your turn one-on-one with the instructor few times throughout each class. The workouts are challenging and interesting and I can see myself improving every time I come. As a bonus, there are stories from the boxing world and a few classmates who actually fight! KRAV MAGA. Even if you do just the trial class, it is well worth it (though prepare to like it and do lot of sweaty laundry once you join!). After a few, you will be walking around with a new awareness--of your environment, people around you, their body language, scanning for openings and exits. The classes are high energy fun: punching, kicking, combination drills to start with, learning and practicing self-defense moves, and then putting it together in simulated fights...all the while two instructors are prowling around the room. You might occasionally leave with a bruise or two, but you will also get comfortable seeing punches coming at you, getting out of headlock, and aggressively fighting back. And while you can have fun hanging in Level 1 classes for a while, for the serious students there is testing for Level 2 (and 3) and even more techniques to learn. FREE TO MOVE; CIRCULAR STRENGTH TRAINING; TACFIT. These are great to get you moving in the directions your body forgot how to use; build strength and flexibility, and laugh at yourself as you are flopping around on the mat trying to imitate the incredibly flexible instructor. Everything is demonstrated, explained and then practiced slowly and carefully before you pick up speed and/or weights for the real workout. It always feels great when the class is over :) read more

Where do I begin? I have been doing Krav Maga for 2 1/2 yrs and I'm blown away and how much I've learned. In the past I would try something and then quit but not this, I've never been so motivated and excited each day ( I go 4 days a wk) knowing that I will be learning something new. I am a current Level 2 student who will be preparing for a level 3 test. :) About the instructors Arpun and Hayak they know their shit! They are the best of the best, If they see you are having issues with punches or your fighting stance they will work with you and help you correct the issues. The other Krav students they help each other it's basically like a family there is no ego, if there is you would be put on your ass in a heart beat! The workouts are grueling but it's so worth it because at the end of the day it's about your safety and the safety of your family! Krav prepares you for the what if's in the world. oh yea it also gets you in shape as well. :) The studio is brand new, it's clean, they have lockers, bathrooms, changing rooms and a little pro shop where you can buy shirts and gloves and also watch the classes. They also offer tae kwon do and the instructors Ziad is very good at what he does. He has a following. he's firm but he's good he makes sure the kids know what they are doing. My kids enjoy working with him. Now if Krav isn't for you there is boxing with Hayak and Tacfit 26 with Chris and trust me you will not be disappointed. The location is perfect there is plenty of parking (of course you have to pay the meters) but there is free parking on the side streets. I have no issues coming from the city to go into Evanston for a great workout. Now you can take a free trail class in anything they offer: ie... Boxing, Krav Maga and or TacFit26, I promise you will not be disappointed. If you are looking for a killer workout and don't mind getting sweaty then Tier One Training Center is the place for you! :-) read more

I have been training in the Koeran art of taekwondo for about 6-8 years with master Ziad, I am currently a black belt 1st degree and he has made the athlete (fighter) that I am today. Master Ziad is one of the most humble people I have ever met, this guy is like my second father because from experience, I can for sure tell you that the taekwondo program there is a success. My master has a lot of experience teaching this art and a few other martial arts, master Ziad has international taekwondo fighting experience, and has been on the Jordanian national team. Master Ziad is very good at helping you improve as a practitioner, he is very honest (so he won't tell you what you want to hear, he will tell you what is right and what you need to hear). His workouts are super super tough!!!! He will not only teach you how to throw a kick or a punch, but he will teach you the true essence of taekwondo and how to apply it in your daily life. This place comes with a lot of great and new state-of-the-art equipment meant only for taekwondo Olympic athletes, such as paddles, proper floor matting, footwork ladders, hurdles, timers, kicking bags for little kids, pyrometric boxs used for agility, rings and many more extensive gear. In order to be great at taekwondo, one must have the speed of a collage cross country athlete, the foot work of a boxer, the flexibility of a gymnast, the reach of a fencer, the power of a professional Greco-roman wrestler, and the explosiveness of a track star. I strongly believe that in Tier One, it can be obtained through hard work, discipline, dedication and passion for the sport. read more

I love this place! As other reviewers have said, it really is the real deal. First and foremost, the instructors are phenomenal - you can really tell that they are passionate about what they teach, and they rock at teaching. They take the time to really demonstrate techniques and then keep an eye on you to make sure you're doing it right. If you want to get in shape, if you want to learn self defense (Krav Maga), release some frustration (grrr winter) while boxing, or build strength and flexibility in Tacfit - this is the place to do it. Also, there's a great community of students here who are all supportive of one another and genuinely friendly people who make it fun to work out (yes, it CAN be fun to work out!). Finally, they gym itself is really great - as another reviewer mentioned, it's CLEAN...which can't be said for many other training facilities, and the equipment here is top of the line. The Krav Maga classes here are awesome. It's empowering - and a great workout, too (and don't be intimidated if you're a beginner like me...the instructors will work with you on technique and there's different levels of classes). Fair warning, though, don't come here if you want to get away with a lackluster workout - you will have to train hard, sweat hard, and push yourself - and you'll feel amazing (if a little wobbly) afterwards. The prices are reasonable, and great discounts if you're a student. I really recommend checking this place out! read more

