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.

Came for a trial class and Mike Noren was the instructor. He made it really easy to understand and…read morewas going around correcting form. The were all welcoming as well and happy to help. They moved from Quads Gym recently so the place is brand new and they are still adding to it. If you've never been to a bjj class before you have nothing to fear, I definitely recommend giving it a try because you'll probably like it.

Amazing vibes! I dropped in this academy and mentioned that I am only visiting from San Diego. The…read moreacademy is within a gym and the people are nice and welcoming. Professor Stephen held the class and he was very methodical in his teachings and has great humor. The students were well-mannered and don't sense any bad vibes. They are also highly responsive so kudos to them! Would definitely come back here every time I'm in 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!

This is such an amazingly support and inclusive dojo! Started with zero martial arts background and…read morehave learned so much! Excited to keep learning! Osu!

I enrolled my granddaughter in karate and she loves it. It has brought happiness, discipline,…read morepride, knowledge and enforced her self esteem and confidence level on trying new things. And i started have financial problems and their scholarship program helped my granddaughter to keep on going to classes. They deserved your business. They care about each individual student. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS KARATE SCHOOL. They even have a special 2 MONTHS UNLIMITED CLASSES INCLUDES UNIFORM. THEY ARE A BLESSING IN MY GRANDDAUGHTER LIFE THANKS A MILLION WITH ALL MY HEART.

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.

I have been a member here for just over a year and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive…read more Jay and his team of higher belts all give expert instruction and the classes are a good mix of technical drilling and physical challenge. I try to go daily if I can. As an older guy, it's important to find the right team. In 2023, I managed to train over 200 hours with this team while rolling in a safe but demanding environment. I'd recommend this academy to any one!

Was visiting from out of town and messaged Jay about stopping by for a class. Jose was the…read moreinstructor and he and the rest of the class was very welcoming. All the students were very skilled and practiced in a safe way. I highly recommend anyone visiting Chicago or living in the area to check out the academy

Great and very welcoming gym! Dropped in on a random Friday and they made me feel very welcomed…read morequickly! Extremely talented folks over here

I've been training at DTJJC for a little over a year now, and my jiu jitsu has improved faster here…read morethan anywhere else I've trained. The instructors are really attentive an knowledgeable. The atmosphere is really relaxed and friendly. The friendliness of the students lends to the atmosphere, and the community has done a really good job of fostering a positive and welcoming culture. All of the professors really care about their students' development and even work with you after class for a while if you are struggling with something. There are tons of sport jiu jitsu classes you can take, so I never have trouble finding a class that fits my schedule. The fundamentals/self defense classes are also very well taught and the instructors for these classes are usually black belts. They have created a great 12 week curriculum, which allows for consistent review of jiu jitsu's core self defense techniques. The club truly has something for everyone and is a great community to be a part of.

Authentic enchiladas 10/10!! Friendly service and delicious food, this place is a gem. Will…read moredefinitely return.

Love this neighborhood dojo! My child has been doing well and I love the mix of skill levels that…read morecome to their class. Even though we are still a white belt we get to work with and learn things that the yellow, green and blue belts do as well. This place is a real community and very supportive, amazing instructors!