Fonseca Martial Arts - Roscoe Village

(22 reviews)

0.3 mi

This gym is clean, the owner is nice and professional, I really appreciate the different workout…read moreareas - its nice to have your own space to workout. They have a wide variety of fitness equipment as well as a workout of the day which is a great motivator to work out.

I'll never be able to go back to a "Global Gym" again. Being able to schedule and reserve a…read morestation to myself is the only way to workout. Each pod has everything I need to get in a great workout. I no longer have to wait on equipment to become free or deal with the people who don't have gym etiquette. I never have difficulty reserving my spot, and if needed Victor is very responsive, and very accommodating if my schedule changes last second. The website makes it super view and book my workout times. Victor, the trainers, and all the members are all very friendly, and contribute to a safe and comfortable workout environment.

Me with some of the trainers after I completed my 6 week challenge.

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Movimento BJJ & Fitness

4.8

(20 reviews)

1.4 mi

I have trained at this gym for 3.5+ years…read more This was my 1st bjj gym and I was extremely new and naive to this world and the type of people in it. And in my opinion, and based on the years I spent training at this gym, I feel the owner took advantage of this fact. From my experience as a woman who has trained here, I do not think this gym is a safe place for any female. And I would not recommend any of my friends, specifically any of my female friends (of any age) to train under this gym or under this owner.

I drop in to attend classes here whenever I visit Chicago. As someone who is quite shy and…read moreintroverted, I'm always nervous about attending group classes but my sister is a member and encouraged me to give it a try. The instructors made me feel very comfortable and teach in a way that someone who is new to the sport can grasp. The jiu jitsu classes are challenging (those "warm ups"!) but enjoyable. Everyone, students and instructors, is welcoming and willing to help ensure you understand the techniques.

Professor Israel Reyes demonstrates BJJ technique

Kids class

Respect!

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Benjilany Striking

(12 reviews)

1.0 mi

I have been training at Benjilany for several months. I think Adil and his team of coaches are…read moreexceptional in several ways: They are genuinely enthusiastic and caring, going out of their way to make each and every student feel welcome. They are gifted at meeting each student at their level/adapting their teaching to each student's level and also to that student's learning style and needs. They are equally dedicated to newcomers as they are to those training for a fight. They are exceptional at what they do - they are professionals and fighters who hold themselves to an extremely high standard. They can be meticulous about technique, and readily share their expertise. They truly want their students to improve. Lastly, they are fun - the classes are fun, the coaches are fun. Even when they are putting us through the toughest drills, they find a way to make us laugh through the pain I could not recommend the place more.

The newest cleanest bestest gym in Ravenswood 2023…read more Enjoy my private training w Adil Benjilany, owner n coach of the gym

Benjilany striking - Muay Thai - Kickboxing & MMA chicago coming soon to ravenswood, north center area.

Promotion day during the Striking seminar with ufc #1 contender Belal Muhammad

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Benjilany striking - Muay Thai - Kickboxing & MMA chicago coming soon to ravenswood, north center area.

Chicago Muay Thai Kickboxing Club

(34 reviews)

1.5 mi

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.

After having the best Muay Thai training of my life with Brian Gassaway! Thank you so much Brian for your dedication!

Eduardo in Thailand

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Eight Limbs Podcast

SPORT Fitness

(25 reviews)

0.8 mi

I stumbled upon SPORT Fitness through Wellhub and I've been enjoying it so much! I really…read moreappreciate how well-rounded the training is from weight-lifting to boxing and BJJ. As someone who can often struggle with finding consistency in exercising, this type of approach not only gives me a full-body workout but also stimulates my brain which makes the experience much more enjoyable. Everyone is very welcoming and the facility is very clean, not to mention the convenience of having showers available. Highly recommend!

