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Enso Karate
4.8 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Chicago, Illinois
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
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 4) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Website & schedule ensokarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
The classes they run
“There are always lots of kids full of energy, having a great time, and working out with their parents.”
“Whether you’re a beginner or advancing through the belts, there’s always something new to learn and master.”
“I returned to them as a former Tae-Keon-Do practitioner who did martial arts in his teens, and who is now older.”
“The head senseis allowed me to train in their adult class which was an awesome experience.”
What students say
“If you are looking for a family friendly, amazing Senseis , yet Firm and train you very well, patient and determined to teach you the best, then this is your place.”
“Whether you’re a beginner or advancing through the belts, there’s always something new to learn and master.”
“If you are looking for a family friendly, amazing Senseis , yet Firm and train you very well, patient and determined to teach you the best, then this is your place.”
“It’s been a joy watching our child gain confidence, strength, and self-discipline.”
“I decided to check this dojo out because they train Shotokan as well.”
“From the one hour I trained there, I can honestly say that this is a very good school with respectful and humble students and teachers.”
From the reviews
My two daughters have been practicing at Enso for about 8 years. In addition to seeing growth in their karate practice, we have loved the confidence and balance they have developed.
Amazing dojo and senseis who are great with kids. We have been doing Enso karate for 6 months so far and my son loves it and the people. Great community and very supportive. Edit: my daughter joined too, she’s loving it
I am a shodan from Toronto and happened to be in Chicago for the weekend. I decided to check this dojo out because they train Shotokan as well. The head senseis allowed me to train in their adult class which was an awesome experience.
We love Enso karate for our 8 year old. In the few months she has been part of the dojo her self confidence and discipline have both increased. A special shout-out to sensei denise and jay who are amazing and supportive to kids of all ages.
New to Karate? Start at Enso Karate
Enso Karate 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 Enso Karate
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. 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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