I've been training at the Arena Training Center since 2014 when I came back from Japan. When I…read moremoved back to the States I started looking for a dojo. I was looking for a dojo with good training partners, a knowledgeable and patient coach/sensei, and above all a sense of community. Three years later I still find all of these elements to be present at the Arena Training Center. My training partners range from accomplished black belts to aspiring beginners and all help me as I work to perfect my art just as I help them. Coach Steve is always staying on top of current competitive trends and helping his students as they prepare for competition. That being said Coach Steve doesn't pressure anyone to go to competition and welcomes everyone into the Arena Training Center community. The community at the dojo is supportive and an excellent place for children and adults alike to develop. Arena Training Center also offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and other courses. So if you want to come and practice nage waza (throwing techniques), such as uchi mata and seoi nage, or katame waza (grappling techniques), such as kesa gatame and sankaku jime, you can't go wrong with the Arena Training Center. You won't find a better group of people to train with or a better price.

Great place for martial arts that isn't out to take all your money, or be super strict for formal…read more Fun place to learn self defense, burns some calories, have good time. Lots of types of martial arts to learn from.

I've been taking my son there for more than 2 years. We truly love the place and the instructors…read morethere, and Mr. Tony is our favorite. They are not there for money and really for teaching. We started with registered thru the park district, but end up just paying monthly - a very reasonable price for martial arts. Highly recommended! Too bad we are going to move away quite far, not sure if we can find another place like this -- or may be we'll just drive longer distance if it's just once a week (will see).

Professor Dave Rosenmarkle (Black Belt) heads this BJJ school and his students make things happen…read morein competition (the kids program is on fire!). There are kids and adults classes. There is Crossfit in the same building, as well as kickboxing classes if you wish to cross train. I've been apart of a few gyms and I'm proud to call Veneration home. The people are really down to earth and whether you want to compete or not you'll fit right in. Prof. Rosenmarkle has a great sense of humor and has a sharp eye for seeing areas where students can improve. If you want an affordable all-in-one gym with a great atmosphere then check Veneration out. GI or No-Gi, beginner to advanced, you'll feel among friends.

I always felt out if place the ju jitsu instructior was very touchy fealy, touching my hair, trys…read moreto kiss me... long story short it was very ocward along with him favoring certin students

Good instruction and a nice and welcoming group of peopleread more

Christian is as good of an instructor as he is a fighter and that says alot. With an amatuer record…read moreof 8-1 and a pro record of 1-0, the north suburbs of chicago has exactly one cagefighter, one person skilled in the art of mma. He isn't teaching anything other than real techniques that work in the ring, cage or the street. A bantamweight, Christian relies on super technical strategies to defeat his usually much larger opponents. He guides each student down the path to martial arts greatness. It is guaranteed. All you need to do is show up ready to work. No prior experience required nor do you have to be in shape -- if you haven't been training bjj or Thai then you're not in shape for mma anyway. Your progress will astound you. It is a beautiful thing to see. Parents of course will be proud to have their children working with a respectful, disciplined and educated instructor. Not only is Christian a college graduate, he is one course away from completing his MBA. And the facility, that has been open a couple years now is cleaner than ever -- not that is wasn't clean before because it always is clean. Men in their 20's and older can expect to learn the cutting edge techiniques as given by the Great Jay Valko, who truly is a world reknown bjj instructor and artist. Whether it is sports, self defense or just getting a low impact high intensity workout, Christian is the guy in the north suburbs of chicago.

Time to get my ace moving again and I'm so glad I finally checked out Fly Girl…read more It's a smallish studio but they offer different classes--Zumba, Booty Boot Camp, Cardio Dance, Strength conditioning, even kids zumba classes--just check out their website for class times. I come mainly for Zumba, it's fun shaking out the blahs and getting some cardio exercise in. And if you're not smiling by the end of class, then you're doing something wrong. I've been to Kymberlee's and Tyler/Zac's class. Kymberlee has been in fitness for-ever, a major player for Bally's and Bull's Cheerleader. I have known her for years and her personality really shows when she's teaching the class. Tyler/Zac's class is also a lot of fun...quite different for me to have two instructors during class, but it helps when the routines are new and you get two different views to follow. The music is sure to get you dancing. Like I said, it's a smaller studio, but I like the feel to it, you get to chat with the instructors and they really try to get to know you too. Payment wise, they offer drop-ins, punch cards or unlimited passes per month. Totally worth the price of admission. Great place to channel your inner Fly Girl!

When I started working out here, I think I was mesmerized by the facade of what it supposedly stood…read morefor, a friendly female focused, women's empowerment gym where you could be yourself. Well, once you look beyond the marketing scheme of it all, you'll see it for what it is : cliquey, disingenuous, simply a ploy -- headed by women who have no real lives and no friends in real life so they create their own little high school bubble. "Be yourself, judgement free" -- it is anything BUT as many of them routinely make fun of a girl who is a bit rhythmically off beat and out there. It's really all about the so called "cool girls" here ; some see this and do not play into it but many perpetuate it by willingly participating or failing to say / do anything to the contrary. In my opinion, most of them are minions of the owner, they don't think for themselves ; so take these "follower" reviews with a grain of salt. You may feel as if you have found a true gem, a feel good gym, and you are more than a walking dollar sign here but alas, it simply boils down to the almighty dollar. Do yourself a favor and continue to research and find an establishment that actually practices what they PREACH.

My son Chris practices BJJ here. I cannot recommend this place enough. The teaching is excellent…read morecovering details and nuances in such a way that small children are engaged and get the movements. Outstanding. If I could give more stars here, I would!

just started going to this gym and am very impressed! There are two locations, and this is the…read morebigger one. the equipment is well maintained and work well. there's literally so many machines, i haven't even see half of these before in my life haha. i went at peak gym time (at after work hours for most people), and it was not that busy. there was still plenty, PLENTY of space and machines for everyone. there's a pool, basketball court, kids daycare, a woman's only section (!!! ^__^ ). there are group classes for an extra charge. there's also a military discount available for $5 off per month, taking it from $54 to $49! i'll take what i can get lol. i love it here! check out some of the pictures of the place, i blocked out people who could be identified to respect people's privacy on their gym journey. (:

Older Lady who works in the front at night (week days) has horrible customer service! Noticed a few…read moremonths ago she started working nights and from that point forward mood and overall ambience has gone down negatively. Poor attitude when greeting and saying goodbye to members. Soon as it turns 10pm all patience goes out the window and she is quick hounding people to get up and leave. She shows no consideration! My experiences with her have been short and I am quick to understand closing time. Today however, her behavior was cruel. Because it was pouring rain outside I was putting all my belongings in my bag so they don't get wet. She hovered over me until she could rush me plus other members who are waiting for rides out into the pouring rain. She stood at the OPEN door staring at me waiting for my ride to pull up to the front of the building. kid you not by the time I got into the car and open this yelp app it was 10:05 pm. I completely understand there is a closing time but this behavior towards members is simply unacceptable and cruel. I hope by writing this it can help the fit nation team provide better customer service to its members :)

BFit BHealthy has changed my life. It's an amazing place to work out. Bernice, the owner, offers a…read morewide variety of classes from Pilates, Body Pump, P90X, Insanity and much more. She has a range of times and offers babysitting. Her place and equipment are always super clean. The environment is always upbeat and positive. Give it a try and I promise you won't regret it.