It's been an incredible journey watching my daughters train and grow over the past five years at…read moreChicago Karate Champions. Through multiple tournaments, they've earned gold, silver, and bronze medals, but more importantly, they've gained discipline, resilience, and a true love for the sport. They truly appreciate the amazing training, the fun activities after each game, and the lifelong lessons they've learned along the way. Their hard work is even showing in their PE activities at school! A big thank you to the coaches and the entire team for creating such a supportive and inspiring environment! Looking forward to many more years of learning and success.

Sensei has been so amazing with helping me stay healthy and stay fit…read more He is also very fun when we are playing games. He's exercise are very hard but help me a lot with sports like basketball.

Wonderful place. Genuinely helpful and caring staff and instructors. My 10 year old daughter has…read moregained confidence, balance and coordination in less than a year. Would recommend for anyone.

We joined the dojo back in 2014, when I signed my children up for classes after visiting on a group…read moretrial day. A year later, I started training myself. It remains one of the best decisions I've made for my family so far. The classes are energetic and fun. Anyone at any fitness level can feel comfortable here. I swear the school is made up of the most welcoming, non judgmental people I've ever met. The real strength here is the instructor team. The classes are taught by Sensei Mike and Sensei Chris, and the level of energy and knowledge between them is remarkable. They genuinely care for their students and push them to be their best. My daughter earned a junior black belt, I earned a first degree black belt, and my son is on his way to his junior black belt as well. I can't recommend them highly enough!

Gym is pretty run down and limited in what it offers (a lot of heavy bags, some plyoboxes and one…read moresquat arch and "joe welder" bench. I dont know if they're even still doing classes, but it's nice to go in, put your headphones on and hit a heavy bag

Highly recommend!! Very supportive atmosphere and knowledgeable caring coaches! Serious trainings…read moreand people are committed to what they are doing

This a great place to learn serious martial arts skills. The…read moreinstructors have set curriculum to teach students step by step and senior belts are helping junior belts to learn new skills. Highly recomnended.

I was a practitioner for about 15 years until the age of 18 and had to leave for college. I worked…read moreup to my second degree black belt and it took 15 years, so you can assume this school believes in the philosophies a martial arts school should: discipline, hard work and perseverance. I am currently 21 years old and I owe Hapkido my life as it taught me self discipline at such a young age and led me to carry those same philosophies throughout high school up into the present. I love Hapkido because of the culture this school produces. The culture of confidence, not arrogance. The culture of movement and life, not stillness. The culture of love, not hate. Grand Master Chang and Master Austria have given me life beyond my years. I highly recommend this school to anyone who cares about caring for themselves or their family. It focuses on self defense techniques that could literally save your life someday. This school is a place where kids can grow up and become leaders rather than followers. It is a place where you push yourself to be a better you. I can't stress how greatly appreciative I am of this wonderful school and all the amazing mentors I had. Do yourself a favor and sign up as soon as possible!

I'm not from around here, but I dropped in today and I just have to say, this gym is absolutely…read moreamazing. The people here are great to train with, and the atmosphere is so welcoming and clean. I honestly couldn't recommend this gym enough! If you're ever in town, definitely swing by or consider becoming a member. You won't be disappointed! Deep bow to all

No respect for these guys at all. They cancel comps and refuse to give refunds only credit! Dog…read more$hit

Great staff and teaching. They keep you involved and spend the time one on one to improve your…read moreskills

Professor Lemos is an outstanding competitor, instructor and multiple world champion and Gracie…read moreBarra Downers Grove reflects his high levels of excellence in both jiu-jitsu and team unity. The school is huge and beautiful and the instructors and students are welcoming, helpful and friendly. I love this school, it reflects everything that is best about Gracie Barra.

This academy definitely emphasizes safety and solid technique. The kids class starts with…read moreunderstanding the best techniques to avoid or escape from physical conflict and then leads to techniques that can be used to keep you safe if your in an unavoidable situation. Once these basic skills are mastered you learn sport jujitsu techniques that can be applied in a tournament situation. The initial emphasis on self defense without permanently hurting your opponent is a great skill for all kids to learn. If there is an interest in competition the academy can get you there. Adult classes are accelerated with an emphasis on flow drills that can get you to the point that you can walk into any academy, train with confidence, and not worry about getting hurt or hurting others. If you're a goon or a bully, this is not the place for you. If you want to be a great training partner, stay (or get) in shape and be safe; this is a great place to begin your jujitsu journey.

From the owner: Right here in good old wheaton! Learn how to keep yourself and everyone around safe, healthy, and…read moremore fit!!

There are many martial arts schools today. Some focus on perfecting forms, others on competitive…read moresparring, but very few offer training that prepares students for real life situations while also instilling true martial arts discipline. Strive Martial Arts is not simply a school, it is a path. A path open to all ages, where training evolves with the student and instruction adapts to the individual. Under the guidance of Master Bill Thompson, Taekwondo is revealed not merely as a collection of techniques, but as a discipline for life. Each movement carries intention. Each lesson asks for presence. Training is designed to develop awareness, restraint, and responsibility alongside strength and skill. Techniques are explored not only for their precision, but for their relevance beyond the dojo where judgment, self-control, and courage matter most. Every class and every test becomes a mirror, offering lessons in perseverance, humility, and resilience. Progress is measured not only by belts earned, but by the growth of character and clarity of purpose. In time, the question changes. It is no longer about how high you kick, how fast you react, or how perfect your form becomes. What matters is what you carry with you into daily life, the discipline to act wisely, the confidence to stand firm, and the integrity to choose the right path.

My children went to Strive Martial Arts for quite a while and learned a lot from the instructors…read more However as they got older they found other activities they enjoyed and we stopped going. This is when the issues started. Our last class was in April or May 2025. We were billed in July and I emailed that I'd like a refund since we haven't been in a couple months. I said our schedule was busy and when school started we might return. Our account was placed on hold and I was refunded. We did not return when school started but I was billed again. I emailed asking for a refund and to close the account that we would not be returning. This one took several attempts to get resolved but I was eventually refunded but told the account would be placed on hold. I stated that I wanted it closed so we wouldn't run into this situation again. February 2026 comes and I'm billed again. This time I inform my credit card company and they sent me a credit and stopped future payments from Strive Martial Arts. It's obvious they didn't close my account even though I've asked multiple times. I started receiving phone calls from ABC Fitness to update my credit card information at this time. I ignored these calls because fuck this place. Yesterday June 3rd 2026 I receive a letter saying my account is being sent to collections that I owe payments from March, April and May 2026. My kids haven't been to a class in over a year. I've been trying to resolve this with zero success. Whoever is considering joining Strive Martial Arts should find somewhere else to go. Thanks for reading my long rant. Edit* I spoke with Master Bill from Strive Martial Arts and he informed me that my account is now closed and it was not sent to collections. He apologized for the inconvenience and billing issues I've been dealing with. He's switched billing companies. I appreciate that he called me to resolve this. I did tell him that my children liked the instructors, especially Mike. The instructors challenged the students and were very supportive and encouraging to everyone. I've changed my rating to 3 stars because of the instructors and my issue has been resolved. I noticed my location says I'm from California. This isn't true. I live locally near Glen Ellyn.