My kids and I have been going to Connelly Academy for over 10 years for the classes. And kids had…read morebeen going to their Summer Camp every summer as well. I can't say enough about the staff, and Grandmaster Connelly is absolutely amazing. He has such amazing way with hyperactive kids, he had been called 'the kid whisperer'. I like adult classes too, they are designed for all levels of fitness, and you are never too old to join!

If you're not sure what to do for summer camp this year, I highly recommend Connelly's Academy Tae…read moreKwon Do Day Camp in Evanston. It's available for first graders on up. If you're looking for a NON CONTACT martial art experience where they focus on mutual support & respect, development of skills and personal growth, this camp is a winning option. Benefits to students include improvements in fitness, self-confidence, character and leadership. They teach perseverance, integrity, courtesy, and emphasize developing an indomitable spirit, as well as compassion and self control. It's a positive, inclusive, non-competitive environment where kids get to be both physically active, as well as having some calm activities (music, learning some history, yoga, etc.). I cannot say enough positive things about the experience my family has had with Connelly's Academy. Camp runs June 8 through Aug 7, and the nice thing is that you can register in one week blocks, so if you want to sign up for a week here and a week there due to travel or other commitments, it's more flexible than many other camps. Here's the link: https://www.connellysacademy.com/summer-camp/

Kiyaaaaa!!!!!!! The Karate Kid has nothing on my kid!…read more My 6 year old just recently started taking classes from Yong-In Yu's Martial Arts. We were told about local places through rec centers, but I wanted a place that was an actual dojo, not some gym. How are you supposed to take something seriously if it's in a gymnasium? The dojo gives my son an understanding that this is something real, not just the latest Ninjago episode. When I originally checked out the dojo, we signed up for the trial where you get the uniform and three classes. That way, you can see if this is going to be a fit for your kid or not. The location can't be beat, and there's a Starbucks right next door. Anyone who knows me that I'm a Starbucks addict. And being able to walk over here during class and just relax is an incredible bonus. When else am I supposed to catch up on work. (OK... the latest issue of People magazine. But who's telling?) I didn't know much about Master Yu initially, but he really has impressed me. My kid has some sensory issues, and so I was concerned if this was going to be a fit. Sometimes he just can't handle loud noises and can feel crowded. Master Yu listened, figured out what worked and before I knew it, my Vman was falling in line and LOVING it. Yes, Sir! Yes, Ma'am! Vman is learning respect for his teachers, how to think and focus on what he's doing and work with the others in his class, too. Now, he is six, so I'm not kidding myself. He still goofs around, just like ALL the other kids his age. But I can see that they are all very excited to get to class and get started. One thing that made it hard to sign up was you have to sign a one-year contract. Ouch. If you don't know that this is a long-term thing, you can sign up for monthly classes but they are more expensive. Also, if you sign up for a year, you can only go to two classes a week. If I get a gym membership I can come whenever I want. However, if you sign up for two years, you can go as often as you want. I'm not saying I'm going to go all gung-ho on my kid, (you know, those psycho parents who are like... you WILL like Tae Kwon Do. You WILL like it. You WILL succeed) but knowing that if my kid wants to go to extra classes in the week we can would be a great option. That said, Master Yu is a serious Tae Kwon Do master -- not just some dude who likes martial arts and thought he would open a dojo. In fact, I'm not sure how he ended up in the NorthShore. Here's some of his RSV.... graduated from Yong-In University with a master degree in Tae Kwon Do (didn't know master degrees existed for martial arts); 6th Degree Black Belt; 5 time National Korean National Champion. Yong-In is a terrific place for your kid to learn a sport, get more control and absolutely love it along the way. I highly recommend checking it out... just peek in like I did to see a class if you're wondering.

Yu's Yong-In Martial Arts is a great place for the entire family. Master Yu is an excellent…read moreinstructor and teaches Tae Kwon Do - Step by Step. Yu's Yong-In Martial Arts offeres classes for everyone- young and old- beginner to advanced. Yu's Yong-In Martial Arts also provides visiting Master's from Korea(Student's from Yong-In University teaching aboard), which is a great cultural exchange. In addition, the visiting Master's bring great positive energy and want to share their knowledge of Tae Kwon Do - which is a benefit to everyone! In addition, Master Yu is there everyday and over see's all instruction. Come to the school and try it out and see for yourself, you will not be disappointed!

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.

I love bringing my 6 year old daughter here after school, she is learning discipline, respect, and…read morelife skills that are helping with her confidence and strength. Master Yoon is SO great to work with---he is the perfect balance of strict and kind, he gives students the grace they need while they master their skills. My daughter enjoys going, learning, and never gives up!

Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for lessons…read moreabout a year ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible. He's moved quickly through the program and has now moved into the intermediate level class. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participated in his very first "Dojo Duel" last spring and loved it. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. All the participants are recognized and receive medals, but they still recognize the top competitors in every age group as well. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport and you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. We love Sensei Dave at the Wilmette Dojo, he clearly cares about his students and really invests his time in their development. My son often arrives early or stays after class (by choice) because he is so eager to learn from him. He also has taken private lessons (again by his own request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He will be participating in another Dojo Duel this fall and then his first major competition, the Fonseca Cup. This place is the real deal, you will not regret sending your child.

We had been told for years to try Karate. Unfortunately, we listened to those who had not tried…read morebefore, thinking that it would bring out aggressive tendencies in our kids and that they'd be practicing in each other all the time. We wish we had not listened to these people. Fonseca has been such a wonderful oasis for my kids. Let's begin with the heart and soul of the program: the amazing Sensei's. These men and women are such wonderful role models. They are always supportive, energized, and keep the class moving. They focus on the importance of character foremost rather than the outcome. My kids happily go at least 2 times a week - which is a miracle in itself. They are in a class where there is a wide range of ages and skill levels but no one ever feel intimidated or embarrassed. They get a very intense workout, while having fun, making new friends, gaining coordination and confidence. If you've ever thought of having your kiddos try Karate, don't wait! Sign them up. You will not regret it.

I am very particular in my search for a good martial arts school where the instructors are caring,…read morerespectful and give proper training techniques. Finding one that doesn't break the bank is important as well. When a friend of mine recommended this school to me, I immediately did my research. While some online reviews were from years past, it influenced me to give it a try. There were many reviewers that said their parents went there, they went there, and now their children goes there too. To me that says a lot. Master Pena and his wonderful instructors teach very well, respectful and are so patient with each student. They will see to each student excel by having proper form. If anyone is lagging behind, they are patient and will try different ways to get the technique down. Having past experience I know that it is very important to have proper form as one can get hurt by not protecting themselves correctly if you don't have the right stance, incorrect formation or movement. So I loved that they explained all of these so well to each student. In the end this builds great self esteem and good self defense techniques for the student. Through the training of the Tae Kwon Do and Krav Maga, each student learn many self defense techniques. The school clearly promotes the 5 tenets of Tae Kwon Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Indomitable Spirit, and Self-Control. This is an amazing establishment that is run by a great family. These kids love these classes by Master Pena, his very skilled daughter and other instructors. There are classes for adults too.

My kids have been going for taekwando lessons at Ultimate Martial Arts for years now. It's been…read moregreat so far. My kids have learned a lot not only self defense but also self discipline and respect for others. The place is also always clean and family friendly.

My two boys have been going to AKYI for about a year. They were previously at Hyun's Hapkido and…read moreTaekwondo in Chicago then they had a very brief stint at H Kim's Taekwondo in Northbrook. I can say AKYI is far and away the best taekwondo school they have attended. Master Ray has a great rapport with the students, gives a lot of useful individual attention to each student, and both of my boys have progressed nicely, even in the age of coronavirus (they had zoom lessons for a while and are now back with socially distanced in-person lessons). My kids look forward to their lessons and I can see them continuing well after their black belts. My only gripe is they perform black belt testing only once per year. I get not having them very often since black belt testing is an all day thing. But in our case our younger son just earned his deputy black belt. The black belt test is three months away and it's unlikely he'll be ready in time for it, so he'll likely go fifteen months before testing for his black belt even though he'll likely be ready in seven or so. I'd prefer if they tested twice per year, at least for the first degree black belts for this reason. But all things considered, that's a minor gripe. I'd gladly recommend AKYI to anyone who wants to learn taekwondo, especially those who want to take it seriously.

We've been coming to this dojo for several years. My 10 yr old daughter is now a blue belt. My son…read morewas doing the peewee program. Many parents practice alongside their kids. It's a great environment for kids to grow up in. It's very impressive watching the black belts do their katas in unison. We've been very happy with the teachers and the program. The owner/sensei is very friendly and welcoming. No complaints!

If you're at all interested in karate, Hu Shin Kai is the place to go. Whether you want a stress…read morereliever, a healthy workout, a competitive sport, or a look at a philosophy based on discipline, this dojo is great at offering training for all ages and levels of experience. After about eight years and a bunch of different schools, Hu Shin Kai is now the place where I hang my hat. I've been learning from Tony Sensei off and on for the last two years and, really, he's the best.

Phenomenal people and instruction. Sensei Maje is a library of knowledge and is patient. It is a…read moregreat place!

Maje is hands down one of the best martial arts instructors regardless of discipline in the city…read more As a Jiujitsu guy in my late 30's I found Maje's style of teaching very helpful. You would think someone w his credentials (Multiple Olympics....and still an active competitor) would be unapproachable and intimidating. I couldn't have been more wrong. If you want your kids to do something other than play video games this summer get them into the kids classes. My 6 year old daughter thinks he is cool too. You are reading this because your are interested.....walk in the door and check them out.