Best Self-Defense Classes in Elgin, IL

15 schools listed · 4 in Elgin · 12 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 18, 2026

National Karate & Martial Arts

National Karate & Martial Arts

4.9 131 reviews
“Instructors are great with the younger kids keeping them organized, while having fun at the same time.”
Free trial classSince 1995BBB A+
South Elgin, IL · 3 mi from Elgin
i
Book onlineBook
Fusion Academy of Martial Arts

Fusion Academy of Martial Arts

4.9 95 reviews
“The actual curriculum for both Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai is well laid out, the coaches are extremely supportive and helpful, as are the other students.”
Trial classAges 7–12Since 2013
782 S McLean Blvd
i
South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts

South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts

5.0 9 reviews
“So many options and a great group of instructors”
Free trial classCoupons & offersAges 6–144 instructorsSince 1996
South Elgin, IL · 3 mi from Elgin
i
TLT Defense

TLT Defense

4.9 30 reviews
“I've picked up a dozen great tips from Todd, thanks for keeping me safe!”
Since 2018
812 S McLean Blvd
i
AKF Martial Arts OF Elgin

AKF Martial Arts OF Elgin

4.9 14 reviews
“Excellent alternative to form habits in children, maintain mental health and form their character.”
Since 2015
56 Villa St
i
Dragon Kido Authentic Martial Arts

Dragon Kido Authentic Martial Arts

5.0 4 reviews
“Master Hutson prides himself in the authenticity of his teachings, which first hand I can say definitely show you how to use these skills for everyday practical situations”
Coupons & offersSince 2017
South Elgin, IL · 3 mi from Elgin
i

Short self-defense courses listed for Elgin, IL are spread across the 15 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: Elgin, IL

4 of the 15 schools we list are based in Elgin; the other 11 serve Elgin from towns including South Elgin (3 mi), Lake in the Hills (11 mi) and East Dundee (5 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 1,085 reviews; 5 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere" and "skills". 12 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 2 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 7 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2000. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 13 publish a contact page; 10 list a public email and 2 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the school before you enroll.

Which course providers listed for Elgin describe their courses online?

All 15 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.

Lcct Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Elgin

Lcct Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Elgin

4.5 5 reviews
“Great atmosphere, great coach, and just overall great learning experience.”
Since 2023
30 Dupage Ct lower level
i
Kyuki-Do Martial Arts of Lake in the Hills

Kyuki-Do Martial Arts of Lake in the Hills

4.9 131 reviews
“He understands the importance of his uniform and he's learning respect and discipline in a community setting.”
Since 2018Online lessons
Algonquin, IL · 9 mi from Elgin
i
Sarez Martial Arts

Sarez Martial Arts

4.8 33 reviews
“My two girls have been coming here for almost 2 years and I can say master Jay is wonderful with all ages.”
Ages 7–15BBB A+Since 2019
Carol Stream, IL · 11 mi from Elgin
i
Lcct Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Inc

Lcct Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Inc

4.8 81 reviews
“The amount of time that Luiz puts into every class and the details he shows for any move demonstrates how much passion he has for this sport.”
Since 2015
Schaumburg, IL · 12 mi from Elgin
i
Book onlineBook
Five Points Jiu Jitsu

Five Points Jiu Jitsu

4.9 40 reviews
“They do lots of live rolls which is extremely important for tournament jiu jitsu, that were currently involved in.”
Free trial classSince 2020
East Dundee, IL · 5 mi from Elgin
i
Focus Martial Arts & Fitness

Focus Martial Arts & Fitness

4.8 27 reviews
“The instructors offer modifications in the workouts to target your specific needs and no two workouts are ever the same so you will not get bored.”
Since 1996
Lake in the Hills, IL · 11 mi from Elgin
i
Blackhawk Taekwondo

Blackhawk Taekwondo

4.6 31 reviews
“I highly recommend this place if you want your child to grow up to be a disciplined and respectful individual.”
Since 2004
Carpentersville, IL · 6 mi from Elgin
i
Tactical Mixed Martial Arts

Tactical Mixed Martial Arts

4.9 23 reviews
“The most encouraging place to work out!”
Since 2014Family-ownedAverage prices
Lake in the Hills, IL · 11 mi from Elgin
i
Barrington Tiger Academy

Barrington Tiger Academy

4.9 34 reviews
“I am a student (not in my younger years) and have learned so much, not only the art, but about my self and what I am capable of accomplishing.”
Free trial classAges 4 and up3 instructorsSince 1984
Barrington, IL · 12 mi from Elgin
i
HomeSelf-Defense CoursesIllinoisElgin, IL

Why these companies made our list

Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
Back To Top