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Kickboxing for Beginners in Chicago
31 gyms in Chicago, Illinois show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first kickboxing class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit, you won't be thrown into hard sparring, and a patient coach walks beginners through stance, punches and kicks on the pads and bag at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some shadowboxing and footwork, and a few combos learned slowly — many gyms lend gloves so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 31 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Title Boxing Club Chicago Lincoln Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 349 reviews
“The day before my first class, I swung by the studio to see if there was anything I needed to prep beforehand (ie buy hand wraps, etc). Instantly, you could feel the sense of…” — Caitlin
2. TITLE Boxing Club Chicago South Loop
4.9 ★★★★★ 291 reviews
3. TITLE Boxing Club Chicago Wicker Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
4. POW! Gym Chicago & Chicago Parisi Speed School
4.9 ★★★★★ 204 reviews
5. Benjilany striking - Muay Thai - kickboxing & MMA chicago
5 ★★★★★ 196 reviews
“I came into Benjilany striking, nervous at first but when i got there everybody was super welcoming and kind. Here they have made such a great and caring community of people.…” — Alonzo
6. TDC MMA + Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 165 reviews
“This place has great energy and a warm welcoming vibe. If you’re new to training or a seasoned martial artist with years of experience, Dino and all the instructors will…” — Jerry
7. Chicago School Of Grappling
5 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
“This place is amazing. The gym has such a chill and positive atmosphere. Both the teachers and students have been welcoming, kind, supportive and respectful. All the teachers are…” — Chloe
9. Chicago Muay Thai Kickboxing Club
4.7 ★★★★★ 123 reviews
10. 9Round Kickboxing Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
“9Round is fantastic! I’m only several sessions in, and I am already in noticeably better shape. Nico is such an incredible and inspiring trainer; I came in as a beginner, and…” — Grayson
12. Bender Martial Arts and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
“Beginner friendly, fun atmosphere, tons of classes, great community. Bender Martial Arts and Fitness is an outstanding place to learn and practice combat sports in a judgement…” — Collin
13. Chicago Mixed Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 91 reviews
“Legit BJJ blackbelt & Muay Thai instruction, coupled with a very welcoming environment. Classes are structured & build upon prior concepts. The facilities are well maintained,…” — Nader
14. Chicago Thai Boxing Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
“I'm very happy here! As a beginner, the trainers have given me extra help even in a group setting. My experience so far is that, if you let them know about what's going on with…” — Nicholas
15. Mission MMA & Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
16. Muay Thai Chicago Aiki Training Hall
4.9 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
17. Royal Boxing + MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
“I’ve had nothing but positive experiences training at this gym for a while now. The space is large and open with brand new equipment and a large ring(and separate area for mma…” — Muhamed
18. Hybrid Martial Arts and Fitness
4.7 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
19. Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
“Project Achilles is hands down one of the best martial arts gyms in Chicago. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming, professional, and highly motivating. The…” — Gheorghi
20. Warrior Evolution MMA
5 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“This gym is amazing and one of a kind! I’ve been with the instructors of Warrior Evolution MMA for over 3 years and can honestly say that they are a group of dedicated,…” — Natasha
21. Mind Body Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“Toriente and Janet have made something so wonderful! The instructors themselves are helpful, patient, and genuinely fun to be around- and you can tell they do a lot to ensure it's…” — Nikola
22. Knuckleheads Boxing Gym
4.9 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“Stopped in here for the first time while on a few hour train layover and needed to get some energy out. I was impressed but also intimidated by the qualifications and history of…” — Shae
23. 9Round Kickboxing Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 58 reviews
24. EKF Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
“A great gym. EKF has good space, good equipment, and outstanding coaches. It is mostly MMA, but there are plenty of boxers at different levels and lots of talent in the ring. A…” — Allen
25. Viking Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
“Kale is an outstanding coach! I came to him years ago wanting to fight, 3 years after that I already had 10 plus fights under my belt. He is great with beginners and fighters…” — Lisa
26. 9Round Kickboxing Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
“I can't sing 9R South Loop enough praises. The trainers here are great at working with individuals at every level; I came in as a beginner to kickboxing wanting to get introduced…” — Cz
27. Dynamite Kickboxing & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Chicago
4.8 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
28. Southside Knockout Training
4.1 ★★★★☆ 39 reviews
“Consistently fresh workouts, accountability, positive trainers and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great gym for all fitness levels to improve their bodies. Ryan and Paige do a…” — Joseph
29. NEWBODY90
5 ★★★★★ 30 reviews
30. SPORT Fitness Chicago
5 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
“My new happy place! I was looking for a place where i could learn actual self defense and somewhere i could train to feel stronger & powerful both mentally and physically. Adam is…” — Stefanie
31. StrikeFit Chicago
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
“Listen, we all have days where we just need to hit something, and Strikefit is the answer. The instruction is clear and thorough, and most classes are small enough that anyone who…” — Molly
Booking your first class in Chicago: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a beginner or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the advanced floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how sparring works. You won't be made to spar as a beginner; find out whether and how a gym introduces sparring so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most gyms here lend gloves, so you can try kickboxing before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free kickboxing trial classes.
Beginner kickboxing near Chicago
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