Last review of the decade! Gotta make it for one of my favorite businesses of all time. Top level…read morehas a little bit of everything for everyone. From kids to adults of all ages, beginner to training for matches or competitions, they have it all. They offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, conditioning classes and a yoga class. The owners, coaches and professors are knowledgeable and eager to share and teach. Every one is so welcoming and it's like one big family here. From time to time they also have seminars with professionals in Muay Thai, Kali; I've been to several and they were such great experiences. If you're looking to compete, looking to get in shape, looking to learn some self-defense, or all of the above this is the place to go! Love Top Level!

Great gym with amazing people. Always talent in the room, and always tough rounds. Bernie and the…read moretop level team do a lot for the MMA and Martial Arts Community.

We just started taking our son who has been having behavioral issues at school and we have seen a…read moremajor attitude shift since we've started coming here. I've done martial arts since I was a kid and it changed my life so I was hoping my son would love it as well and I'm so happy to have found this place! He was so nervous the first day but everyone took such great care of him and immediately seeing him smile and enjoy himself was enough for me but the staff is great as well! Instructor Paul is absolutely amazing with all the kids!! If you have kids and want to get them into a great program this is the place!

We are happy with our experience at Max Martial Art! Master Jeong has made taekwondo enjoyable for…read moreour 4 and 7-year-old kids. As parents, we couldn't be happier with the positive impact this martial arts class has had on our children. It's more than just a physical activity; it's a meaningful experience that helps shape their character, discipline, and confidence. Master Jeong has done an exceptional job in making taekwondo enjoyable for them. We highly recommend Max Martial Art.

AWESOME!!! Great staff, awesome people, great training environment, supportive environment,…read morewelcoming etc. They take care of first responders and military personnel with their special pricing structure. Also, they allow you attend "FREE" for 30 days in order for you to sign a contract. I mean who does that???? This place ROCKS!

I've been here for a little over a year now and since I'm leaving soon I feel like it's time to…read morewrite an update. A lot has changed here since then. New location, change in programming. The new facility is HUGE, a definite upgrade over the old place. Not only is there more mat space but a weights area and heavy bags. More than one classes can run at the same time which means a larger variety of classes, more advanced level Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and even two dedicated MMA classes a week. What has NOT changed is the quality of instruction, the friendly, laid back atmosphere and it's competition focus. All of the instructors there are really laid back-there are no formalities here, which makes it really easy to ask them for help with techniques or questions about how to do moves. Walk up to anyone for help or even some practice and they'll be more than happy to do so. A couple months ago, Mark the head instructor said it best: "this isn't a business, it's a family." You can tell from the beginning that this isn't just a school to just learn but a place where people come together to share a common interest, almost like a clubhouse. While I like the new facility and the space what I'm going to miss most is the people I get to see week after week.

Krav Maga Illinois is not just a fitness or self-defense space. It is truly a school - a place…read morewhere our children have grown, learned, and improved both inside and out. The teachers and staff are welcoming while also firm, experienced, and superbly knowledgeable. They know children and treat them with care and respect that makes you instantly care and respect them in return. We have tried other forms of self-defense; Krav is the only one where we have actually seen real-life circumstances and situations addressed in concrete, actionable ways from day one. It's hard, it can be intense, and it demands focus - just what we wanted for our children. I cannot more highly recommend KMI, not just for the activity itself, but for the community in which its taught (arguably more important than any other feature).

The training and support staff are top notch. Friendly and patient students that don't judge and…read morewill go out of their way to help you progress. The schedule should work for most people. Reasonable rates and the instruction you get and fitness you obtain is worth it! 10/10

We have been part of the Fonseca family for over 3 years now. Sensei Jaime has an amazing ability…read moreto joke / mess around with the kids while still requiring them to focus and do their best while in class. For our 3 year old, I am genuinely shocked at what he is able to do during the tots class. A few weeks ago, Sensei Jaime had an entire class of tots successfully walk their feet up the wall and go into a wall-supported handstands. They have so much fun, all while building confidence and practicing impulse control. It has been really incredible to watch Sensei Jaime work with our 9 year old and the various ways he keeps his lessons engaging and motivating. Both of our sons love going to class and to say they are elated whenever they reunite with Sensei Jaime would be a huge understatement. While most of our experience with Fonseca has been with youth karate, we often have the opportunity to watch the adult classes as we are coming and going and from what I have witnessed, the adult classes share the same infectious, positive energy as the youth classes. I cannot finish this review without highlighting the warm, friendly community that comes with Fonseca. We are so grateful to know the fellow Park Ridge families and for the whole team of instructors at this dojo.

