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TM Martial Arts Academy
“You will go beyond your potential here and learn a great self-defense system in addition to solid goal-setting, follow through, leadership and public speaking skills.”
Best Self-Defense Classes near Joliet, IL
1 of these schools is based in Joliet; the others serve Joliet from towns including Aurora (18 mi), Oswego (16 mi) and New Lenox (10 mi).
23 open weekends · all 24 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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Progression Jiu Jitsu
- Atmosphere
- Technique
- Belt
“Everyone is there to learn & support one another in doing so, whether it be to advance in their technique or to experience jiu jitsu for the very first time.”
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Rondi's S.e.l.f. Fitness & Polelevation Aerial Dance Studio
- Zumba
- Kickboxing
- Energy
“Not only am I encouraged to stay motivated and keep going every minute I want to give up but the people who work there are so friendly and the other members are so nice!”
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Dominion MMA
- Self Esteem
- Mentorship
- Behavior
“The virtual classes are simply amazing and the instructors do a tremendous job in keeping everyone going each week with motivational and instructional videos.”
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Concealed Carry @ T.r.a. Defense Training & Consulting
- Organization
- Confident
- Company
“He answered every questioned asked and circled back when the question was more appropriate for a course subject that was going to be discussed in an upcoming topic.”
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Prevail Combat Sports:jiu-Jitsu
- Atmosphere
- Skills
- Kickboxing
“He does a good job balancing different skill levels and ensures all kids have an opportunity to grow and have fun.”
Short self-defense courses listed for Joliet, IL are spread across the 24 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: Joliet, IL
The 24 schools on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 2,232 reviews; 15 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise quality (88%), professionalism (83%) and communication (71%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "atmosphere", "confidence" and "skills". 23 are open on Saturdays and 9 on Sundays. 3 have a BBB rating of A or A+. 12 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 39 years. 3 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 16 publish a contact page; 18 list a public email and 11 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.
How do I get a course outline from schools listed for Joliet?
By email, and 18 of the 24 schools here publish an address. Write with the group you have in mind, the room you can offer and what worries the group, then ask for a plan of the session. A school that replies with a price and nothing else has told you something.
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The Krav Gym
- Krav Maga
- Learn
- Self Defense
“The kids' classes are fantastic, and the instructor (Greg) is incredibly patient with the children, making it an enjoyable and learning-rich experience for them.”
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Carlson Gracie MMA
“We had coaches who gave daily “participation” stripes, coaches who coached with fear and intimidation, coaches who had 6 year olds walking around wearing black belts, coaches with extremely big egos.”
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JHO Boun Martial Arts
- Explanations
- Classes
- Adults
“Other establishments' instructors teach children the same way as adults, which could get boring for kids, this place has dedicated kids classes and teaches them as kids.”
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Gracie Barra New Lenox
“So me and my brother started a little under two years ago and the belt promotions are good they take care of the kids they are very respectful twords the parents and the kids very positive energy and a positive atmosphere”
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Method Jiu Jitsu
- Confidence
- Environment
- Self Defense
“I have been training with Methods head professor for several years now, this is someone who dedicates their grind to their craft in every way possible.”
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Miloshevski Martial Arts
- Fun
“He knows how to gain control and treats all the children with respect.”
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River Valley Defensive Arts
“Kids love it get them out of house movin around teaches them discipline.”
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Gracie Barra Downers Grove
- Energy
- Atmosphere
- Sport
“And you get the needed camaraderie from the other students in the gym to learn not only Jiu Jitsu, but life lessons, business development, sales, woodworking, medical opinions, etc.”
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BJJ Lab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
- Parents
- Environment
- Belt
“The gym is extremely clean, the staff is all well-trained, and the community of the gym is one of learning and training in a way that encourages you to keep going.”
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RŌL Academy of Jiu Jitsu
“Here at Rol Academy, the professors and coaches are top notch and provide a highly technical and interpersonal learning experiments and pass the philosophy of what jiu-jitsu can do in your life.”
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Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling
- Culture
- Skill
- Area
“Owner and instructor Aaron Brooks traveled to our academy in Madison, Wisconsin to teach a clinic on guard passing and I can attest to his skills on the mat as an instructor and a practitioner.”
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B1 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense Naperville
- Confidence
- Learn
- Competition
“Bruce has a long track record of competition that informs his grappling world view, but he keeps it real in the event we have to take care of ourselves out there too.”
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Yong-In Aurora Martial Arts
- Special Needs
- Respect
- Belt
“I love Taekwando and everyone that teaches it at this location this is one of the most talented and most respectful people and place that i have been to.”
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Leehan Martial Arts
- Video
- Classes
- Skills
“I have just started this course but I must say, as a TBI survivor with damage to my cerebellum, I SOOOOOO much appreciate how the videos break everything down into small steps and focus on balance.”
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Gracie Barra East Naperville
- Safety
- Classes
- Taekwondo
“As a desk person, sometimes work can stop me to go to train during the week but they have also classes Saturdays and Sundays wich is perfect to catch up and don't stay behind!”
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Warrior's Edge Martial Arts
- Humor
- Ninjutsu
- Teens
“Not only is she super sweet and helpful with the mechanics of the drills, but she, like Michael Eichenberg, knows how to balance the energy in the room with some lightheartedness and humor, which I have greatly appreciated.”
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Levels Jiu Jitsu
- Newbies
- Community
- Culture
“The kids class has phenomenal instructors and a great atmosphere to teach your children a useful method of self defense but the groundwork to build character and fortitude.”
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Uflacker Academy
- Mat
- Environment
- Knowledge
“I've stayed here so long because of the wealth of knowledge, positive atmosphere, kindness and willingness from everyone to help each other and watch each other grow.”
Self-Defense Training Services in Joliet, IL Cost Estimates
Minimum cost
$181
Maximum cost
$541
National Average
$277
Avg Per Hour Rates
$73
$241
$373
Typical price range is based on 386 cost profiles
Why these companies made our list
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