This is the best place ever with a top notch instructors they do a great training. As a parent I did a lot of homework to pick the best school for my child, my criteria for choosing a school depended on 3 things: -Quality of Instruction. -Kid friendly learning .-Price . Mr. Ziad is a terrific instructor highly skilled,incredible knowledgeable passionate and encouraging. They manage to teach children of varying attention spans self-defense skills and just as important How to listen, honor and respect for others.....something you don't necessarily get at school these days. My 5 year old son has been trained by Mr.Ziad for a year to date my child improve his self confidence, self respect, balance, strength and coordination, many many thanks to Mr.Ziad for his hard work and patience!!! I would highly recommend to everybody Tier One Training Center! If you read this- just come in and try it you must check this school Honestly you wouldn't regret!!!!! read more

I have been going to Tier One for about a year and it has been an excellent experience. I have taken their Krav Maga, Circular Strength Training, TacFit Training, and Boxing classes and every class will definitely give you an efficient workout. By attending these 1 hour classes at least twice a week, I was able to see improvement in my overall health and strength in a matter of a few months. Their fighting classes provide practical perspective in defending yourself and friends/family from single or multiple attackers. The instructors also teach defenses against knife and gun attacks too. As a smaller-sized person, I was taught how to handle people who are larger than I am. Not only are the instructors excellent at tailoring their pedagogy according to the fighting experience of each person, "veteran" members of Tier One are also great at mentoring people who are new to fighting (like I was). This aspect is what set Tier One apart from other gyms: the sense of community. This is a great way of meeting others coming from diverse backgrounds, ages, etc. If you are thinking or curious about Tier One, you should take their free trial class! read more

I started at Tier One with their six week fitness challenge. After the first week, my body hurt and I didn't think I would make all 6 weeks. But the enthusiasm and patience of the instructors gave me the confidence to know that I could learn to do what the curriculum required. The instructors are very knowledgeable and are able to personalize the curriculum to meet everyone's fitness levels. They take into account everyone's physical abilities by offering progression and regression from the basic curriculum. Time is taken at the beginning of every class to explain and illustrate what the daily class fitness program will be. The facilities and equipment are very well kept and are quite clean. Changing rooms and lockers are available. While there is no dedicated parking, street parking is readily available. The L and Metra are just a short block away. I am so glad I found Tier One and have chosen to continue working with them by getting a regular membership. A free trial class is offered if you're interested in seeing what a class is like. read more

The best gym I've ever been a part of. The staff teach at a very high level & care a lot about the advancement of their students. The Krav Maga teaches a blindingly efficient self-defense while challenging the strongest of athletes with the intense cardio & strength exercises. The boxing class is a whole other animal. It challenged me aerobically while polishing my ability to throw and evade punches. The TacFit and CST classes are pure fitness classes that couple the fighting techniques you learn in Krav Maga and Boxing. At first I was very humbled by the difficulty of the workouts in these two classes, quickly though the body adapts, and you get really strong. I started without any martial arts training and learned a lot in my time there. I moved out of Chicago because of professional reasons, but leaving Tier One was one of the more difficult things. There is a great community there. After class instructors and students often grab a bite to eat and just hang out. A lot of camaraderie. Try a free class, you will be happy you did. read more

If you're looking for some awesome training in either Krav Maga, Boxing, or just overall conditioning, Tier One has everything. Krav Maga is a hardcore self-defense system. The classes will get you in shape and teach you REAL skills that you can use on the street if you ever have to. The Boxing program is amazing as well, and the conditioning program (TACFIT) is sooo much better than Crossfit IMO. I got injured doing Crossfit, but TACFIT's approach to fitness is health-first and injury prevention. My kids also attend the Taekwondo classes. Master Z is great with kids, and he's no joke - he will teach them discipline and make them work hard. His students are very loyal to him. The instructors at this place are the best - attentive, knowledgeable, and hard working. Most importantly, they actually know how to teach, and will help you achieve your fitness goals. The facility is sparking clean, and they do family discounts and free trial classes. I'd definitely recommend this place to everyone! read more

Two years ago we were looking for taekwondo school for our kids and we were lucky that we met Master Z as the trainer for them. Discipline , determination, goal oriented,respect to self and others, excellence were taught to them. That whatever it takes, never give up, focus on it and for sure you'll achieve it. A first time experience for my children when they join the International Taekwondo Competition in Indiana under the mentorship of Master Z, both of them won, First place and 2nd place, not bad for neophytes joining competitions. But because they had a good taekwondo training foundations under the supervision of Master Z of TIER ONE they were able to achieved what they aimed for. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND TIER ONE TRAINING CENTER . STAFFS ARE AMAZINGLY PROFESSIONAL, NICE and FRIENDLY! Not to forget the place is SPACIOUS, CLEAN and NEW! If you are looking for a good training center in town... GO FOR TIER ONE TRAINING CENTER IN 1017 DAVIS ST. in EVANSTON,IL. read more

