Top-Voted Martial Arts for Kids Around Chicago

TAC Karate offers a well-rounded children's program, with plenty of kids karate classes in Chicago that are age-appropriate for little kids, older kids and teens.

Thousand Waves Kids’ Seido Karate presents karate for kids as a body, mind, and spirit practice to improve children's fitness, concentration, and coordination. Try it out with a free trial class, and a beginner special offering unlimited classes for the first two months.

Victory MMA Academy not only teaches students to become highly-skilled in martial arts, but also how to use martial arts as a vehicle to reach their potential in every arena of life. Kids will learn focus, self discipline and mental strength while training using techniques from Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, and Jujitsu. If you need more convincing, check out their free week trial! Kids martial arts classes are offered both at their facilities around the Chicago suburbs, and in partnership with multiple park districts.

Fonseca Martial Arts offers karate for kids, as well as jiu jitsu and self defense programs. Young kids begin with a focus on motor and listening skills, and as they move up in rank, focus on building character through positive social interactions, with the opportunity to participate in dojo tournaments and earn medals.

Degerberg Academy boasts a supportive family atmosphere, and kids martial arts classes teach a blend of kickboxing, karate, tae kwon do, wrestling and more. Instruction focuses not only on strength, conditioning and balance, but on helping kids to display leadership, self-control and good sportsmanship.

Karate Academy offers martial arts programming for kids with an emphasis on building their focus, respect, confidence, and social skills, all while having a good time. Check out their after school program for local kids and school break camps, too!

Kid’s Karate Club teaches respect, discipline, self-esteem, self-confidence and leadership. This is a year-round martial arts program for kids presented in partnership with various park districts in the Chicago suburbs, offering belt progression through black belt.

National Karate has a reputation for being family-friendly while teaching quality martial arts classes. They offer their very own Bully Prevention and Predator Prevention programs at no extra cost as part of their efforts to help children stay safe. The Illinois schools have also been named the “Best Martial Arts Schools” by local media for over 10 years in a row. They offer a three week trial for a highly discounted rate.

Consistently voted the #1 martial arts school in the area, the numerous 5-star reviews demonstrate how much parents & kids truly love this studio, which blends Tae Kwon Do with kickboxing & self defense, and teach important life skills such as discipline, respect and confidence.

Focus, discipline, self esteem...your child will learn all this and more at Moodo Martial Arts! This school teaches both Tae Kwon Do and Judo. All instruction is under the direction of Master Koo, a former Olympic coach (U.S. Team, Athens 2004).

At P3 Martial Arts classes are all about fun, fitness, and focusing on proper martial arts techniques. They have classes to help both kids and adults master powerful self-defense, and become more focused, confident, and empowered!

This traditional Tae Kwon Do studio has been operating in the Palatine area for over 45 years, focusing on physical fitness, character development and self defense. Its overarching goal is to build students' self-esteem, with the idea that the practice of martial arts is all about respecting each other, encouraging and supporting each other and celebrating each other’s successes. Classes are offered in multiple locations six days a week, and a free trial class is offered for those who want to come and learn more.

Barbara Harville:  Dragon Kido Authentic Martial Arts utilizes an innovative teaching format--Black Belt Masters provide 1-on-1 training and semi-private lessons to members at this exclusive academy. The family-friendly school features the blended discipline of KiMudo, which combines the best elements from Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido and Weapons. Character development is a regular part of their curriculum and students enjoy participating in team-building activities too. My daughter joined Dragon Kido about 11 years ago, earned her Black Belt, and now she teaches too! It’s definitely a neighborhood favorite.

Vanessa M.:  Kyuki-Do Martial Arts trains children and adults in the art of Kyuki-Do, a blend of Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and Hapkido. Core beliefs of respect and integrity set a foundation that grows confidence and discipline. My daughter took classes at one of their locations, and found the classes fun, challenging, and rewarding!