Find a self defense classes in Chicago, IL

Find self defense classes in Chicago, IL

Find self defense classes in Chicago, IL

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
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Find self defense classes in Chicago, IL

Confirm your location to see the best self defense classes near you.
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Top 10 self defense classes in Chicago, IL

Students agree: these teachers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Master Moses Karate Center

Master Moses Karate Center

13+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL & Online
;7 Dan Black Belt Tae Kwon Doe ;40 years experience in martial arts ;teaching tae kwon doe, karate, kung fu ;group lesssons and private lessons ;can travel to you up to 5 miles ;learn self defence, get in shape, lose weight, more cofidence, more control, more self discipline and more ;5 years and up; female and males; children and adults ;martial arts ranking system from white belt up to 6 dan black belt for tae kwon doe ;helping children to be able to defense themselves ;helping children to learn respect and manner...
Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

5.0Exceptional(8)
1 hire on Lessons.com
28+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Amy M. says, "Eric is an amazing teacher. Patient, funny, and kind. I love that he adapts moves to work for MY body (I'm a little teapot, short and stout), and also that he fosters an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. He uses bits and pieces from many traditions to create a toolkit for each person that is both fun to learn and practical to use. I've taken lessons with him for years and brought my teen-aged niece and young daughter to learn self-defense as well. I can't recommend Kicking Dragon's Circle enough!" Read more
Krav Maga Illinois

Krav Maga Illinois

5.0(1)
2 hires on Lessons.com
16+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Jason M. says, "The atmosphere is amazing. The facility is very clean and the students and staff very welcoming. The workout is fun, yet very serious. If you want to really learn to defend yourself, meet new people and get in great shape, you must try it out." Read more
Urban X Self Defense Systems

Urban X Self Defense Systems

5.0(1)
2 hires on Lessons.com
10+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Sidney W. says, "He is the best Martial Arts teacher I know. I love his technique and I have referred him to other parents. 5 STARS. He’s the best." Read more
Underground Fitness Krav Maga

Underground Fitness Krav Maga

5.0Exceptional(24)
4+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL & Online
Mark W. says, "Good workout and detailed instructions. The class focuses on new techniques and the perfection of techniques so they become natural." Read more
All Time Greats

All Time Greats

4+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL & Online
I am really trying to help you achieve your goal and fit as much learning into these hours! I provide my email for Q&A and I provide digital content that I have purchased and use myself for the student to study at home after hours and to always have
Krav Maga Force

Krav Maga Force

Serves Chicago, IL
H U
Kyokushin Jutsu Karate Roman Dojo

Kyokushin Jutsu Karate Roman Dojo

Serves Chicago, IL
Welcome to Kyokushin Jutsu Karate Roman Dojo, located in the heart of Chicago. We specialize in martial arts classes designed to empower individuals of all ages and skill levels. Our dojo is dedicated to fostering discipline, confidence, and physical fitness through the art of Kyokushin karate. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, our expert instructors are committed to guiding you on your martial arts journey. Join us to enhance your skills, improve your fitness, and become a part of our dynamic community.
★VSM★

★VSM★

Serves Chicago, IL & Online
Hi my name is Stefan Molejo and I have over 30 years martial arts experience, over 20 years boxing experience and I have a tremendous passion for working with others. I currently primarily work out of TITLE BOXING gym located in the South loop & I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Mike George Fitness System

Mike George Fitness System

3 hires on Lessons.com
30+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL & Online
WHAT TO EXPECT: You will begin with a free no-pressure consultation where we will discuss your history, health, goals and an outline of your ‘plan’. Either take what you learn and apply it on your own, or choose: 15, 30 or 60 minutes sessions How many sessions you would like per week You will then go through our included basic assessment process, to our Executuve East meets West physical. You will then learn how to set reasonable goals, an action plan and your personal nutrition strategy. Finally, your services begin. You choose from personal training, corrective exercise, acupuncture, rehabilitation or nutrition services. MIKE GEORGE What ...

Your self defense questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

How much are self-defense classes?

Self-defense classes cost $150 to $400 on average for a 6- to 10-week program at a martial arts studio or dedicated self-defense school. Classes held at community centers typically cost less than those offered by professional marital arts studios, and some local police departments and offer free classes.

