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Japan Karate Association of Illinois
5 ★★★★★ 11 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule jka-illinois.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 609-651-5035
Hours
| Monday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
What students say
“Margaret is an incredible teacher and mentor, and she is one of the most generous and kind people I know.”
“If you're looking for a JKA (Japan Karate Association) dojo close to downtown that accommodates the schedule of those coming from work, look no further.”
From the reviews
I have been training under Margaret for the past three and a half years, and doing karate for fifteen years in total. Margaret’s unique teaching style enables her students to master their karate technique while having fun with the variety of inventive activities that she creates to strengthen our martial arts…
If you're looking for a JKA (Japan Karate Association) dojo close to downtown that accommodates the schedule of those coming from work, look no further. Margaret Sensei, the head instructor, covers basics rigorously, and provides thoughtful coaching that's tailored to the student's capability and experience.
Want thighs of steel? Want to learn about karate history? Want to hang out with tough, smart people who know a lot about food? Then join this karate club! Margaret Sensei was my teacher for years and she's truly a top-tier teacher and person.
Sensei M is awesome beyond belief. Trained with her for many years, through 2nd dan black belt. Deep knowledge of martial arts history, weapons applications, and a hard-core workout. Awesome to see this great new studio in a superb location!
New to Karate? Start at Japan Karate Association of Illinois
Japan Karate Association of Illinois 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 Japan Karate Association of Illinois
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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