On a whim we did a free introductory karate class at Fonseca in Evanston. Seeing our son with as…read moremuch intensity and focus as he had during that first class was inspiring! We knew almost immediately we would be enrolling! When we heard they were opening a location in Park Ridge, we were excited about the shorter commute! Sensei Jaime teaches the kids' classes in Park Ridge and is absolutely incredible with them! He knows when to challenge them to try harder and when to be humorous. It was at the top of my list to find a dojo (Karate school) with a sensei (instructor) who connected well with kids, making learning fun but also challenging each child. Sensei Jaime has exceeded that. The studio itself is clean and minimal, which I think is the norm. It just opened in December and I can't wait for them to peel the paper off the windows! Your kids will learn about more than karate in class. At the end of each class they kneel, breathe and say, "Be the best person you can be! Respect the rule! Be truthful! Never give up! Self-discipline!"

NSMA has been an amazing place for my shy 4 year old. He walked in with a whisper and after just a…read morefew short months there is a 'loud' i have never heard come out of him. He is the most confident version of himself when he enters class. I am in awe at how Master Yoon controls class and guides each child. He helps them achieve their goals individually in a class setting. He teaches discipline in at the right ways for this age group and you can see how it continues as they get older. Testing for a new belt was such an incredible sight, there is so much pride he brings out and the whole thing was ran in such a smooth respectfully way. 100% recommend this place, they offer a trial class so you can check it out first.

This place has been an amazing experience for my 4 year old, Jevon. We've seen an huge impact in…read morehis discipline and focus, and he is always excited to go to class and see Master Yoon. The positive structure and encouragement make this program truly special.

Shim's TKD is not just a place for exercise, training and discipline.....it's a 2nd home…read more I have been going there for years, since the old location. The Master's are perfect at what they do. They truly care about you and they have become family. They are so good with kids it makes your heart melt. They have great equipment to get the job done and you will never leave a class feeling unsatisfied. Trust me, you can barely walk sometimes! You will be wobbling the next day! If you are looking for a great dojo, for all ages.... Even if you don't live in the area - it is well worth it. You won't be disappointed!

If you want to join this Martial Arts class, you will notice Master Shim will force you to pay for…read moreatleast 3 months. There is no monthly option. Actually he will convince you to pay for a year. And there is a SOLID reason behind it! UNLESS you have a super athletic body and have been doing gymnastics for years, YOU WILL INCUR AN INJURY IN THIS CLASS!! And then Master Shim WILL NOT REFUND YOUR MONEY but will try to CONVINCE you to continue the class even after incurring an injury. I incurred a leg injury while doing this class since there is no prep. training and you will be thrown into class which can be mild or severe depending on the "mood" of the trainer, who is the son of Master Shim. My knee injury was so severe in Shim's class, I had to be treated by Bone & Knee institute and furthermore had to consult with a medical doctor who put me into a rehab and strictly prohibited me to continue Shim's training. I was affected for a whole month with my work and travel plans adversely affected. So I approached Master Shim with a doctor note and showed my injury and asked politely for a partial refund, ONLY for unused time since he received 3months advance ( remember Master Shim always charges you for 3 months and even try to convince you for 1 yr advance payment). First he gave me a lot of BS, saying that I should be a "man" and continue this class even I was in Rehab for a month. I left that day but approached him a few days later and told him that I will never be able to continue this class, so please refund my unused time only (which was 2/3rd). Master Shim told me to come after a month since he was "tight" on money to provide me any refund. So I waited one month and went back to him again. Master Shim started to act upset with me and said that he talked to his son, who is the actual owner of this Martial Arts operation (Which is a lie, Master Shim is the real owner), and that his son has advised Master Shim to only refund me $100 (instead of $350). I was quite shocked but knowing that something is better than nothing at that point, asked him to refund only $100. He again asked me to come back again (4th time) and made an appointment with me at 5pm the next day. When I went at 5pm the next day, he was nowhere to be found. I left disappointed but came back around 6:30pm (5th time) and he was still nowhere to be found. I asked his son where he was, and Master Shim was apparently hiding in the backroom instead of in his front office, as he always is. By this time I was convinced that Master Shim is a CROOK. But I waited patiently outside his office as he said he will write me a check. After a couple of minutes, he brought out an empty checkbook showing me he ran out of checks and that I should come again tomorrow. I have had enough with this sleazeball named Master SHIM by this time. I simply told him firmly that I will contact an attorney and take him to court for running an operation which causes injuries to people. I also informed him that I will contact Attorney General's office and Better Business Bureau about his dishonest business practices. But that time his son came outside and was witnessing the conversation who inculcated some sense to his dad to just refund the money instead of jerking a customer around. Master Shim still refused to provide a refund, which he had promised!! At that point his son pulled out his cell phone and offered me a refund of only $100, when they actually owed me around $350. The moral of the story here is that Master Shim runs a business which is causing major injuries to people and there is a reason why they ask for 3 months or years worth of advance upfront. Unless you are an athlete or a gymnastics person or know Martial arts already, you WILL INCUR AN INJURY HERE. And guess What? You will receive a goodbye from this operation if you ask for any refund. Actually they will encourage to bring your injured self back again, and continue to get injured because there is no money back. JOIN THIS SHIM'S TRAINING AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

