I joined Ultimate Fighting & Fitness Academy eight weeks ago, I've never had so much fun working…read moreout! Flaviu is a world class trainer, and experienced fighter, he knows how to push each student individually to their maximum ability. The variety of classes keeps you challenged and motivated. I, for the first time in my life can't wait for next day class just after finishing one I would recommend this place to anyone looking into serious workout and training in martial arts.

I can't say enough about Flav. He transformed my 12 year old son into a much healthier young man…read moreand helped him reduce his BMI to 19.00. My 9 year old daughter recently joined and she loves it. I've seen a lot of martial arts schools and UFFA is by far the best.

My son has been going to this MMA gym for kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, and we've had such a great…read moreexperience. The coaches create an environment that's both fun and disciplined, and it's been amazing to watch his confidence and skills grow. Rana is absolutely incredible with the kids--patient, encouraging, and able to connect with them in a way that keeps them motivated and excited to learn. Mario and Justin have also been fantastic. They bring so much knowledge and positive energy to every class, and my son looks up to all of them. He genuinely loves coming here, and we couldn't be happier with the progress he's made. If you're looking for a place where your child can learn real martial arts while being supported by truly dedicated instructors, this gym is an excellent choice.

Instructors are friendly and knowledgeable and the people are welcoming too. Kickboxing classes are…read morealways fun and an awesome work out! Great for fitness and to improve skills and technique as well. Highly recommend!

I've belonged to Main Event on-and-off over the past 10 years since it was called "Evanston Boxing…read moreClub" and was located on the N. Side of Downtown Evanston. The former head coach Dave was a solid trainer, and the current head coach Andrian is no different. tl;dr: it's a great place to train if you care about a good boxing/kickboxing workout with good people. The gym itself is well-stocked with basic equipment, respectably sized to handle classes of up to 20 people at a time, plenty of heavy bags, and boxing gear available to borrow (jump ropes, gloves, handwraps, focus mitts, although you should ideally get your own at some point if you join). It is extremely bare-bones and low on amenities beyond equipment - there is no shower, no water fountain (water bottles available for purchase), and there's a single half-bath. It is very much geared towards people who want to show up, get in a boxing workout, and leave soon after. The gym has evening classes five days a week (5:30PM, then 6:30PM) plus morning classes on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun. There's Muay Thai/Kickboxing on M/W evenings (soon also Fridays again) Andrian is also broadly available for private lessons at reasonable rates (one-on-one and small-group), and I've had little issue arranging to train on my own the few times I've wanted to go into the gym without class going on. There's also a very active kids boxing program five days a week at 4:30 (I don't know much about this, but it looks like Andrian has 1-2 parents helping corral the 15 kids or so - it's a VERY popular program). A typical boxing class has a 5-10 minute warmup, alternating rounds of heavy-bag work + conditioning, 2-3 rounds of partner drills (focus mitts or defense drills), more bag work, more conditioning, then cool-down stretches. Andrian is very welcoming of beginners and will spend time working with them during class to help them get the hang of things, and the people in the gym are all very friendly and glad to help as well. Most members are casual athletes there to workout, but there's a small cohort of more serious members who are amateur boxers. Cost is well under what most other gyms with combat sports would charge. The gym is also decent with COVID protocols (asking people to wear masks, everyone cleans the space after class, open doors), but it's still an indoor workout space with high-intensity activity, so you should still get your COVID vaccine if you haven't already.

This place is legit!!! They have great classes and Andrian is a great trainer to work with one on…read moreone. I am a type one diabetic and working out here has helped me get in great shape, my doctor was impressed with my blood results and my wife was impressed with my improved body and confidence. After working with Andrian for a few years, I decided to box in a charity boxing match not once but twice. It was a great experience and I would not have been able to do it without Andrian's help. I can't say enough good things about this place!

I've always wanted to challenge myself but needed something to keep me motivated. I came in on a…read moregroupon and was sold after the first class. Never have I had a workout that incorporated such a variety, kept me interested and made the time just melt away. I love that everyday will be something new, that whatever ailments I am experiencing the instructors are knowledgeable, helpful and always work with the members to create a modification that you can achieve your goal. I found a second family here. The people, the workout are awesome. Not to forget you can hit and kick things, yet learn to work together. Thank you ILKB for giving me something new and fresh so I can continue to work towards my goals to be a healthier fitter version of me.

