Designed to trigger survivors. Only sign up if you want a combination of group/exposure therapy in addition to self defense. I hesitated to sign up for self defense precisely because I was afraid instructors would imply things could have been different if only I'd had the skills. That message was constant throughout the class, despite the fact it was labelled "trauma informed." The t shirts literally say "One day 'no' will be enough. Until then, there's Impact Chicago." Without getting into personals, self defense skills can be useful, but not in every situation. For me, I thought "trauma informed" would mean classes that are careful to teach skills without requiring people to disclose their past, which can amp up an already charged situation. Instead, you are asked to share your feelings frequently. When I did get triggered, instead of getting a moment alone, I was asked to disclose what was happening to a group of people of mixed genders I'd met hours ago. When I did not return for the second day, the instructor told me this is common for people who find the class too intense the first time due to their history, but then they come back when they know what to expect. If this had been billed as group/exposure therapy combined with self defense, I'd have know a bit more what to expect. I did not. Therefore, the people with PTSD are more likely to be triggered and if they decide to complete the course block off two full weekends instead of one. This may seem small but I believe a course like this should be designed with people who have PTSD as the priority, not the group whose trauma is a barrier yet again. read more

I remember someone telling me this program would "change my life" and I rolled my eyes. But guess what...? This program will change your life. I've taken several different self defense courses and this was the only one I walked away from feeling confident that I could protect myself. It's a unique program that really teaches you how to use your strengths, set boundaries and push past your fears. read more

I started taking the IMPACT classes in March of 2009 upon the recommendation of a close friend involved with the organization. Two years later, I've taken every class they've offered and my life will never be the same. I had no idea when I showed up at my first class that I would learn not only about how to physically defend myself, but also that I'm worth defending and I have everything within me already to do it. I highly recommend these classes to all women and girls. They do offer teen classes, so keep an eye on the website for what ages that is appropriate for. read more

IMPACT Chicago - A recent class showing defense against two attackers at the same time. - Martial Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The Core program I took was absolutely life-changing. Every woman should take this course. EVERY SINGLE ONE This organization has been around for thirty years, and it shows - they really know their shit. From sensitivity to past emotional trauma, to providing a safe physical and emotional environment in class, to methodically teaching verbal and physical self-defense techniques, you can tell that each step has been carefully planned with decades of feedback and reviews. You will learn how to defend yourself against multiple kinds of attacks/assaults with the help of their volunteer "assailants" who are the most woke and wonderful men you could imagine. And you can beat on them as hard as you would in a real-life situation thanks to the padded suits they wear. As one of them said, if he got hurt doing this, he wouldn't do it. The physical techniques you learn will become reflexes! I was heartened and impressed to hear a story or two of Impact graduates who successfully defended themselves against physical assault years after taking the program. They all reported that their body responded immediately, and that all the things they learned never left them or were forgotten. In addition to physical and verbal self-defense, there's also an emotional defense in repeated discussions about setting boundaries. This course doesn't happen in a vacuum - it takes into account all the obstacles that women have to face, from societal pressure to be quiet and non-troublesome to the fear tactics that assailants try to use. Not only were we taught to defend ourselves, but to stand up for what we want, demand what we need, and be unapologetic about putting ourselves and our life first. As their amazing shirts say, One day "no" will be enough. Until then, there's Impact." I think everyone should take this course, and if you've read this far, you probably do too! So just sign up already, and be able to walk through the city and navigate your life with confidence! read more

Before I completed IMPACT's Core training program, I had a somewhat unrealistic narrative in my head of what would happen if I was physically attacked or assaulted. (Basically, I just imagined that I would turn into the Incredible Hulkess and stomp on the perpetrator's head.) Since completing the program I now possess an entire repertoire of self-defense moves and am much better prepared - physically, mentally, and emotionally - to take on an attacker. (And yes, one of the moves is a heel kick to the attacker's head, but from a safe, grounded position). The program isn't cheap, and the first couple classes can be challenging and triggering, because the drills are very realistic. It's tough to see your classmates getting harassed and assaulted. Everyone gets a turn in each exercise/simulation, so every student is berated and attacked by the padded-suit assailant (sometimes two assailants). You must go through these simulations to practice the moves and get them into your muscle memory. The instructors and padded assailants are very well trained, and everyone in the class is supportive. After each simulation there's a quick debriefing to emotionally process what happened, share, vent, encourage, and ask questions. By the end of the course, you'll see your classmates kicking the padded assailant's ass (just obliterating him). It's a very powerful thing to witness. The course also teaches vital techniques for self-assertion and boundary setting, using body language and voice. What I learned to do with my voice in this class was just as important and what I learned to do with my body. Overall, IMPACT was an excellent investment in my personal safety and well-being. Highly recommend. read more

My only regret is not taking this sooner. I cannot emphasize how empowering and life changing this course is. If you've ever felt unsafe in the city, please know you don't have to. I'm going to make every woman in my life take this course. read more

