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606 Karate & Self-Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Chicago, Illinois
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule 606karate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (773) 490-4882
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 4–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son and I had such a wonderful time with this community.”
“The instructors are very professional and welcoming, especially for beginners.”
Other martial arts here
“This is a wonderful place for people of all ages to learn karate, BJJ and others, build confidence, and stay active.”
What students say
“Less expensive than fancier schools but still amazing instructor and friendly classmates.”
“Less expensive than fancier schools but still amazing instructor and friendly classmates.”
“The instructors and participants are all very friendly and respectful, which creates a positive and supportive environment.”
From the reviews
Great place to learn karate for both kids and adults. It's an inclusive environment with a variety of skill levels. Master D is a dedicated and encouraging teacher. And they now offer jiu-jitsu classes. Check out out.
Great nurturing learning environment. Personalized attention. Opportunity to learn from higher ranks and teach lower ranks. Less expensive than fancier schools but still amazing instructor and friendly classmates.
I had a great experience at 606 Karate. The instructors are very professional and welcoming, especially for beginners. They take the time to guide you and make sure everyone feels comfortable while learning.
I have had such a wonderful experience here. The culture of care, support, and community has made starting martial arts so positive. I was nervous about starting, especially in BJJ & MMA. Everyone has been so respectful and encouraging. I now come many times a week and love being there every time.
New to Karate? Start at 606 Karate & Self-Defense
606 Karate & Self-Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at 606 Karate & Self-Defense
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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