Super fun and high energy. Instructors are very helpful. Great way to get in shape.read more

I was a frequent "boxer" at the 9rounds Northbrook pre-pandemic. I recently found myself with a lot…read moreof time to kill each week while my kids play tennis at North Shore Racquet Club and discovered there was another 9rounds location just a few miles away. I tried it out one day and remember why I like this workout so much: 1) It's Challenging: 9 challenging stations that change daily with an exercise between each station 2) It's fast: 30 minute workout...done! 3) It's convenient: You don't have to book ahead or deal with waitlists (ahem lifetime fitness), but you just show up anytime during their open hours. I bought a 10 pack and plan to go once a week. I usually go when they first open on Saturday mornings so am one of the first to workout there. Thanks to the pandemic I don't love the idea of going to stations following sweaty people, but being first takes care of that. I've worked out with Luke during my few sessions and he's personable and gives you a great workout. It's a great workout and I"m sure I"ll fly thru this 10 pack! I do wish you could buy a membership to multiple locations since I find myself near the Northbrook location often too, but they have different owners so doesn't seem possible right now.

I've been looking to join a gym. My friend recommended this place. It's a kickboxing place with…read morecardio and weights integrated in the workout. There are 9 "rounds," or stations. Each station has a different workout ranging from jump rope for cardio, to dumbbells for weight training, and heavy/speed bags for punching and kicking. There's always one station called freestyle where you get to work one-on-one with an instructor. They'll teach you combos. There's a buzzer that goes off to start working out at the station; it lasts 3mins. When the 2mins is up, there's a 30sec cool down before moving to the next station. It's a complete workout. The instructors are energetic, positive, and encouraging. They're all also highly qualified. They've had years of experience ranging from Taekwondo to boxing to Muay Thai. This is definitely a must-try. First time is free! I went once and got hooked. They'll let you borrow all the gear you need. They'll also have you wear a monitor to make sure you're in the ideal heart rate range. Membership comes with free wraps and gloves. Try it for yourself.

They sign you up and never let go. Good luck getting out of your membership. Cannot recommend…read morethis place. Buyer beware

I came for the kickboxing but I stayed for the genuine hospitality and dedication to the craft…read more Louisa has the innate ability to provide a kick ass work out in a extremely clean well set up facility. Can't picture a week with out weekly bouts at 9Round.

Great instructors and a thorough workout, and great members! I started to get my body in shape, and…read morewas surprised to enjoy the friendships I have made there!

I love I Love Kickboxing in Orland Park. The workouts are not only challenging and effective, they…read moreare fun! I enjoy every class and how motivated they make me to learn how to master each of the kicks and punches. I have been a member for a year and the results I have gained in this year are amazing. I always recommend I Love Kickboxing to friends. It may seem difficult but it really gets easier over time. I am so happy with my results and proud that I signed up to take the classes. They have a 6 week challenge that you can sign up for that is customized to your weight, BMI... You can become a member and take 3 classes a week.

Chicago Thai Boxing Academy is a true Chicago family owned and operated business, and that shows…read morefrom the moment you walk through the door. Everyone here is friendly, approachable, and welcoming. I honestly thought joining a Muay Thai gym would be intimidating, but it's been the exact opposite. The owners, coaches, staff, and members have created an environment where beginners and experienced athletes alike feel comfortable and supported. The academy emphasizes a respectful, inclusive community and welcomes people of all skill levels. One of my favorite features is the weight room, which is a great bonus alongside the training. The facility is well maintained, and I've heard they are constantly making improvements and upgrades to keep the academy growing. If you've ever been curious about Muay Thai but felt nervous about trying it, don't be. Take advantage of their free trial class and see for yourself. Chances are you'll get hooked just like I did. The combination of authentic training, great people, and a strong community makes this place something special.

My daughter absolutely loves attending her Muay Thai classes every week! The trainers and front…read moredesk staff are so helpful and my daughter feels very comfortable here. She takes pride in all she learns each week

As a martial artist in my second year of training, I was disappointed by how little this gym seemed…read moreto value culture or tradition. I signed up for a free trial class to get a sense of the environment, but the owner told me I couldn't attend unless I was fully ready to purchase a membership. It's impossible to make that kind of commitment without experiencing a class first. The policy felt unwelcoming and sales-driven. If you're looking for an authentic Muay Thai experience rooted in respect, humility, and tradition, this may not be the right place.

I messaged to the gym and I got a call back from coach Jim for a same-day private lesson in Muay…read moreThai late at night because of my job driving into town. He was able to make it happen with Coach Ryan and I trained with Coach Ryan for over an hour and it was great. Thanks for the accommodation I will definitely be back if I'm ever back in town.