I first learned of Warrior Institute when my now 7 year old was only 4. We had checked out several…read moremartial arts programs in the area and Warrior Institute was EASILY the most impressive to my family. The staff was very professional yet relatable & the facility was clean and orderly. My son has also had a birthday party here AND they offer "parents night out" which basically consists of them caring for the children for a set amount of hours outside of normal class hours. They play games, (nerf wars are a big hit), feed them & keep them safe! I love it. If I could change anything it would probably only be a better parking situation. It can get congested sometimes but things always work out.

The best Martial arts studio in the city in my opinion. My son joined a few years ago and has…read moreenjoyed the lessons and the instructor. Bravo to Oren!

I tried to start my grandson after 2 sessions Jeff and the institutor.said he is not ready I wish…read morehe could have joined. Great place great people highly recommend. I will come back. Great environment

Both of my sons attend Academy of Self Defense and both started for different reasons. One needed…read moreto get some more self esteem and to get some more coordination. The other had tons of energy as needed a bit more self discipline and a positive outlet for all of his energy. Both of them have gotten what they needed and so much more. The instructors are accommodating, knowledgeable, and encouraging. I highly recommend Academy of Self Defense.

Rigorous, energizing, very specific instruction on the grandmother of all tai chi forms. You will…read morenever find a better teacher. His instruction on standing form itself is worth staying in this class for an extended period.

Andy is a great teacher who values the fundamentals of the art and let the art develops healthily…read morefrom the root. He helps to take the ego away from practicing the art, which is so valuable in the pursuit of such a subtle art. He makes the physics and physiology behind the art so clear and points his students a clear path toward the ultimate goal. His Shifu, Chen Xiaolong is also a great teacher who visits the school yearly. Highly recommend this class for those who would be interested in developing health and also martial art skills.

My 8yo daughter and 5yo son have been coming here for a few weeks and we absolutely love it. Every…read moretime I come and observe a class, I find myself smiling the whole time. Head Master Choi is an absolute gem of a human and has such a special way with kids that trickles down to the other amazing instructors Chloe and Marko. My kids are taught a foundation of respect and are engaged for the entire session. Everyone feels welcomed immediately and instructors make sure everyone is able to follow along whether it's their first class or hundredth. Could not recommend this place more!

I trained under Kyo Sa Nim Fitzgerald for many years, so my review may be a tad bias, but I will…read morekeep it short. My training began before our school had an official school building and classes were still held at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club in one of the classrooms, when I was 11 and I continued with training until I left for college, spending a few summers helping with the children's class and summer day camp. I walked away from the school with several medals from tournament and much more self confidence and inner strength. Being a nerdy tomboy, martial arts brought me much peace and gave me stronger drive to reach for my goals; something I had never taken away from Kung Fu (but I was much younger when trained in Kung Fu). My training here also helped me build my leadership skills at a young age, as being one of the eldest and higher ranked "children" I was able to help lead regular classes. When I first started doing that, it was a bit nerve wrecking but over time I got used to i...but was still thankful when someone else did it,; I was never very confident with speaking Korean in front of others but today it's not a problem :P Kyo Sa Nim would be happy to know that to this day I remember all hyung and do them as often as possible; if I was still in Hyde Park I would return to my beloved dojang. The Seven Tenets are still a big apart of my daily life (Integrity, Concentration, Perseverance, Respect and Obedience, Self Control, Humility, Indomitable Spirit), and I hope that Kyo Sa Nim has left his mark on many of his other students as well. I highly highly recommend this specific school for those that wish to peruse Tang Soo Do, especially in the Chicago area. It is a school where people of all ages can come and train, from old to very young. Kyosanim may seem hard on the students at times, but how else would we learn :) Thanks to him my knees and ankles got stronger, even though I know I could be a pain during class. Kamsahamnida Kyo Sa Nim Fitzgerald for the many great years!

I have been training with Master Fitzgerald for more than 14 years. I agree with my fellow…read morereviewers (and classmates) that Fitzgerald's is a welcoming and diverse environment for men, women, and children to learn Tang Soo Do. I love it there and am happy with the skills my 12 year old daughter and 9 year old son are gaining as well. For me too, the community at the karate school has become family and has been a support to me through life's ups and downs. Tang Soo Do has improved my physical fitness, but more importantly, it has changed my character. I am stronger, better able to cope with misfortune, more disciplined, and more confident in my own abilities. I will disclose that I am now a Fitzgerald's instructor. Master Fitzgerald both inspired me and fostered my interest in teaching as I developed as a martial artist. He continues to be a superb instructor and mentor. As a small business owner, and the daughter of a small business owner who worked 80 hour weeks, I appreciate the many, many hours Master Fitzgerald spends at the dojang--far more than any standard workweek. His own children are still young, his wife has a full-time job, and he often has his children with him at the karate school. He works hard to keep them on a consistent schedule and to make sure they have their homework done (which requires that they be fed). As parents and small business owners, we quite often have to multi-task. I think he pulls it off pretty well. In regard to phone calls that come in while class is in session, Master Fitzgerald doesn't have a secretary to answer the phone. He has to answer himself when potential customers call. If he thinks he will be on the phone for awhile and there is another instructor present, he will usually have that instructor continue the class. Sometimes, he doesn't though. I simply see those times as opportunities to practice self-discipline and build muscle while trying to remain in a low stance! :-)

Grassroots is a clean and great Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym led by a very professional and humble…read moreinstructor, Professor Jordan. Professor Jordan has fostered a tight knit and dedicated group that focuses on the fundamentals and the lifestyle benefits of the art. It's always a good time coming to Grassroots. Thank you, Professor Jordan!

From the owner: Grassroots Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Chicago's South Side,…read moreoffering expert BJJ training for kids, teens, and adults of all experience levels. Our programs focus on self-defense, competition training, fitness, and confidence building in a supportive, community-driven environment. Whether you're looking for beginner Jiu-Jitsu classes, advanced grappling, or a full-body workout, our experienced instructors provide high-quality coaching tailored to your goals. Join Grassroots BJJ for top-rated martial arts training, improved fitness, and real-world self-defense skills.

I was a little apprehensive of sending my 5yo son to DBJ because of some of the negative comments…read moreonline. I was also nervous due to COVID. After my husband spoke with the Sensei he decided it would be fine. He was right. We have even gotten friends to sign their kids up. Our goal for signing our son up was to get the wiggles out and allow him to focus. My son loves attending class and is learning so much. Classes take place MWF from 5:00-5:45pm and are very affordable. There is a registration fee in addition to the monthly payment. It does cover the cost of the uniform. The age group of the kids is a wide range. The facility is clean. They also offer massages that I hope to take advantage of one day. There's a nice community feel that I enjoy. Due to COVID the students are required to wear mask and use hand sanitizer. Mask can be purchased for $1 if your kid leaves his/hers :). Parents are required to wait outside the gym due to the state mandate and the number of people that are allowed to gather together. As a parent I recommend DBJ

From the owner: Martial arts are an important part of many people's lives. They provide a source of physical and…read moremental discipline, while teaching self defense and building confidence. We are a professional martial arts school teaching jiu jitsu in Chicago. We offer classes for all skill levels, and always put our students first to ensure they get the most out of each class. Contact us today to learn more about our martial arts classes, MMA training, and martial arts school. Other specialties include: Martial Arts Chicago IL 60649 Martial Arts School Chicago IL 60649 MMA Gym Chicago IL 60649 Gyawn Atiko Jujutsu Chicago IL 60649 Martial arts are a great way to learn self defense and get fit, as well as building core strength and improving focus. We are proud to provide our community with the highest quality instruction and look forward to talking to you. Enroll in our martial arts training, MMA classes, and Jujutsu classes today!