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Fonseca Martial Arts - Roscoe Village

4.9 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Chicago, Illinois

Free trial Kids & teens 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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule fonsecamartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (847) 866-0200

Hours

Monday 4:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday 4–8:15 PM
Wednesday 12:30–1:30 PM, 4:30–8:15 PM
Thursday 4–8:15 PM
Friday 4–6:15 PM
Saturday 9 AM–1:45 PM
Sunday 9 AM–1:15 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 - Roscoe Village, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 32 mentions

“When my son told me he wanted to try karate, we signed up for a trial class at Fonseca and I knew within the first ten minutes we had stumbled upon a special place.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥋 Adult Karate 2 mentions

“And they also do adult classes so definitely check them out!”

All dojos that run adult karate →

🐉 Little Dragons 5 mentions

“From the tots class to little dragons all the way to the competition level classes for advanced belts.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“The program has improved her fitness, self-defense skills, confidence, discipline, and overall well-being.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Fonseca Martial Arts - Roscoe Village — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“The program has improved her fitness, self-defense skills, confidence, discipline, and overall well-being.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 92 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 9 mentions

“The senseis that teach the class are so incredible with kids, especially sensei Gerson. They do a great job keeping things age appropriate and fostering community and positivity.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“They truly care about their students and foster a welcoming, respectful, and fun environment.”

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“They truly care about their students and foster a welcoming, respectful, and fun environment.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Both Sensei Gerson and Sensei Shaza are patient and great with kids, making it fun while teaching discipline and focus.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“From the tots class to little dragons all the way to the competition level classes for advanced belts.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 22 mentions

“The senseis are engaging, creative, and help the students develop physically and in their listening skills and discipline.”

From the reviews

Definitely recommend ., excellent place to learn KARATE my son has been going there for 5 years now; he has become more mature and more responsible he is almost black belt now. Sensei Nollys and Senpai Jose are great with the kids, they keep the clases fun yet serious when it’s time to get to work.

★★★★★ — Olga, Mar 2023

I feel so lucky that we ended up trying this place out of all the options in Chicago. When my son told me he wanted to try karate, we signed up for a trial class at Fonseca and I knew within the first ten minutes we had stumbled upon a special place. My son was having a blast while learning an amazing new skill.

★★★★★ — Mary, Mar 2025

Our experience with Fonseca Martial Arts has been nothing short of amazing! Our son absolutely loves attending the school, and we’ve seen such positive growth in him since he started. Sensei Gerson Guillen and Sensei Shaza are incredible with the children.

★★★★★ — Tyla, Feb 2025

I would like to congratulate Sensei Mack and his team. The discipline, dedication, and energy he brings to every training session are truly impressive. You can clearly see his passion for teaching and helping students grow. Congratulations to Dojo Fonseca as well for bringing such a great instructor to their dojo.

★★★★★ — Erick, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 92 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Fonseca Martial Arts - Roscoe Village

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 - Roscoe Village

2329 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL60618

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.