It has been a few years since I posted a review of SPORT Fitness so I wanted to provide some…read moreupdated accurate information for those looking to up their fitness routine. This is the absolute best gym ever in Chicago and anywhere and best of all you are supporting a local business rather than a corporate gym. Adam Dicker, the owner, is hands down the best personal trainer, coach, workout instructor there is. I have worked out with him for 3 years now and the results have been incredible, I lost over 30 lbs from when I started and have the strength, muscle, and build that I thought I could only ever dream of from when I began. The other trainers here including Tom, Katie, Matt, among others are fantastic and if you are looking to learn a new skill whether it be strength training, boxing, Muy Thai or Jiu Jitsu you will learn it here and enjoy it immensely in the process. The new Elston location is beautiful with an aesthetically pleasing studio offering any equipment you would want to have the best workout . All in a super clean, uncrowded, and supportive environment. I can't say enough great things about Adam, as he has helped me so much with self-confidence, pushing me to the limits of a tough workout that I would not be able to do on my own, and given me the build I dreamed of. He is also the most genuine, nicest guy ever creating the perfect balance of friendly, but tough in the workout so you get the results you want. 11/10 recommend this gym, Adam, and all the trainers here. It has become my favorite place and second home.

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Hyun's Hapkido & Tae Kwon Do

3.3

(30 reviews)

0.5 mi

The kids program is great! My 7 year old has been going for almost 2 years and it has done wonders…read morefor her mental health and confidence. Master Ken is solid

Parents be AWARE... I am filled complaint about a…read morebait-and-switch tactic done by this company with BBB. I took my kids for a trial lesson in August, and the owner, Kwang H, gave me a paper to sign, noting that it was to save my kid's spot in case I decided to join. He specifically told me I didn't have to pay anything. I specifically told him I was not ready to join yet. Fast forward to November 06/24, I got a call saying I signed a contract and owed them money. I am speechless at this company's lack of transparency, blunt trickery, and cunning toward parents trying to survive day in and day out. I feel deeply misled by this situation. My children visited one day for the trial lesson only. I did not agree with any payment or submit payment information.

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Bel Air Martial arts & Fitness

(5 reviews)

0.9 mi

I'm writing this while our ADHD/ASD son participates in a Saturday Minecraft party organized by…read moreCoach Alex and Coach Vince for about a dozen students. The kids are divided into teams and excitedly chattering with each other as they work on dream recreation centers on their tablets. This is just one example of the beautiful community that Coach Alex has built for a "smart but scattered" collection of children whose families have found their way to Bel Air martial arts. To be sure, the jiu jitsu instruction is first-rate and our son has acquired life skills over the past year - he's six and could probably bring my 200 pounds to the ground if I let him - but it's the intangibles that make Bel Air such a treasure. Coordination. Confidence. Listening and following directions. Respect for others. Friendship. So many soft skills that just an hour or two per week have helped to hone, and we would encourage any parents - whether your child is neurodiverse or neurotypical - to join Team Bel Air!

It's awesome what Bel-Air has accomplished in a short amount of time. In addition to the kids…read moreclasses, his adult program is great because all his instructors are experienced and have strong martial arts roots from around the city. Also, the gym is across the street from Costco and who can beat that $1.50 hot dog and soda combo =)

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Self Defense Centers

(14 reviews)

1.0 mi

Tracy's System of Kenpo Karate…read more 5 Stars for this intense, practical, streetwise, and effective self defense martial art. This traditional discipline is amazing. I have finally found something I am passionate about that does not fizzle out the deeper I get into it. On the contrary, the more time I devote to this art, the more my interest is stimulated. Not only do SDC offer very affordable private lessons and packages, but this includes UNLIMITED group classes Mon-Sat. This is particularly beneficial since you are not just learning a new technique and forgetting it, you are given the resources to practice it daily, if you wish. In my book, practice makes permanent not perfect. At places like this the instructor either makes or breaks the school....in this particular case, he makes it. Tim is extremely patient, well-disciplined, and honest. As a natural leader & teacher, he tailors his teaching style to your needs. He pays significant attention to detail and you quickly learn to do the same, which only perfects your skills in the art. However, be forewarned: This place is not for those with a craven character. We like to hit....hard.

