Fonseca Martial Arts
“My son, generally, has a difficult time following rules, but he looks forward to karate every week.”
Best Martial Arts Classes in Evanston, IL
15 gyms listed · 6 in Evanston · all 15 open weekends · 14 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 18, 2026
Northside Boxing and Fitness
“I love it here, shout out to George for being a great coach”
Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“I've trained at many gyms in chicagoland area and this one has one of the best communities with talented folk from all over.”
Fitness Matrix
“Their expert, enthusiastic instruction prioritizes safety and proper form to create workouts that challenge you to reach your unique fitness goals in fun, creative ways.”
Connelly's Academy
“My grandson takes Taekwondo at Connelly's Academy and he really loves it.”
Lakeshore Aikido Club
The 15 gyms listed for Evanston, IL teach martial arts and combat sports. Styles taught, kids' programs and class times come from each gym's own pages, with star ratings from public reviews.
Area overview: Evanston, IL
6 of the 15 gyms we list are based in Evanston; the other 9 serve Evanston from towns including Chicago (14 mi), Wilmette (2 mi) and Highland Park (9 mi). 14 of the gyms on this page have a rating, from 4.5 to 5.0 across 926 reviews; 10 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". All 15 are open on Saturdays and 10 on Sundays. 4 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 11 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 62 years. 6 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the gyms on this page; 9 publish a contact page; 11 list a public email and 6 take bookings online. We count these figures across the gyms on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the gym before you enroll.
Which gyms listed for Evanston show a timetable online?
All 15 gyms have a website on file. The useful ones name the instructor against each slot and mark which classes take beginners. A site built around the founder's rank and a contact form tells you nothing about the Tuesday night you would actually be standing in.
Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts
“You learn a lot from your first day and as as you continue to progress.”
Krav Maga Illinois
“All the instructors are very knowledgeable, they like to have fun and definitely can teach you how to protect yourself and your family.”
Axé Capoeira Chicago
“I often make trips to Chicago just to train here with Contra-Mestre Bambu.”
Chicago Mixed Martial Arts
“I feel like I've actually grown as a fighter here.”
Staley Martial Arts
“Small but very friendly and professional staff.”
Brazil 021 BJJ
“It's an amazing, safe, clean, challenging place to train BJJ under the exceptional leadership of Andre Terencio and Hanette Staack.”
Alpha Krav Maga Compound
“My son has been attending for couple of months now and his self confidence and physical skills drastically increased.”
Temple of Kung Fu
“Lastly, Sifu teaches concepts of Chinese philosophy, including Taoism, as he teaches the mechanics of kung fu, and the fact is, these philosophies follow us out of the practice of martial arts and meditation and into our daily lives.”
Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center
“Kyren and Amy do a great job with karate classes, our daughter loves it.”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about gyms in and near Evanston
- “I’d highly recommend this dojo. Sensei Oswaldo is engaging, makes class fun and truly cares about the kids.” — from a review of Fonseca Martial Arts
- “Thank you Connelly Academy for providing a caring environment while instilling discipline and respect in the kiddos.” — from a review of Connelly's Academy
- “The instructors and staff are phenomenal with young children and do a great job instilling discipline and confidence.” — from a review of Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts
- “My son has been going here for a year and a half and it is a great way for him to stay active and learn self discipline and self defense.” — from a review of Krav Maga Illinois
Excerpts from public reviews of the gyms listed on this page.
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