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Fonseca Martial Arts - Evanston

4.9 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Evanston, Illinois

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule fonsecamartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (847) 866-0200

Hours

Monday 4:30–8:15 PM
Tuesday 4–8:45 PM
Wednesday 10:30–11:30 AM, 4–7:45 PM
Thursday 4–8:45 PM
Friday 4:30–7 PM
Saturday 9 AM–2:15 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM–2:15 PM

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Fonseca Martial Arts - Evanston, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 34 mentions

“Sensei Oswaldo is EXCELLENT with the little kids to keep them engaged and having fun while still laying the foundations for the movements and respectful ethos of Martial Arts.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 62 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“From incredible senseis to great life lessons both in the dojo and during competitions, it has been a rewarding path I would recommend to any family.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“I believe the very first class we attended, about 4 or 5 children showed up with pictures/drawings/artwork that they made specifically for him.”

friendly, respectful dojo 13 mentions

“Sensei Oswaldo is EXCELLENT with the little kids to keep them engaged and having fun while still laying the foundations for the movements and respectful ethos of Martial Arts.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“He gives detailed explanations and provides individual feedback so you really understand how to get better.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“I was pleasantly surprised how many parallels there are between Fonseca’s karate program and my son’s OT sessions. We also love summer camp (karate on the beach!”

active competition / tournament team 6 mentions

“The competition team and events have also been terrific - it's a great group of kids and parents both from FMA and other dojos to interact with at competitions.”

From the reviews

My 3-year-old daughter has been going here for about 2 weeks now. Excellent curriculum (with excellent Sensei), even for the little ones. My little one is always ready and super excited for class, so they're definitely doing something right. Highly recommend. Edit: just over 2 years now and the growth is apparent.

★★★★★ — Sal, May 2024

THE BEST! We recently joined Fonseca, and couldn't be happier! Sensei Oswaldo is EXCELLENT with the little kids to keep them engaged and having fun while still laying the foundations for the movements and respectful ethos of Martial Arts.

★★★★★ — Gretchen, Feb 2024

I left my first review about 1 year ago. A year later and my son still loves martial arts at Fonseca, Thanks to the amazing team of senseis and teachers there. Oswaldo continues to impress me with his kind, patient, and engaging way to teach his students; he somehow manages to be firm and teach the kids how to be…

★★★★★ — Gretchen, Apr 2025

I joined Fonseca Martial Arts almost 3 years ago, and I’ve had a great experience. It balances intense training with a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. The classes are structured in a way that makes it easy to stay motivated and see real progress. Sensei Salgado especially has been a huge help to me.

★★★★★ — Michael, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 62 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Fonseca Martial Arts - Evanston

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Fonseca Martial Arts - Evanston

823 1/2 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL60202

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.