We can't say enough great things about ATA Karate for Kids / Success Now Martial Arts in Darien! From the moment we joined, we felt like part of the family. The instructors are truly exceptional--they are knowledgeable, encouraging, patient, and genuinely invested in every student's success. What we love most is the supportive, family-like atmosphere. Every student is challenged to do their best while being encouraged every step of the way. Whether your goal is to build confidence, learn self-defense, stay active, or compete at the local, national, or even world level, the opportunities are there for both children and adults to take their taekwondo journey as far as they want. Our daughter is a second-degree black belt, and watching her grow in confidence, discipline, and leadership has been incredible. I recently decided to join classes myself, and it has been such a rewarding experience. Training together has made our family's experience even more meaningful. If you're looking for a martial arts school with outstanding instructors, a positive environment, and a community that truly cares about its students, I highly recommend ATA Karate for Kids / Success Now Martial Arts. We are so grateful to be part of this amazing school! read more

Charlie has been coming for over 2 years And has learned so much. The instructors are all so patient and amazing with kids. Have seen many kids grow and develop not only in taekwondo skills, but in their manners and listening skills. Would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. It's one big family! read more

ATA Karate For Kids - Karate Near Me - Darien, Illinois

Could give this place 10 stars if I could!!! We had my daughter's 4th birthday party here and Kelli was exceptional! She kept all of the kids engaged and laughing. The package was reasonably priced and they offered additional add ons. I highly recommend ATA! read more

We stopped in to check it out and received an instant free 40 minute lesson. We signed up and have had the pleasure of being trained by 4 different awesome instructors. The life skills and discipline that are taught in addition to self-defense are fantastic. I'd recommend this to anyone of any age. read more

ATA Karate For Kids - Karate Near Me - Darien, Illinois

See all

Two sentence review: A great place for kids and adults to learn, grow, and challenge themselves in the martial arts. The owners and instructors here are wonderful, dedicated, hard working, masters of their craft and I am very happy to call this school home. Long-winded review: My children have been attending this school for the better part of 4 years. During this time we have come to know both Senior Masters Barnum and Shoup quite well. Like most families, my kids started out as lowly white belts and have made steady progress in both skill and knowledge since then. My son recently earned his black belt and my daughter is well on her way to achieving this same goal. When we first started here I was concerned, as the Tiny Tiger classes seemed like total chaos. It reminded me of trying to herd cats. This is in no way a reflection on the school or the instructors. Group 10-20 kids under the age of 8 in a room and anything can happen. I was amazed to watch as over time, and with steady repetition, the kids developed a much greater focus and really took the lessons to heart. Working through the belt progression the hallmarks of Songham Taekwondo were instilled: Courtesy, Respect, Honor, etc. The instructors here not only teach these lessons, but exemplify them in their actions. My son also enjoys competing at tournaments, and the school's instructors have provided invaluable help in preparing him to be a strong competitor. When we started, I had no idea what Songham Taekwondo was, nor did I understand the size and scope of the ATA network. They were close to home and seemed like a good fit at the time. As time passed and I learned more about the amazing history and truly global nature of the Songham way, I was blown away. There are quite a few martial arts schools within a 10 minutes of this school and I have visited them all. Most are either 1 offs, with a single senior instructor who teaches a particular discipline at their school. The others are franchises, some of which allow you to open a school with 1 year of martial arts experience.. (!!!) I'm certain they all have various merits, however none of them have the incredible level of instructor proficiency, extensive martial arts history, competitive pedigree, or dedication to helping each student that I found at Taekwondo USA. Long winded summary: Great place, excellent instructors, nationwide network of schools that allows students to continue their training wherever they end up. Love it! read more

My sons have gone here for years and we LOVE it! Great staff, great families, couldn't ask for better!

ATA in Darien Illinois has impacted my children's lives and has helped them to be such respectful obedient children. Master Shoup is so compassionate and such a wonderful teacher and Mentor my boys love her and everything that they learn transfers into their everyday life. I just got a note from my six-year-old teacher saying how respectful he is and she knows it's because of Taekwondo. He also says yes ma'am to her and she loves it. I would highly recommend enrolling your child the benefits are just a blessing. read more

There is no better place in upper Illinois to teach your children to be bully-proof leaders. I've had the honor of working with both Master Shoup and Sr. Master Barnum over the last decade, and there is no other school in the area that I would recommend! read more

My daughter was a student here a few years ago and she really liked it. The staff is so nice and the class times were super flexible with a busy working mom schedule. The staff was very understanding when i had some financial issues in the past and still let my daughter go to class. If i was able to now, i would still go back. read more

Can't say enough about ATA Karate for Kids! From the outstanding teachers to the life-long skills being taught, this place rocks!! These instructors are not just teaching; they, too, are continuing their own learning. No better role models for our future leaders! Just a positive learning environment all around for anyone at any level!! #teachinglifelongskills read more

I canceled last September over the phone and the owner( lady) said she would take care of it! I explained that my son had just turned 4, and lost interest after only 2 months. Half the time we didn't go because he was miserable! So I called late September 2013, canceled and now I get a call from a collection agency! They said Karate for Kids said we owned months and months of dues! Are you kidding me! We canceled 14 months ago! They write everything down by hand, they have no check in system, and they are unorganized. They are willing to charge a 4 year old for 14 months when OBVIOUSLY we haven't been back there since September of 2013!!! They are desperate for $$, and need to get their act together! We are disputing and will get a lawyer if we have to! read more