Let me set the stage for you..... You're waiting for the bus. Someone aproaches you and decides they want to be all kinds of chatty and just won't leave you alone. Do you know how to set a verbal boundary without escalating the situation? No? Two words: IMPACT Chicago. So this creep still won't leave you alone and gets closer and closer to popping your "bubble" of private space. Do you know how to physically defend yourself should said creepo grab your arm? No? Two words: IMPACT Chicago. And finally, you live alone and have always wondered what the heck do I do should someone decide my window looks enticing and again said creepo is looking for one thing from a woman? Well, two final words: IMPACT Chicago. IMPACT harnessed my inner superwoman. IMPACT gave me confidence. IMPACT taught me how to defend myself and set verbal boundaries. I took the Core class in February 2012. It's a 24 hour class, usually spread over 3 or 4 days, depending if it's one weekend or two. Check out their website and drop in on a graduation info session. I cannot recommend this class enough. They offer scholarships and payment plans so please don't let the price deter you! I feel confident that I can defend myself should a situation turn unsafe. I made some great acquaintances during my two weekends at IMPACT and know these women will always be with me. The Core class teaches you who to set verbal limits, which can be much harder than fighting, for some, how to get out of various physically violent situations and even sexual assault encounters. IMPACT Chicago is making the world unsafe for predators, one amazing woman at a time. read more

I took this class as a freshman in college and was nervous about what I was getting myself into, since I really like my personal bubble of space. But all the instructors were very nice, they were attentive and kept checking in with everyone. And the male instructors are really intentional about giving the women space until we're ready to practice a move. So it's a really safe place to learn. And you learn things besides how to best strike an assailant. One of the first things to use is actually your voice (setting boundaries, making yourself less of a victim, calling attention to yourself), to prevent a physical altercation. So it was great to learn a framework of things to do when in a bad situation. And I felt more confident, just knowing I had a plan, and having practiced it. read more

I signed up for IMPACT Chicago after moving here because I felt that I needed to be more aware and feel more confident in my ability to defend myself. After searching on Google, I found IMPACT and know that I made the right choice! If you are thinking of taking a self-defense class, sign up for this one. You won't be sorry. To say that it was life changing is an understatement. The underlying theories make sense for women. We need to use the strongest part of our bodies (our hips and legs) to defend ourselves. It just makes sense. First, the instructors and support staff are amazing. It is a very nurturing and healing group that help guide you through what can be a very tough weekend of training. Second, you will never walk the same after your training. You are more aware, more self confident in the knowledge that should something happen, you will be OK. Third, every woman, young and old, should have these skills. No woman should ever walk around feeling unsure or unsafe. They will teach you the necessary skills to help you feel in control of your surroundings. Plus, you will make 11 new friends! If you are hesitant to sign up, please sign up anyway. It will be a difficult weekend of training but one that you will never regret or forget. It is the best experience of your life and what you learn will only make your life richer. Isn't your life worth giving up one weekend to learn these skills? Definitely! IMPACT Chicago - making women stronger everyday! read more

A couple of days ago, a motorist turned very abusive as I walked across the street onto campus. Before IMPACT, I would have walked away mortified, wondering what I'd done wrong, feeling like dirt. With IMPACT, I remembered my big voice, and dished it right back to the motorist, telling him he was out of line and should be ashamed. IMPACT also taught me to assess a situation. I did a split-second reckoning: the construction workers stood by as witnesses, ready to get help. Imagine living with less fear, and knowing how to use your fear to fuel your strength, your resistance. Imagine living your life the way you want it, rather than hemmed in by the specter of harassment. I took the class because I wanted to travel widely and I wanted to trust myself. The class begins with verbal boundary-setting. It is taught by a team. A woman instructor coaches you through scenarios. A padded male instructor acts as an assailant, and will give you feedback on how effective your skills become over time. We all did it. With encouragement from each person in the class, we all pulled through. It was amazing to see these women grow into themselves. Make a stand against violence and assault. Inspire your friends, your sig other. Be a model to your little sistere, your son. Take IMPACT. These skills will last you a lifetime. read more

Great experience. Glad I finally decided to take the Core program. Highly recommend for women of all ages, sizes, fitness levels!