I've been very happy with Self Defense Centers and I have been taking classes there for almost two…read moreyears. It's practical, hands-on self defense training that's based on Kenpo, a type of martial art. I'm not really in it for the martial art part -- I started taking classes there after I got mugged and was terrified of being on the street (or anywhere) alone. I think it's done a lot for my self-esteem because what you learn is *very* practical. You learn how to kick, deflect punches, elbow, etc. As a female I've always been reserved when it's come to using violence but Tim, the trainer, has taught me not to feel so "afraid" to do things, like kick some in the balls, when necessary. :) Tim is really good about making the one-on-one sessions best meet your needs so whatever it is that you're there for you are likely to get a lot out of the classes. I highly recommend this place if you're interested in actual martial arts classes or if you simply want to become more streetwise and develop basic self defense skills.

Certified Tracy's Kenpo Karate

The New 'Kenpo Mobile'

Standing Guard

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Japan Karate Association

(4 reviews)

1.3 mi

Outstanding instructor with great teaching skills and an extensive background in multiple martial…read morearts.

As a former student of Margaret Sensei, I can fully attest to her skill, both as a practitioner and…read morea teacher. I had trained under her from white belt (9th kya) to brown belt (1st kyu) during college. Able to back up what she says with action (in modeling correct movement and technique), she helped instill a solid foundation of technique and practical exercises that continues to inform my practice today. Also thanks to her for her dojo recommendations that has led me to my current dojo.

The class at Northwestern U.

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Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

4.5

(162 reviews)

21.0 mi

Well maintained. Not too crowded…read more Challenging enough on a bike for me. Beautiful and well maintained trails that are well marked. Love it. If you're out of shape this place can whip you back into shape if you let it.

Waterfall Glen is a beautiful display of nature. Trails offer a robust adventure. Two parking lots,…read moreone off of Cass Avenue and the other off of Lemont Road.

Brown-eyed Susan

Creeping bellflower

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East Bank Club

4.0

(354 reviews)

4.2 mi

Gorgeous health club!! My friend belongs here and I joined her for dinner at the restaurant/grill…read more The food was tasty and excellent service. I was given a 90 minute pass for dinner and they seem strict on the time. My friend also gave me a tour. It's an impressive space!! About 450,000 square feet, spanning across 2 full city blocks and 5 levels. They have everything you can think of: pools (4 pools!), saunas, restaurants, tennis, golf, basketball, boxing, group glasses, weights, machines, pickleball, spa, hair and nail salon, indoor running track, co-working space, and so much more. Beautiful artwork, pristine locker rooms and restrooms. Wow! High ceilings and so much space overall. Nothing felt crowded. Beautiful design and layout. I was in awe and very impressed.

(Kari's Rating 7.5/10)…read more TLDR -Up-to-Date equipment -Work from home spaces -Convenient Healthy Market Came with a friend to hang out on a Wednesday around 5:30pm to see what East Bank Club is all about. After seeing all the crazy amenities which were super cool with a ton of variety, I think the thing that surprised me the most is how up-to-date all of the equipment was and the variety of activities they had for people to enjoy. If you're looking for an all encompassing workout/work space, this is it! They have everything from full-size tennis courts, to a golf simulator-like set up,except you get to hit into an inflatable pillow! They also had plenty of Pickleball courts, and they offer so many different workout group classes.both a wet and dry, sauna, and tons of treadmills and free weights. I was also really impressed that they also had a physical training area. So think something that was my personal favorite and the best thing for Chicago Summers is a beautiful rooftop pool and lounge area. Not only did they have two outdoor pools (one for adults and one for kids) but they also have an indoor pool as well for winter as well as an indoor hot tub! They also had a common area workspace where people can come to take meetings and do their work from home gigs. You could practically move in here haha! As of right now, it is a $750 new membership fee as well as $295 a month, which is a pretty hefty chunk of change if you ask me considering most of the high rises around, have some kind of rooftop pool and workout area. It is cheaper if you join with a domestic partner or if you're between the ages of 16 and 29-see pic for current pricing. They also sometimes host social events which is super fun to meet everyone else in the club, but at the same time I think it is more of an investment in your future and your future health if you can afford it! I will not be joining at the moment, but hey-that could change anytime if I decide I should be on a health kick.