I paid for a two week trial, my 8 year old is a beginner white belt. The Master is a very focused,…read moretalented instructor who puts kids of all ages through their paces. He is both supportive and challenging, a great teacher. The fees are very reasonable for the amount of instruction time he offers - he wants to see as much of his students as they can commit, it's a flat monthly fee. It seems like his students have lots of opportunities to attend competitions if they choose.

I have been taking classes here for nearly 5 years. As an adult beginning martial arts in my 40s…read morewas a challenge in and of itself. However the school is very welcoming and Master Kim works with students of all ages to help us reach our goals. I now have my black belt. During my time here I have improved my fitness, flexibility and focus. There are other schools in the area but they really can't compare in quality to Summit. Master Kim makes sure all his students can perform techniques properly before passing us on to the next belt. This is run like a school not a business that just lets you pay for your belt. You earn it here. The classes are reasonably priced and always instructed by the Master himself. I would recommend this school to students of all ages, kids and adults, who want to learn from the best in a high quality setting. Also, the facility is newly remodeled, large space with plenty of seats and a viewing area for parents to observe their kids in class.

I love to train here and I would definitely recommend going here if you are in the area and want to…read morelearn martial arts. Professor Catherine and Professor Nick are very nice people and I hope to keep training here!

Pure BJJ has a cool vibe. I visited from out of town for a week and had the pleasure of training in…read morethe gi classes. The instructors, Catherine and Nick, are very welcoming and attentive to their students. They give verbal during the rolls. I found all their students - white, blue, and purple - to be intelligent and courteous partners. On the nights I was there, it was 15% instruction, 40% drilling, and 45% open rolling. I thought that was a great distribution. The school is home to both hobbyists and competitors. I also greatly admired that there were almost equal numbers of women and girls in the class compared to the men. It seems to be an environment in which women can flourish. Lastly, I was impressed with the willingness of the instructors to teach leg locks to their white belts with proper instruction and safety. I look forward to returning to Pure BJJ in the future.

Been a resident of Niles for almost 30 yrs, have tried the fitness center off and on but it is…read moreextremely pricey! I can't believe people pay the prices that they impose . Residents can't even do a drop in for swimming. Front desk looked upset that I didn't know there was no drop in swim. I watched guards just talking to each other. Pool looks so outdated. No thanks !!

Swim lessons- great pool facilities. Because of Covid and other factors my kids had started swim…read morelessons four separate times without much progress, but the curriculum here is pretty intensive and my kids were making progress swiftly. Six week sessions taught very well, and a slide and vortex pool for added fun. Locker rooms are old but get the job done.