I cannot say enough positive things about Impact Chicago! I am a recent graduate of the CORE program and I can truly say it was a transformative experience for me. A colleague found the program after I was assaulted on the job and we decided to take the class together. My assault made me realize that not only did I not know how to defend myself, I was not even mentally prepared to physically hurt another person. I felt scared, anxious, and unsafe pretty much every where I went in the months following. People advised I talk to a therapist to try and work through things but I personally could not imagine that helping (I am not advocating that anyone else should feel the way I did about therapy). Then the first weekend finally came for the Impact Chicago CORE program, and everything changed. The confidence and skills I gained from the class are invaluable - and it's not just physical. You learn to use your voice, to set boundaries, and you learn and grow with an incredible group of other women. I left feeling empowered, renewed, safe, and confident. It was worth every second and every penny. Since graduation I have tried to get as many women in my life as I can to at least consider taking the course. These are skills every woman should have and I can't imagine getting similar results without the Impact philosophy and style. Having padded instructors to fight full-force ensures you really are building muscle memory and you actually experience what it's like to hit someone full force - there are few opportunities for training like this. If you're thinking about it - just do it! You will not regret it. I know Impact also offers courses for young women in middle school/high school and I cannot imagine what I would have gained if I had access to this at that age. In sum, take a course. Then tell your friends, tell your family. Tell people on yelp like I am. When you find yourself in dangerous situations, you will likely only have yourself to count on for survival - make sure you're prepared. You are worth it. read more

I just finished the IMPACT Core Program and this is how I feel different: I know that if I'm alone in a locked building with no one around except an assailant, I can take him down so he can't get back up, all by myself. Yes, you can look up these defense moves on the Internet or watch videos and teach yourself, but this course lets you actually practice -- over and over -- making these moves with actual male instructors. I don't just KNOW HOW to throw a 250-pound man off me, I've actually done it repeatedly so the memory is in my body. I'm barely 5'2" but now I know height has nothing to do with self-defense. read more

This class is remarkable! I agree completely with Amie C's review about the course's value. It is well worth your time on many dimensions. (The price is not cheap but given the quality of the instruction and the high instructor:student ratio, it is actually a deal...plus, they provide financial aid and payment plans.) I recommend this without reservation - in fact, here are the dates for the two next Core Programs: Sat/Sun Jan 26/27 and Feb 2/3 Fri/Sat/Sun March 8, 9, 10 http://www.IMPACTchicago... Also, there is an advanced Defense Against an Armed Rapist class coming up soon - Dec 1 & 2, 11-5, 1400 N. Halsted - you have to have complete the Core Program to take this. read more

I took IMPACT's CORE program in June 2014 after a few sexual assaults had been reported in my neighborhood. The Program is as amazing as everyone says it is. You will leave it wishing that every woman and girl you know could also experience it. They will work with you on everything from verbal defense to knock-down drag out fight skills. Uniquely empowering for every participant, and well worth the cost. read more

I first was introduced to IMPACT back in May 2010 when I took the Core Program. And I just took my first advanced program this past weekend (Defense again mulitple assailants). I have never felt so confident in protecting myself. I was pretty scared when I first went in for the core program since I had been attacked before and didn't know if I had what it took to learn the skills to fight off another attack. The instructors and assistants were incredibly caring, knowedgable, and gave great direction. And the women in my class were amazing. It was surprising how quickly we were all in support of each other. Also, they teach women how to fight using the strongest parts of their body. So it's not completely relying on upper body strength, which I really liked. These classes have no only taught me how to physically defend myself, but how to set boundaries and use my voice which I now realize is essential and might help stop an attack before it even starts. I'm definitely going to be taking more classes from them in the future. read more

IMPACT blew my socks off, it was amazing. I found IMPACT to be a comprehensive, professional, thoughtful, wonderful (insert compliment here) organization. This program is so much bigger than learning to kick some guy in the groin. It is about empowerment and finding your voice. I cannot recommend this program enough to all the female loved ones in my life. I am insisting that my two younger sisters enroll. read more

Unlike other martial arts and self-defense schools, which focus a lot of time on forms and conditioning, IMPACT is about re-creating the high-stress factors of a real-life encounter with an attacker, whether it's in the street, on public trans or in the home. Simple and effective techniques for repelling your attacker are covered, in addition to repeated practice of verbal approaches of warning an attacker away. One of the most important features of the training is creating the mind-set for self defense (look alive, be aware of your surroundings, don't look like a victim, hold your ground, warn your attacker, and finally, LOOK AT THE TARGET). There are repeated opportunities to defend yourself with full-force against a fully padded man who acts as your verbal and physical attacker. The people who run IMPACT have considered every possible scenario that a woman could encounter and offer a number of courses to address issues, whether it's a lone rapist, or multiple armed attackers. read more

I attended Impact class in the fall of 2015. A friend recommended me go because her personal experience was so freeing. I'm so glad I did this for myself. My hope was that after taking the class my PTSD and in particular night terrors, brought on from years of sexual abuse when I was a kid, would fade. I have to say this was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It was very triggering emotionally, but the staff were amazing and they were exactly what I needed when I needed. It was freeing to me on many levels. It was okay when I broke down, they were there for me. It was refreshing not feeling alone in the fight, but to have a whole line of ladies cheering me on, having my back. This class pushed me beyond limits and I'm so glad because I now know that there is more, much more, after the point when you think it's over. now I can walk with confidence knowing that I can defend myself. It felt amazing to be able to fight back for once. read more