Tracy's System of Kenpo Karate 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. read more

I've been very happy with Self Defense Centers and I have been taking classes there for almost two years. 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. read more

I have been going to Self Defense Centers now for almost a year. Self Defense Centers teaches the martial art form of Tracy Kenpo Karate. As a novice to this martial art form, I can best describe this as practical self defense using martial art techniques as opposed to brut striking force. What attracted me to this school was the practicality of the techniques in real life and the artistic aspect of skills taught. The group classes can also provide a quality physical workout. The adult classes have a wide range ages and they also offer kids classes. The owner happens to be my instructor and he is extremely accommodating of students' time schedules and learning pace. He is an excellent instructor and passionate about his work. The other instructors are also amazing and generous with their time, often staying after group classes to personally address any questions students have. I highly recommend this place for anyone interested in learning a martial art and/or practical self defense. If you still have doubts, try the introductory program. read more

I've been going here for about three years now, but the thing that drew me in was the non-aggressive, honest approach that is taken by Tim, the owner. The introductory special was very affordable and did not have any hidden costs. Even after I joined, there were no contracts to sign (like a gym), no hidden costs, and very affordable training. Plus, you get quite a bit for your money - one weekly private lesson and as many group lessons as you have time to attend. If you are interested in learning practical self-defense, I can't recommend this place highly enough. read more

It took me a few years before I mustered up the courage to begin the incredibly priced 4 session into to the program, but once I got started, I couldn't give it up. Self Defense Centers uses the Tracy Kenpo technique, which focuses on very practical methods to defend yourself against a variety of situations. Tim is my private lesson teacher. He's incredible. My past mentors all taught me literature or humanities. Tim has taught me confidence, body fluidity, and how to feel comfortable with my physical space. I was nervous to join the (included in the monthly price) group classes. I've never been in a fight and the thought of sparring was daunting. It turns out that the evening class teachers, Matt on Tuesdays and Joe on Thursdays are incredibly welcoming and accommodating. Still, they bring a sense of gravity that makes me feel mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the hour. The other members of class don't look down on a newbie joining the class. They welcome the opportunity to teach and relearn their old moves. I know a yellow belt in martial arts isn't all that impressive. But I've noticed that I'm walking with more confidence. And I can imagine how I'd handle various situations that might have otherwise been intimidating. I can't wait to continue with the program and I'm determined to work like crazy to get my orange belt hopefully this summer. Thanks to Tim for being a game changer! I'd urge anyone looking to try their hands at martial arts/self defense to try their introductory special. read more

In spite of the generic sounding name this is a school of Kenpo Karate. I give high marks to this art because it is so practical and effective. But the two reasons I give this particular place 5 stars is that: 1) First and foremost, the instructor is excellent. I've been at other places where the instructors are indifferent to the results of their students in training. In those places when you are doing things wrong or don't get it at all it's just fine with them... no matter how long you stagnate. It doesn't matter how talented the instructor is in the art -- if he isn't a good teacher that skill means nothing to you. The instructor at this place is extremely attentive and has great attention to detail. A natural teacher. The result is that progress occurs at a pace that you can really notice. 2) They offer private lessons at reasonable rates. I don't know where else you can even get private lessons but if you want to learn something fast (in any field) private lessons with an excellent instructor is "the secret". I also like the fact that it is in an area with plenty of easy parking. read more

I organized a group self-defense class for my alumni group, and Tim (Joe and Amy joined him as well!) took great care of us. We all felt we learned something, and it was fun. Tim takes charge of the room without being intimidating while you are learning a new skill that could ultimately save your life. What a great gift Tim, Joe and Amy gave us all. Thank you! read more

I was looking for a martial arts venue for my seven year old. While a pretty decent athlete, he needed to work on his focus and balance. First stop was Yelp. The Self Defense Center had good reviews. It made the "let's stop by" list. Tim took the time to understand what our objectives were. We watched one of his classes specifically for kids. The decision fell to my son and he said he wanted to enroll. My son has been going for a number of months now. Tim has a gift for teaching kids. He is very supportive of the kids. He gives then a sense of confidence that is earned, he does not patronize the kids or the parents. My son and I are very pleased we made the decision to join the Self Defense Center program. read more

I'll add to the string of great reviews. My nine-year-old daughter has been studying here for almost five years, and she's long past the "look how fun it is to kick my feet in the air" phase and into the phase of making me feel a little nervous when I practice with her. Master Tim has the perfectly blended air of authority and warmth. He demands respect without ever having to say a word. He's just awesome. . . and his instructors are top-notch, too. Kenpo Karate is not showy or flashy like Tae Kwon Do. It's practical, and as a young resident of Chicago that's exactly what my daughter needs. Tae Kwon Do was developed as a sport. Kenpo was developed as a method of self defense. If you were to pit someone from Tae Kwon Do against someone from Kenpo, I'd put my money on the person from Kenpo any day of the week. Self Defense Centers is very affordable when compared to other martial arts schools - including the mixed martial arts school a mile north in Lincoln Square (which, from what I hear, is good but is much more expensive and not focused on a single style). There's never a contract, and there are never belt testing fees. My daughter does private lessons. Every time we've ever had to miss one, even at the last minute, our monthly price has been adjusted accordingly. We've always appreciated that. read more

I started taking Chinese Kenpo at Self Defense Center of Chicago about 2 months ago. I was very particular about the school where I would train. I studied Shotokan Karate for approx 2 years and wanted to make sure that the instructor, and the school where I train would be reputable. After looking at other schools around Chicago, I was fairly unimpressed with what I found. Some of the schools that I looked at initially were disorganized, and the "experienced" students didn't seem to be much more advanced than the beginners. I went to SDC and took the first three trial lessons. I was hooked! Tim is a great instructor, and the style itself is extremely practical. In the first month, I learned some more useful techniques than I had learned in almost 2 years of Shotokan. Kenpo is a very realistic and practical MA. The cost of the classes is reasonable, and you do not feel forced into anything. Overall this is where I see myself studying long term. read more

The pride that Tim the owner takes in his work as a teacher in Martial Arts and Self Defense is evident from the moment you walk in the door. For someone who was not familiar with Martial Arts, I was expecting to feel overwhelmed by the formalities and by my total lack of training experience. The personal attention I've received through Tim's instruction makes me feel like I belong, even with those who have been practicing their whole lives. read more

My wife, two boys and I have been going here for the last 5 years. When we first were signing up as beginers I was a little guarded since I have seen how other karate studios run their business with charges and fee galore. I was happy to find out that the owner Tim Critser is a straight forward guy who puts no pressure on you regarding joining or staying active. They offer a 1 month family karate introductory class which is one on one training. This is almost unheard of at a group rate. Well after the month we all liked the way Tim runs his business in such a fair manner, the low cost for 1 on 1 instruction his detailed, expert instruction and all the free group classes you can take. After a while he ended up teaching my kids together without the adults. He is great with kids. Just enough discipline but also infuses some fun. I also know now they have a great introductory kid's class which was not available when we started. So after 5 years of good experiences you can see why I give it such a great endorsement. read more

A practical, Self-defense for everyday People..No Hollywood high kicks..And no-one is trying to set you up to be the next MMA star. Real self defense for the real world. read more

This is the real deal i been dabbling since the 1970`s and i got to say everthing is as good as it gets its very practical. and tim is one of the best very patient i respect tim with all his skills great for kids and grown ups and the fact that you get private lessons at the cost its great even one of my pet peves is gone here always found a place to park highly reccomend this place. read more