Home › Illinois › Chicago › Japan Karate Association of Chicago Sugiyama Dojo
Japan Karate Association of Chicago Sugiyama Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 16 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
- 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 — 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 jka-chicago.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (872) 242-7514
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30–10:30 AM |
| Sunday | 9–10:30 AM |
The classes they run
“I started out as a beginner but even in classes with lots of advanced students, I didn't feel at all out of place, and was accepted into the community right away.”
“3 classes a week for adults with a diversity of practice from kata to kyon, kumite and self defense.”
“3 classes a week for adults with a diversity of practice from kata to kyon, kumite and self defense.”
“3 classes a week for adults with a diversity of practice from kata to kyon, kumite and self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“3 classes a week for adults with a diversity of practice from kata to kyon, kumite and self defense.”
What students say
“Sensei Arab is great with both beginners and advanced belts, and inspires you to do your best.”
“I started out as a beginner but even in classes with lots of advanced students, I didn't feel at all out of place, and was accepted into the community right away.”
“The training is rigorous and you will be challenged, but in a very supportive atmosphere, where senseis and your fellow students all strive to bring out the best in everyone.”
“3 classes a week for adults with a diversity of practice from kata to kyon, kumite and self defense.”
“3 classes a week for adults with a diversity of practice from kata to kyon, kumite and self defense.”
“They have plenty of days of training to accommodate most anyone's schedule, and the dojo's instructors really help their students reach their best potential in shotokan karate.”
From the reviews
This conscientious, demanding traditional shotokan karate dojo is the meeting place for a lively and diverse community of students and teachers. There is a strong sense of camaraderie among the members of the dojo, where teaching takes into consideration not only the fitness of students and their proficiency in karate…
The dojo is beautiful, the community is welcoming, the instruction is top notch, and the people are amazing. They have plenty of days of training to accommodate most anyone's schedule, and the dojo's instructors really help their students reach their best potential in shotokan karate.
Phenomenal instruction, challenging training, and a welcoming, close community make JKA Chicago an ideal sanctuary for physical and mental development. Every student gets close, personal attention from Senseis and Senpais alike. You really grow and learn together. Another plus for this dojo is the rich culture.
I've been part of the JKA Chicago Shotokan karate community for over 7 years, and learned so much from this wonderful dojo, the senseis and students! Unlike so many other places where the art and true foundations take a backseat for quick tricks or sport techniques, JKA Chicago emphasizes basics (kihon) in every…
New to Karate? Start at Japan Karate Association of Chicago Sugiyama Dojo
Japan Karate Association of Chicago Sugiyama Dojo comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Japan Karate Association of Chicago Sugiyama Dojo
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.
More Karate dojos near Chicago
Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP
4.5 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Fonseca Martial Arts - Roscoe Village
4.9 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Japan Karate Association of Illinois
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews