For me, this is serious stuff: learning self-defense skills I may need to depend on to protect my family or myself from harm in a dangerous world. I chose Krav Maga based on my own research into different styles. I checked out every Krav Maga school in the greater Chicagoland area, and attended free trial lessons at all the schools that made my short list. The clear winner was Krav Maga Illinois. I've been attending now for eight months, and I'm just happy I made the right choice. It's quality instruction by quality teachers, in a solid program. I travel 30 miles in from the 'burbs to the Chicago location twice a week, and it's worth every single mile I drive.

I was 24 years old and in the worst shape yet. I was hesitant to join at first. It was something completely new and the free trial really gave light into what we would actually be doing in the lessons. Now I am 8 months in and feel like a completely different person. I have more energy, newfound strength and feel more confident in my abilities to fight and defend against attackers. They call it realistic self defense for a reason and the trainers have drills and the training to make you ready for anything. The trainers not only prepare you, they mentor you and nurture you to being better at your technique and placing more power in your strikes/defenses/counters. They are all truly fantastic trainers and the students are proof of that.

My daughter who is 10 joined Krav Maga Illinois (KMI). About 2 months ago. KMI offered a one day trial and in the 1st 10mins my daughter decided it was not for her. Frustrated as a parent and running out of activities to introduce to my 10 year old is running its course. Knowing how important it is in today's society (which is unfortunate) people have to learn how to defend themselves. Fast forward to the trial day, I told her to finish the trial and we can later discuss why she did not want to continue. She agreed and got back in. I watched as her instructor, who in my eyes thought that there were too many students in the class, was able to teach techniques and dedicate a one on one with each student who's form needed to be tweaked to achieve proper techniques to defend and strike, was quite amazing. These kids as well as my daughter, who was new to the class, was picking up the movements, the blocks, and the strikes. Class was over and as I walked over to my daughter who was sweaty, was expecting her to say can we go now. Instead, she said she was ecstatic and wanted to come back! So after speaking with the manager Ashley, who was awesome and gave us a tour and explained the program prior to the trial, I explained that I was going to give it a couple of days and talk to my daughter about joining. Long story, short-my daughter is in her third month with classes offered twice a week for kids. My daughter's eagerness to go to both classes is something I thought would never happen.
Sue, the owner often teaches the class is pretty awesome, all of the instructors are but what's refreshing is that Sue, when she teaches-she doesn't just go through the motions. She is teaching technique and making the students put in the work! I stay and watch the class and I've seen the progression my daughter has made since starting.
This place is not just for kids. They offer classes to adults. The adult classes are before the kids class. We get there 10 minutes before my daughters class. I watch the adults and they are also putting in the work everyone of them are in a full flop sweat and breathing heavy. Would love to join but a pre existing injury will never allow me. Sadness! As my daughter says.
Give this place a shot, you can't beat they give you 1 free class-you won't be disappointed!