The Sundeck in season on the East Bank rooftop

Showtime Cycle Studio

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The North Outdoor Pool

Meadowlark Golf Course

3.8

(24 reviews)

13.7 mi

Course was in good shape and staff are friendly. It's unremarkable to play but generally wide open…read moreand easy to walk. Pace was slow. Plenty of carts available. There's a grill setup on hole 4 with all the usuals you'd expect and the porta-potty is accessible from a couple different holes. The clubhouse bathrooms are gross. Price is good.

9-hole course. The staff is very accommodating and nice. No external alcohol allowed, but they do…read moresell snacks and drinks on site. Golf carts available for reservation. The brush around the course is pretty thick because it's located in a forest preserve, making your chances of losing balls higher.

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UIC Student Recreation Facility

4.0

(28 reviews)

5.1 mi

Great facility open year around BUT CLOSED FOR SCHOOL…read moreHOLIDAYS! Spa and sauna are super nice. The rec app says there is a Pilates reformer but no classes to sign up. Testing to find out if true.

**UIC Swim Classes: A Budget-Friendly Option for Kids**…read more We enrolled in UIC Swim Classes for our 1.5-year-old and found it to be a solid, budget-friendly option. At $22 per session, the classes offer structured swim lessons at a more affordable rate compared to other local options. There is a chill vibe that works great for a 1st learner, but the level of rigor is lower than Goldfish so we switched there once we got off their wait list. Classes are sold in 5 week packages, and reschedules are not typically allowed. The class structure follows a set sequence of exercises. Instructors are friendly, but engagement is inconsistent. While they guide kids through various activities, the level of encouragement and feedback varies, with some instructors mentally checking out after providing initial directions. The UIC facility itself is quite nice - The water is comfortably warm and there are changing areas. Parking is available but paid for a few dollars. Note that your access is restricted to within 15 minutes of class time, so don't go too early. Though there are fewer opportunities for underwater practice and confidence-building dips, the parent/tot classes are primary about getting your kid comfortable in water. Overall, UIC Swim Classes deliver decent value for the price, though parents seeking a more intensive training that will get kids swimming faster may want to explore Goldfish.

The front desk area with a climbing wall. Pretty solid and clean!

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Pool

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Jordan G.

15 years ago

I have to tell you about an amazing place in which to train Martial Arts. Fonseca Martial Arts is a Dojo that houses some of the most professional and sincere Instructors I have ever had the pleasure of training with. Fonseca Sensei and his team are here to provide the best instruction and education for life as well as the Martial Arts. The added bonus is you can also train Gracie Barra Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, and Aikido. Each instructor of these arts are professional, and dedicated to helping you achieve whatever your goals may be. read more

Jorge N.

248

3 years ago

Nothing but great things to say. My 6 year old has been coming here for 2 years and made it up to a black belt. Sensei Nolys and Sensei Jesus are incredible. Can't recommend this place enough. read more

Anthony D.

15 years ago

This is the worst place I have ever trained.

Fonseca Martial Arts - Roscoe Village - karate - Updated August 2026

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Alex is a world class athlete and Jiu-Jitsu competitor. He's also an amazing coach who has the most…read moreattention to detail I've ever seen from a Jiu Jitsu teacher. Beyond all of this he's an incredibly down to earth, kind, caring, and funny human being. The school has a great culture already due to a lot of Alex former students following him and it has a great location on Clark and Belmont right by Wrigley Field. I love training here and love training under Alex and it's easy to see why this is the best Jiu Jitsu school in Lakeview and Chicago.

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We love Master Frank! He is committed to his students and genuinely wants them to grow not just in…read moremartial arts, but in life! He is intentional about students taking what they have learned in class and applying it to their daily lives. He has excellent communication, is passionate, and knows how to work with students of all ages.

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