This is an outstanding martial arts facility for children and adults!!! They teach important physical skills while getting an amazing total body workout. Whether you are training to fight or there to workout, the classes are challenging and the time flies by because we are having fun too. My daughter takes taekwondo here and I am so pleased with how far she has come in her training. There are many programs for children out there but is truly the best you will find! It is the perfect mix of skill and discipline. The instructors here are HIGHLY skilled in the may styles of training that they offer (Boxing, Taekwondo, Krav Maga and Tac Fit). It is a very friendly and supportive atmosphere and the classes are smaller so it is like having a personal trainer for a fraction of the cost. There is a long list of people who have been anxiously waiting their doors to open because they cannot imagine going to anyone else after having been taught by the best! read more

I've been training in Krav Maga since moving to Chicago in 2009 and have tried a lot of the schools in the area. Tier 1's instructors are skilled, knowledgeable, and their passion for what they teach comes through in their classes. You'll get both a killer workout and what feels like a fun time with friends, albeit very sweaty friends. Because the studio is new, its really clean and the equipment is brand-new and state-of-the-art. While I've done Krav and boxing before, I tried TACFIT with Chris for the first time and it was tough, but cool. In all three of their programs (Krav, boxing, TACFIT), the instructors cater to the respective fitness and experience levels of each student and are able to break down the technical stuff without overwhelming you with detail. Definitely worth a trial class, and I signed up for a membership because even though I live in the city (Lakeview), the instructors here are much better than any of the city gyms. read more

My daughter has been a student of master Ziad, one of the very experienced teachers at Tier One, for four years. My daughter is now confident, and is tremendously effected my Master Ziad's teaching. Though master Ziad has many students, we always feel as if we are the only ones there due to his personal attention. My daughter also scores very high now in all sports throughout elementary, middle and high school thanks to the skills she learned at Tier one. As a woman, we must know how to defend ourselves and this is the place to learn it, at ANY age.I'd like to thank master Ziad in particular and the entire team of Tier one. If you'd like to gain self confidence, physical strength and mental healthiness I truly recommend signing up. These skills will last you a life time and I am so happy that I signed my daughter up 4 years ago. Sign up now, make this your New Years resolution! :) read more

I have been at this gym since it opened, taking classes in Krav Maga, boxing, and Tac Fit, and I have enjoyed every one. This is a wonderful place to train! The classes are challenging even for very fit people, but the instructors and students are supportive of beginning students, too. The instructors all have a serious commitment to teaching good form, so it is a safe place to gradually improve your skill and fitness level. It is exciting how much my classmates and I have improved over 4 short months. My strength, agility, flexibility, and skills have all greatly improved. The class environment is very friendly. I have met the nicest people training here. I am also so appreciative of the fact that this a very clean gym--very few martial arts facilities can say that. Coming to Tier One is a highlight of my day! read more

I bet you, you won't find a better place to train. The instructors are amazing and really know what they're doing. The students are a mix of advanced and beginners -- but everyone wants to get better. Very welcoming environment. Tight knit community. Your classmates will become your friends. Clean, well-maintained facility in the heart of Evanston. I commute from Lakeview, and getting to the gym is easy thanks to the Purple line (simple Red line transfer). It takes me 15-20 minutes to get to the gym. The boxing and Krav Maga classes get you in wicked shape and actually teach you how to defend yourself. Couldn't ask for a better gym. read more

This is an amazing new Martial Arts facility newly opened right in the heart of Evanston. The owner/instructors are absolutely passionate and 100% dedicated in providing the best training they possibly can to all age groups. Because of their highly professional training, they're able to give expert instruction in Krav Maga, TacFit, Taekwondo, Boxing. They concentrate on each person's individual needs and requirements; providing excellent classes from beginners to advanced lessons. Their encouragement is infectious and students strive to achieve the best they can. This is truly an impressive and professionally run gym..... read more

This is a great martial arts facility for children who want to learn tae kwon do. My daughters take classes here and they love it. I have noticed their confidence grow as they master each level. Their instructor is very attentive and knows his craft very well. I feel every child should experience martial arts. The benefits that come along with knowing how to protect one self is price less. It's a skill that every child should know and I'm glad my girls are learning from the best! read more

This place is the real deal. The instructors are clearly accomplished in the methods they teach and they are excellent at teaching - insightful, challenging, and relentless. If you want a great work out and want to learn to defend yourself effectively, this is the place to go. But plan on working hard - no cutting corners here. read more

Recently, Hayk and Arpun completed their first Expert certifications! We'll be learning more about weapon defenses, soon. Additionally, Luci, the first female TacFit instructor in Illinois, had been teaching classes. Exciting times! read more