I trained here a long time ago (I think 1990 or 1991 when I began) when it was in Skokie and then…read moreCicero. Rick Sollo was both an inspiration and a mentor to me and taught me authentic muay thai as he was taught in Thailand by the great teachers of his day. Rick has trained a whole lot of champions and some word champions. Best place in Illinois for sure as far as quality instruction goes. This place has a 35 year old history people--that is tough to find. I emphatically endorse Aiki.

Quite possibly the best place on earth…read more I've never written a review for anything, but you best believe I'm going to wax poetic about this place. You can't ask for a better place to train muay thai in the city of Chicago. This training facility has been my second home since I started here. It's one of the only authentic muay thai facilities near Chicago. A lot of places claim to train muay thai when they actually teach a glorified version of kickboxing. If that's what you want, great, but for real muay thai and amazing instructors, Aiki is the place to go. This is one of only two gyms in Cook County certified with the U.S. Muay Thai Federation, and the owner, Rick Sollo is a force of nature. This place has trained champions. If you want to take your fight career seriously they will get you in shape. They're also incredible with beginners as I started out with no martial arts knowledge. Dario, one of the trainers, took the time to make sure I knew the basics and sent me videos and training skills to practice. Here's the rundown. Reasons why you should train with Aiki: small classes, intensive training, experienced instructors, authentic muay thai, regular seminars with internationally renowned thai champions, excellent mix of pad work, bags, and conditioning, supportive environment. Most places will run you around $80-$100 a month. You pay half that with Aiki for more one on one training in a small gym environment. What this means: You'll improve quickly and leave class sweating, exhausted, and feeling awesome. If your goal is to fight, they will get you there. Just want a good workout? You'll get the best one of your life. But more than anything, Aiki's community is the warmest group of people. It's always hard walking into a tight-knit gym for the first time, but the Aiki family will welcome you like you've been there for years. Come check out this amazing muay thai gym in Rogers Park. If you're like me, you'll catch the muay thai bug and never look back.

What a great find! I started taking classes, at the age 44, with my son, age 5. The instructions…read morehave been awesome and it is great fun to exercise and grow in defence knowledge and discipline with my son. They offered us two free classes to try it out and see if my son like it before signing up. The Summer special prices are not to be beat anywhere, Come check it out! You're never too old to start!

First off, I've been training in different martial arts (TKD, Hapkido, Eskrima, and Brazilian Jiu…read moreJitsu) off and on for over 25 years. What brought me to this school was my 9-year old daughter. I wanted to find a good traditional martial arts school, where she would actually learn proper strikes, kicks and technique. My daughter never had interest in learning any martial arts and the only reason I was able to get her to try a class was because she had a friend that trained there. We met with the head instructor Dave, who gave us a run down and brief history of the school, which has its roots from Zange's Martial Arts, a school that has taught people in Chicago martial arts for over 35 years. While we were talking, I noticed several kids in the class warming up; all were focused whether they were practicing kicks, a form with their Kali sticks, or just stretching. We tried the class and my daughter loved it. I decided to take up martial arts again at 45 years old and signed up as well. My 12 year old son heard that his sister really enjoyed the class and he signed up as well so we now train as a family, which is something that Kickin' Around really encourages. Dave has students set their sights on receiving their black belt but tells you up front that it takes time and a lot of work to achieve that goal. Students here earn every belt that they test for and there's no rush or pressure to take a promotion test, which from my experience with different martial arts schools is an indicator of a good one. Solid martial arts instruction in Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do and Kali(Filipino Martial Arts) at very affordable prices.

Finding a new gym after moving to Chicago was one of the hardest parts of the transition. As a…read morepurple belt who's been training for several years, I wanted a community where I'd feel supported instead of being pushed to the side like I've experienced at previous gyms. From the moment I reached out, everyone at Molinaro Jiu Jitsu was incredibly welcoming. They invited me to come in, and when I arrived, they already knew my name. Alex, the owner, introduced himself personally, was genuinely kind, and made me feel comfortable right away. The instruction has been exceptional. The technical details are exactly what I was looking for, especially since I wanted to improve my bottom game. Another huge highlight has been the number of women who train here, which is something I haven't experienced at past academies. It's been refreshing to be part of such an inclusive environment. The training is challenging in all the right ways, and I already feel like I'm growing as a grappler. Most importantly, I feel welcomed and like I'm part of the team rather than an outsider. That means more than I can express. If you're looking for high-level instruction and an amazing community, I can't recommend Molinaro Jiu Jitsu enough.

Alex is a world class athlete and Jiu-Jitsu competitor. He's also an amazing coach who has the most…read moreattention to detail I've ever seen from a Jiu Jitsu teacher. Beyond all of this he's an incredibly down to earth, kind, caring, and funny human being. The school has a great culture already due to a lot of Alex former students following him and it has a great location on Clark and Belmont right by Wrigley Field. I love training here and love training under Alex and it's easy to see why this is the best Jiu Jitsu school in Lakeview and Chicago.

I have been coming here 2 years now. Great trainers, great people, great facility. Some classes are…read moremore of a workout, and some classes are more about technique (it all depends on which instructor is teaching that day). They have a lot of knowledge, and you can share a dialogue about different moves and questions you have. I feel safer walking around the streets of Chicago knowing that I can defend myself. Plus, the owner Jeff usually has some good stories if you show up to class early.

