Find a self defense classes in Skokie, IL

Find self defense classes in Skokie, IL

Find self defense classes in Skokie, IL

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

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

Students agree: these teachers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Slick City Striking

Slick City Striking

5.0Exceptional(7)
2 hires on Lessons.com
3+ years in business
Serves Skokie, IL
Octavio V. says, "Coach Jeremy is superb in every way. His dedication to the sport and the fundamentals of boxing is unmatched and his passion for teaching is evident. He uniquely tailors training sessions to the level of the fighter and gives you the confidence to make those gains all while pushing you to reach your fullest potential. He highlights your strengths while also focusing on fixing your weaknesses. Truly the best combination of characteristics you can ask for in a boxing coach." Read more
Krav Maga Illinois

Krav Maga Illinois

5.0(1)
2 hires on Lessons.com
16+ years in business
Serves Skokie, 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
Carson Wing Tsun Academy

Carson Wing Tsun Academy

5.0Exceptional(5)
41+ years in business
Serves Skokie, IL
Boris says, "Having experience with various types of martial arts I’ve been enjoying Wing Tsun classes from my first day. Personally, I like Wing Chung concept that can be used as part of self-defense in close-range combat. Carson Wing Tsun Academy has great teachers and provides seminars to help students to improve their skills." Read more
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 Skokie, 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
Master Moses Karate Center

Master Moses Karate Center

13+ years in business
Serves Skokie, 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...
Underground Fitness Krav Maga

Underground Fitness Krav Maga

5.0Exceptional(24)
4+ years in business
Serves Skokie, 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
Befit Personal Training Studio

Befit Personal Training Studio

5.0Exceptional(6)
17+ years in business
Serves Skokie, IL & Online
Valerie says, "I am a fifty year old female ovarian cancer survivor on dialysis with osteoarthritis. Before training with Barbara I was so weak from chemo treatments that I could barely pick up a can of soup. Training has improved my strength and I am now preparing for a 5K hand cycle race. Working with Barbara has given me more confidence and increased my ability to balance. Right now I am learning yellow belt forms in Karate. Once I master these forms I will be able to earn an orange belt. If you are looking to improve your overall physical health and enhance your body awareness I recommend working out with Barbara. Attending a personal training session with her is an excellent opportunity which will meet your needs" Read more
Michaud Boxing, Kickboxing, And Muay Thai

Michaud Boxing, Kickboxing, And Muay Thai

5.0Exceptional(14)
15+ years in business
Serves Skokie, IL
Serghei S. says, "Started with Coach Marchello in 2017, was training prior to that but since i joined him my life changed. Within 2 1/2 years he helped me clearly understand and acquire the boxing/muay thai techniques, be able to fight no matter if i would participate or not .As well he helped me to really develop strong discipline and character which is helpful in all areas of life. In this time frame i already participated in 4 national tournaments, got a belt and participated in Chicago Golden Gloves, where i got to quarterfinals. Highly recommended Coach Marchello for leading you to become a more focused/disciplined person , to really stand up for yourself or your loved ones in real life situations.And you’ll get in top notch shape!" Read more
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore

Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore

9+ years in business
Serves Skokie, IL
Staley Martial Arts, Carlson Gracie North Shore is the premier martial arts school in Wilmette, IL. We offer a diverse range of martial arts classes, with a primary focus on Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and self-defense. Our certified instructors teach the traditional martial arts values of discipline, respect, and perseverance while providing a fun and supportive environment for students to learn and grow.
Actfit

Actfit

5.0(4)
21+ years in business
Serves Skokie, IL
Nethan-K says, "Working with master ghzaf in a small group setting has been such a great way to stay motivated and accountable,," Read more

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 Skokie self defense classes

Recent success stories from people in the Skokie area.
Clement L.
Coach Jeremy's high boxing knowledge will help anyone trying to get started, getting back to the sport, or advanced fighters. He is very attentive and invests in his student's success. He will teach fundamentals for you to build on and fix any flaws in your fighting style.
Slick City Striking
Donaldray
Excellent instructions and patients
Carson Wing Tsun Academy
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
Karen
Barbara is a fabulous trainer. She's a great motivator, full of energy! She consistently changes the work out so you NEVER feel bored with your workout. She definitely has changed my life as I never worked out before and now I look forward to working out with her. Her upbeat attitude and high energy is definitely contagious and is a pleasure. I highly recommend her as a trainer; she is professional, knows her business and is tuned into and listens to her clients needs (& issues).
Befit Personal Training Studio
Paul F.
There are many reasons I go to Michaud Boxing. The experience and expertise. The method of teaching. Being able to explain the how and why, while remaining firm and encouraging the best the individual can give. Knowledge. I'm a Type 1 Diabetic, I have complications. And I've seen other students with their own particular issues. Michaud has proven to be able ta adapt my training to work with my conditions and still achieve desired goals.
Michaud Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai
Noura K.
Make no mistake, Master Ghzaf is the real deal. He is incredibly knowledgeable, he has a wonderful personality and will push you beyond your mental and physical limits. There's no question that master Ghzaf knows exactly how to train you to get the most out of your body, mind & soul.
Actfit
Justin G.
Alisa is the best yoga instructor I’ve ever taken a class with. She brings a ton of positivity and excitement into the practice. She always has suggestions on how to do a pose that works for you, I am not the most flexible but she always found a way to help make things work. After every class I would walk away in a state of zen with a huge smile on my face. Alisa has so much to offer as she truly cares about all of her students and helping them achieve their goals both physically and spiritually. I can honestly say she makes showing up to do yoga everyday very enjoyable. If you have the chance to take a class with her I highly recommend you do as I guarantee she will quickly become your favorite go to instructor. An abundance of smiles, laughs, spiritual growth, and increased flexibility await =]
Chicago Smiling Soul Yoga
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