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National Karate & Martial Arts South Elgin

5 ★★★★★ 310 Google reviews · Karate dojo in South Elgin, Illinois

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • 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 chicagonk.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (847) 741-6565

Hours

Monday 4–9 PM
Tuesday 4–9 PM
Wednesday 4–9 PM
Thursday 4–9 PM
Friday 4–9 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM–1 PM
Sunday Closed

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 National Karate & Martial Arts South Elgin, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 43 mentions

“Drescher and his assistants were helpful, energetic, and knowledgeable so that every kid was fully engaged regardless of their experience with karate.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“Not only did they perform well—they actually won in every division they chose such as sparring, form and sel-defense which we honestly didn’t expect.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

Other martial arts here

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

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 310 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Drescher is welcoming, funny, and highly effective at communicating instructions to the younger kids, and easily handles large or small class sizes.”

friendly, respectful dojo 11 mentions

“This school has exceeded our expectations, and we would highly recommend it to any family looking for a place where their children can grow, learn, and succeed.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“My son absolutely loves attending karate classes and always asks if he can go to karate everyday!”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“What really stood out to me was their growth during tournaments.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 24 mentions

“Over the years, National Karate has helped us build confidence, discipline, perseverance, and the belief that we are capable of doing hard things.”

From the reviews

National Karate is truly an outstanding karate school that offers so much more than just martial arts training. Being part of this community has significantly boosted my self-esteem, self-confidence, and discipline. All the instructors are not only excellent at teaching karate but are also wonderful people. Mr.

★★★★★ — Samahi, Feb 2026

Our son has been attending National Karate for the past few months, and we’ve already been impressed — but his birthday party this past weekend absolutely blew us away. I was honestly a bit skeptical about having a party at a karate gym, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Mr.

★★★★★ — Edyta, Dec 2025

Now for context; I train here. Not my kids. I was reluctant to post this for that reason. But what I witnessed today need be commemorated. Mr. Drescher really surprised me. Alot of people who don't have kids themselves find it hard to interact with small children, let alone 30 of them.

★★★★★ — Jeremy, Jun 2026

My granddaughter has been attending National Karate in South Elgin, and she absolutely raves about her experience here. Every time she comes home from class, she speaks so highly of the instructors and how much fun she has on the mat.

★★★★★ — Angie, Jun 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 310 reviews →

Your first Karate class at National Karate & Martial Arts South Elgin

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 National Karate & Martial Arts South Elgin

1272 W Spring St, South Elgin, IL60177

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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.