Our 4 year old started doing martial arts at Stillwater and we really love this center…read more He is in the 4-6 year old class. We are happy with the instructor, program, structure and flexibility with scheduling. Mr Mashburn not only focuses on Karate but he also teaches them discipline, values and good behavior. Highly recommend to parents who are looking to start martial arts for your kids. We tried other martial arts classes in the neighborhood before finding this gem. Definitely unique and better than others in the area.

Still Water is outside our range of travel, but my children trained with Mr. Mashburn at his…read moreprevious studio. He's an amazing instructor, focused on excellence in everything he does and completely committed to his students. He is exactly the kind of role model and positive influence you want in your children's lives!

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!

This a review for the Morton Grove location…read more Our 4 year old son had an absolute fantastic time with sensei Patel in the 4-7 year old beginner class. He looked forward to each class, and was always eager to tell us what he did in class. Sensei Patel did a fantastic job of balancing the class for all ages, not sidelining anyone, and instilling an eagerness in the students to learn more. Occasionally sensei Patel had to reign in, and redirect the energy a bit, however in a class geared towards rambunctious younger learners that is to be expected. For the following session we had him progress to a beginner/continuer 4-7 year old class. We wanted to keep him at the same or somewhat higher level of expectation as in sensei Patel's class. He was by far the youngest student in the class, and the older students were obviously much further down the road with their karate skills. The class ended up catering more towards the older students (6 and 7 year olds). What is needed to engage and motivate a 4-5 year old and a 6-7 year old student is quite different. Also, there are limits to what can be reasonably expected from a 4 year old student. With that said, the instructor was very skilled in martial arts, and for older students I can see him being suitable.

Our boys have been training with ISKC since they were four years old. Almost 6 years later and one…read moreof them with a Sho Dan, we are still going strong! This place is more than a karate dojo to us, it is our extended family. We are very thankful that we found ISKC through our park district. From the excellent programs (for both young and old), to the top notch Senseis, nothing is short of the best. This organization is teaching my boys not only great karate (both competition and real life application), but also teaches them to be healthy, disciplined and confident about themselves. All these skills are directly helping them succeed in their school life as well and making them into well rounded individuals. My boys have also made great friends through this club that they will keep for a very long while! If you are looking for a karate club, par excellence, ISKC is definitely Chicagoland's top karate club! Highly recommended!

Sensei Veronica operates a fantastic dojo. Classes are safe,…read morechallenging and traditional. While every class is different, safety, correct form and proper body mechanics are key. Each sensei has earned their belt through years of training, dedication and sweat. I've been studying for 10 yrs. and have never been disappointed in the senseis or in their teaching methods. I love trying new karate dojos, but Midwest Shotokan is where I hang my gi.

Midwest Shotokan has helped our child be more confident socially and more disciplined physically…read more We recommend this dojo to any age. Senesi Veronica and her staff are great!

We looooovvvveeee this Taekwondo academy! My son has been going here for a little over one year…read morenow. Master Kim and Master Yuk are great with the kids. There are people of all different levels and they truly care about teaching the right techniques. A lot of Tae Kwon Do places might try to push for more belt tests to make money, but I know that they really try to prepare the students to excel and move up on belt levels only as necessary. My son loves going and he looks forward to his lessons. I highly recommend checking it out if you're not sure. I think they have some introductory lessons at a discounted price. Talk to the owner, master Kim, who has trained with the best in Korea and here in the states too!

This is a taekwondo school (located in Northbrook with light traffic most of time) I don't feel…read morehesitant to recommend to others :). Firstly the Korean master, who received years of strict training in Korea, takes his class seriously and right technique and spirit of Taekwondo is always his aim. It's also not a crowded Dojang with reasonable numbers of kids in each class (typically about 5 kids). So each kid can get enough attention. One thing that Master Kim earned credit for himself among the parents is that he never intends to commercialize his class. Instead his belief is "It's the quality that makes difference", and he never mind teaching a little more and a little longer. Before my daughter joined this school I did some research about other taekwondo schools in Lincolnshire, Northbrook and Deerfield. I am happy that I made right choice!

This is the best Tae Kwon Do school in the aria. Our kids had been part of this Tae Kwon Do family…read moresince they were 4. We tried other schools in the aria and were very hesitant to try until we met Master Kim. Master Kim has a very friendly and welcoming attitude. He is easy going but also strict enough so kids will listen and respect him. He has experienced, knowledge and great work ethics to teach anybody from tiny (3-4 year old) tigers to teenagers and adults. His staff is also very experienced and traines right there is school. The program put kids through different activities and exercise, teaches them respect, self control and believing in themselves. Learning some Korean vocabulary is also a benefit.

We LOVE iTiger!!! Our daughter came to a birthday party there 3 years ago & she enjoyed it (Master…read moreKim) so much we signed up for classes that week! Master Kim is excellent at engaging the kids. He has age appropriate expectations of his participants and has created the perfect blend of discipline and fun! Our daughter has been with him 3 years now & will be hosting her birthday party this week for the third time! K. Witte