Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts
“Fred Degerberg, who is very well known and respected martial artist has created a great place to learn martial arts from really good teachers in a friendly environment”
Best Karate Classes in Chicago, IL
19 schools listed · all 19 in Chicago · 14 open weekends · 18 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center
“Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center is a special place, offering a inclusive, engaging kids activities that are fun and teach immensely valuable life skills.”
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Redzovic Jiu Jitsu Lincoln Square
“The warm up was light but mobile, and the instruction was good and it was a fundemental used in a different way.”
Golden Tigers Taekwondo Inc.
“My daughter is excited to learn more karate it is a place where she is learning discipline and respect”
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Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center
“It doesn't matter what your level is even if you're a total beginner Do yourself a favor and give this Dojo a shot!”
Champion Taekwondo USA Master Mojica
“I recommend these taekwondo classes, excellent Master and it helps children a lot or whoever wants to practice this sport in all aspects.”
Karate schools listed for Chicago, IL fill the 19 cards on this page. The style each one teaches, its junior classes and its grading schedule are taken from its own website, alongside public review scores.
Area overview: Chicago, IL
All 19 schools we list here are in Chicago itself. We have 26 schools in Chicago on file; this page shows the highest-rated 19. The schools on this page are rated from 4.4 to 5.0 across 1,014 reviews; 6 have 50 or more reviews and 18 are rated 4.5 or higher. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "confidence", "community" and "skills". 14 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 4 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 14 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 62 years. 3 list coupons or special offers. 1 has Spanish-speaking staff. We have a website on file for 18 of the schools on this page; 14 publish a contact page; 14 list a public email and 8 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the school before you enroll.
Can I email karate schools listed for Chicago first?
An email address is published by 14 of the 19 schools here. Email suits the awkward questions: which style is taught, who takes the junior class, what a trial involves. You get an answer you can reread, rather than a hurried call while a class is running.
EKF Martial Arts
“I've grown a lot as a member, even winning competitions and tournaments with EKF's help!”
Self Defense Centers
“Master Tim is always so patient with my son.”
606 Karate & Self-Defense
“It's an inclusive environment with a variety of skill levels.”
Chicago Northside Kung Fu
“Learning Wing Chun kung fu with such awesome peers and under the guidance of Sifu Cyrus has been an amazing experience.”
Imazaki Dojo
“I highly recommend their program if you have a family are looking to build character and realistic fighting skills.”
Gen-Ki Ruiz Dojo
“I suggest that if there any questions about the professionalism of the Instructors, please come by and see just what we have to offer.”
Gen-Ki Karate & Fitness Center
“This school has been around for decades and there's a reason why: the classes are great (from traditional Karate to fitness) and the owner/head instructor absolutely knows what he's doing!”
Hu Shin Kai Karate
“I Train at Hu Shin Kai along with my kids, instructions by Sensei Nakamura and the seniors is truly very high quality and one of the best in the Chicago land, this is the reason why we drive 40 miles all the way from the north side to attend the dojo.”
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Enso Karate
“We have been doing Enso karate for 6 months so far and my son loves it and the people.”
Villari's at Edgebrook
“- - but he also learns discipline, respect, and other practical tools that will benefit him for years to come, all while having a TON of FUN.”
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Tac Karate & Fitness Inc
“I love supporting African American business that are positive in our communities and this business is a great example:)”
Chicago Karate Academy
“My son has learned so much under his guidance- he's even won gold in his karate tournaments thanks to Sensei's teaching”
Karate School Chicago
“Great place to teach your kids self defense and discipline.”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about schools in Chicago
- “My kids and I have been at this dojo for 2 years and we love it.” — from a review of Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center
- “In the few months she has been part of the dojo her self confidence and discipline have both increased.” — from a review of Enso Karate
- “After about a month, my son loves going to his karate classes!” — from a review of Gen-Ki Ruiz Dojo
- “After attending classes at Chicago Northside Kung Fu for about a year, I can wholeheartedly give it five stars!” — from a review of Chicago Northside Kung Fu
- “Awesome, inclusive, community-centered business and business owners! Kyren and Amy do a great job with karate classes, our daughter loves it.” — from a review of Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center
Excerpts from public reviews of the schools listed on this page.
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