Some martial arts studios offer single-session self-defense classes for $30 to $80 each, depending on the studio, class size, length, and location. Most one-time classes last 2 to 3 hours.

Are self-defense classes worth it?

Self-defense classes are worth it for individuals who want to be prepared for a life-threatening situation. A self-defense class teaches you how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations, and how to survive situations that can't be avoided. Many people consider the added peace of mind worth the investment.

Self-defense training can be especially helpful if you find yourself in any of these common circumstances:

  • Walking alone at night
  • Jogging in a secluded area, such as a wooded park or trail
  • In a crowded bar or club where alcohol is served
  • During a home invasion

Are self-defense classes effective, and what are the benefits?

Self-defense classes are an effective way to learn how to avoid dangerous confrontations and how to deescalate or escape the confrontations you can't avoid.

Self-defense classes provide a wide range of benefits:

  • Builds your confidence
  • Improves your physical fitness
  • Increases your awareness of your surroundings
  • Improves your balance
  • Provides a sense of personal empowerment

In addition to teaching you how to defend yourself against a human attacker, self-defense training can also be useful when defending yourself from an animal attack.

What do self-defense classes teach?

Self-defense classes teach you these skills to defend yourself from an attacker:

  • Situational awareness and how to detect danger where you might not expect it
  • Verbal skills to prevent or deescalate a confrontation
  • Strikes, including punches, kicks, knees, and elbows
  • How to avoid being dragged to the ground
  • Grappling techniques that are useful if you find yourself on the ground
  • How to defend yourself with improvised weapons or objects in your environment

During a self-defense class, you will practice physical skills alone and with a partner. Practicing with a partner provides a sense of what real physical contact with an attacker may feel like.

Many self-defense schools teach Krav Maga. Developed by the Israeli Defense Forces, Krav Maga remains one of the most popular defense systems among military personnel and law enforcement agencies.

What to wear to self-defense classes?

Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely, such as a T-shirt or tank top and leggings, yoga pants, sweatpants, or shorts. Opt for breathable moisture-wicking fabric to minimize sweating.

Where to take self-defense classes near me?

Follow these tips to find the best self-defense classes near you:

  • Decide whether you want to attend women-only classes or co-ed classes.
  • Compare costs from at least three local schools or martial arts studios.
  • Read school and studio reviews on Lessons and Google.
  • Avoid schools that include pre-rehearsed self-defense demos, as these demos typically don't reflect real-world circumstances or outcomes.
  • Visit the class location to confirm it's well-maintained and the staff is professional.
  • Ask about special offers for new students. Some schools offer a free trial class.
  • Take one class to ensure the studio is a good fit for you before enrolling in a multi-week or ongoing program.
  • Get a copy of the membership contract in writing before making a payment.

What questions should I ask self-defense teachers?

Before signing up for a self-defense class, ask the instructor these important questions:

  • How much do your classes cost?
  • Do you require a membership contract, and if so, what does it entail?
  • What is your class schedule?
  • Do you offer any specials for new students?
  • How many people are in a typical class?
  • Are your classes women-only or co-ed?
  • How long does a class last?
  • What should I wear to the class?

Reviews for Chicago self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the Chicago area.
Sebastian G.
Eric Miller, the head of Kicking Dragon's Circle Martial arts, is a fantastic teacher. I've been training for 30 years and competing in boxing and grappling for 10 years. I reached an impasse while sparring and competing so I reached out to Eric to ask for help. His ability to assess a person's strengths and weaknesses and build off of then is invaluable. I pretty much just go to him now when my coaches don't have any answers. I even signed up at an mma school with a weekly open gym just so I could invite Eric since his school is too far from me. During our first session Eric helped us learn more than we had in the last four weeks. He kind of reminds me of Dean Thomas in the sense that he seems to have an answer for everything except Eric's knowledge goes way beyond just grappling. I can't recommend this school enough!
Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts
Binyomin W.
Great momentum when teaching. Connected well with the students, Built confidence. Used lots of positive energy. The students responded week to coach.
Underground fitness Krav maga
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