Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts
“I have gotten the opportunity to train in various parts of the world and have found it easier to incorporate that knowledge because of what I have experienced at DAMA.”
Best Self-Defense Classes in Chicago, IL
23 schools listed · all 23 in Chicago · 2 open 24/7 · all 23 open weekends · all 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Krav Maga Illinois
“Her assistant, Ashley, was fantastic, the facility was clean, I'm thinking of taking more classes!”
Warrior Evolution MMA
“There's an amazing atmosphere in the gym and they cultivated a great culture between students during practice.”
Chicago Mixed Martial Arts
“They are very generous about their time and knowledge providing solid feedback and structure in helping you reach and maintain your desired results and goals.”
Valko Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“I highly recommend it to anyone in the city looking to join a skilled group of people that make Jiu-Jitsu a ton of fun to learn and train.”
Brazil 021 BJJ
“Knows his students very well, and teaches the curriculum, and tailor's the instruction according to each students capabilities.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Chicago, IL are spread across the 23 cards on this page. Who each course is aimed at, where it runs and how often it repeats comes from the school itself, with ratings drawn from public reviews.
Area overview: Chicago, IL
All 23 schools we list here are in Chicago itself. We have 43 schools in Chicago on file; this page shows the highest-rated 23. The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 2,826 reviews; all 23 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "skills" and "community". 2 are open around the clock; all 23 are open on Saturdays and 14 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 11 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2003. 10 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 23 of the schools on this page; 20 publish a contact page; 15 list a public email and 12 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.
Which course providers listed for Chicago describe their courses online?
All 23 cards carry a website link. Look for a real outline, who teaches, and who the course is for. Stock photography of a woman throwing a man in a white studio is not an outline, and schools that keep their content vague are often selling the same session to every audience.
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Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club Chicago
“It's so great to have a top notch facility with excellent professors right downtown, with classes available during the work day.”
Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center
“I highly recommend these kids karate classes to any parent looking to enroll their child in a program that teaches martial arts skills alongside valuable life lessons that build character and encourage positive behavior.”
Black Matrix Academy
“Insanely informative and attentive to what's necessary for each student to be successful.”
Double Five Jiu-Jitsu
“Due to personal reason I didn't continue with it but highly recommend who wants to progress or just starts BJJ to come to this place :)”
Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in Chicago
“I have been training at GB - West Loop for 4+ years & I would recommend it to anyone seeking out BJJ or a mentally & physically challenging experience in general.”
Pure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Came from out of town for a private lesson, the entire experience was perfect.”
Benjilany Striking
“It's also great that this gym offers classes 7 days a week at various times, making it easy to find a class that works with my crazy schedule.”
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Redzovic Jiu Jitsu Lincoln Square
“Coach Gregg, Profesor Rob, Profesor Eddie and Profesor Jim have done an amazing job teaching valuable skills to the whole team.”
Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“Great people, and the class was smooth, very interactive, and technical at the same time.”
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Mind Body Defense
“Torriente has a lifetime's knowledge of martial arts and self defense skills and literally has a perfect answer to every question (I've trained in several martial arts gyms and this isn't always the case).”
Supreme JIU Jitsu Chicago Idriz Redzovic
“Instructors Idriz and PJ were very approachable and knowledgeable on both the competitive and self defense side of Jiu Jitsu.”
TDC MMA + Fitness
“Great place for all levels of experience with a knowledgeable and supportive staff!”
Renzo Gracie Chicago
“I often drill techniques or roll with people who are bigger or more experienced than me, and rather than just crushing me, they let me work, and they give me guidance either during or after the roll”
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Southside Jiu Jitsu Club
“Solomon is a great Coach and teacher and has cultivated a gym with a very positive culture where everyone is very welcoming and supportive of each other's growth and success in jiu jitsu and life in general.”
North Side Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
“Branko is a fantastic coach and makes a place for everyone at his school.”
Mission MMA & Fitness
“I am so glad I found mission mma to continue Muay Thai training - the environment is welcoming and there is a good balance of skill level amongst the students.”
Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
“My 10-year-old son has been taking lessons there for almost 3 months now.”
Why these companies made our list
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