Let me begin by saying that while I love how you feel and look when you work out consistently, I…read morejust can't muster up the motivation to make myself do it! I dislike running, and I push myself harder when working out with a group. Clark and I wanted to take some type of a workout class together...him acting as my new motivation to get in shape. When it came down to decision time, we were between yoga and Krav. We decided to check out Krav since both of us knew what yoga was, and the rest is history. I NEVER feel obligated to come to class - I always want to go! (This is NOT normal for me!!!) We began attending Krav Academy around mid-March and have thoroughly enjoyed it every step of the way. Not only am I getting a great work out in, but I am learning how to get out of a dangerous situation quickly and safely. My funds are limited, but I can certainly justify this work out as it is not merely to "get in shape." The Academy is hosted by FFC Old Town, which is a fine enough facility itself. What I really appreciate is that the Academy is SEPARATE from FFC, so I do not pay for an additional membership at the gym (great news for people on budgets!!). There is a $100 equipment fee when you first sign up and the unlimited monthly package is $130. I believe there is an option for a 2 classes per week membership, but I certainly recommend going w the monthly. As for the instructors: all are seriously great. Ivo and Erin in particular do an exceptional job at demonstrating, explaining, and teaching different moves and defenses. It is obvious that Ivo has been doing this for a very long time and is very passionate about it. While many can be considered a "professional" in something, not all can teach. Ivo makes things so easy to learn and keeps it fun! He pushes you, teaches you, and jokes with you. I've quite literally never met a teacher or coach that has been able to teach me something new as Ivo has taught me Krav Maga. As a previous reviewer wrote: the instructors here are incredibly helpful. They want to teach you and take on a genuine interest in your improvement. I typically need a lot of help going through drills and getting better at them, but I have not felt like I've been a burden to anyone teaching there. People in class are always friendly and it is easy to join and feel welcomed. It helps a lot that the other students in the class that have been there for a few months also help instruct you and help you improve. I seriously cannot write enough good things about Krav Academy. I have a ton of fun, I'm learning how to keep myself safe, and am getting in better shape than I have been in the last 7 years! Everyone involved is seriously great and I really look forward to continuing my involvement in Krav Maga here!

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!

I have been to a lot of JiuJitsu schools in the past 5 years and my experience here was one of the…read morebest. Cliff taught a great class and the students are very lucky to train in a very welcoming environment. There are no egos here and Cliff and his wife are known for constantly trying to implement new techniques into their respective games. Stop reading......everyone starts with their first class.....and this one is free. If upon seeing this review and you walk in.....hit me up down the road.....and buy me one of their shirts...they are slick. Go train Jiu Jitsu those that start typically state that their only regret was not starting earlier...don't be that girl/guy.

This is a great place to learn Hapkido. Hapkido is a korean martial art that uses fun stuff like…read morekicks, strikes, and joint locks to immobilize your opponet. Hapkido is easier to pick up and use than some other martial arts and they aren't above teaching you some quick and dirty ways to ruin someone's day (which I will leave to your imagination). Master Kevin is the main guy and he is really down-to-earth and patient with total rookies like myself. The hours are great - they have classes seven days a week and evenings. The first class is free and if they see someone new they'll teach some quick, easy-to-learn self-defense stuff along with the regular class. Even if you don't sign up, you will have a new trick or two up your sleeve in case you ever need it. Try it out!

Truly awesome martial arts!!! This is Hapkido as intended without crazy aerials designed to woo…read morecrowds of S. Koreans or writers from Black Belt Magazine... a good indication that a Hapkido school is actually teaching something else. Here the emphasis is placed on learning the techniques correctly intertwined with basic street knowledge and a good dose of common sense which is refreshing. Master Kevin has been teaching Hapkido since he was in his teens, holds his BS in Education, has years of experience bouncing Chicago nightclubs and performing security/bodyguard work for major names in the Hip Hop world, and is now the premier instructor for the Jung Ki Kwan Hapkido in the Midwest. This is a man who understands fighting, self-defense, and the psychology of what happens in a confrontation and is able to teach why the techniques work based on his experiences rather than just teaching material without ever having tested its practicality. Now that I have been training here for the last 6 months, I can't imagine studying Hapkido under anyone else. Also available are classes in Kuhapdo which is a Korean sword style as well as women-only classes in Self-Defense and the new female instructed FitCut class that focuses heavily on core strength through the use of the sword, cardio, and coordinated movement. As Mark noted, Hapkido is a Korean martial art and is commonly translated as "the way of coordinated energy/power". It is also frequently described using words like "dynamic" and "eclectic" because it combines so many different types of response that are all based on redirecting your opponent's energy and returning it in a circular motion, typically along with a final strike or series of strikes intended to end the fight. In addition to basic strikes and low kicks, you learn joint locks, pressure points, throws, and some weapons at more advanced levels. Finally, Hapkido is not a Korean version of the Japanese Aikido whose techniques typically end short before leaving the realm of defensive measures. Simply put, Hapkido is street fighting which also helps distinguish it from competitive arts like Karate, Tae Kwan Do, Kickboxing, Judo, or BJJ. I have nothing but respect for other arts but competitive martial arts generally consider our final strikes "dirty" or "illegal" because they focus on how to score points in a match. In my eyes, if you're in a real fight, I'll skip over anything designed for competitive back-and-forth point scoring and do whatever I need to in order to walk away in 1 piece. Realistically, that may simply mean running but if my back is against a wall, this is a martial art that just may save my neck. This is a great school. Pricing is fair and Master Kevin will never try to get you to sign a lengthy contract. To my knowledge, he doesn't even have contracts other than asking that you let him know 30 days before leaving. Also worth noting, the entire syllabus is available on DVD in English being performed by the current Grandmaster in Korea (http://jkkmedia.com) and is a great way to supplement the material you get in class and reinforce your understanding so that you can train at a more accelerated pace. Check out the International Hapkido USA website (http://jungkifamily.com) for class times and any additional information.

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.