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AKYI Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Glenview, Illinois

Kickboxing gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Cardio kickboxing Competition team Affiliated

Affiliated gym — reviews and the gym's own info suggest it belongs to a known kickboxing or boxing-fitness franchise or network (think 9Round, iLoveKickboxing, CKO, TITLE Boxing Club or Jabz). Franchise gyms run a consistent class format and are often a friendly, familiar place to start. If a specific brand matters to you, confirm it on the gym's own site.

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
  • Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
  • Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 5) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule akyima.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 847-998-1111

Hours

Monday 3:30–8 pm
Tuesday 3:30–7 pm
Wednesday 3:30–8 pm
Thursday 3:30–7:30 pm
Friday 3:30–7 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays and class-schedule changes — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Kickboxing classes on the schedule at AKYI Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🔥 Cardio Kickboxing 2 mentions

“His kickboxing classes are a great workout but also teach useful self-defense moves.”

All gyms that run cardio kickboxing →

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 27 mentions

“There are several martial arts schools in the area, but what I like about this school is how Master Ray incorporates teaching everyday values to the children through Tae Kwondo.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🏆 Competition Team

“Weather you send your kids to compete or just to build focus and confidence, all kids are represented equally and with pride.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🥊 Boxing

“If you are looking to do any kind of Martial Arts or kicking boxing this is the best place to go.”

All gyms that run boxing →

Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at AKYI Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Boxing

“If you are looking to do any kind of Martial Arts or kicking boxing this is the best place to go.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“His kickboxing classes are a great workout but also teach useful self-defense moves.”

Other gyms that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want muay thai, boxing, or MMA alongside your kickboxing, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 33 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 3 mentions

“Master Ray is a very skilled and knowledgeable instructor for students of all ages--the perfect mix of high expectations with kind encouragement.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Weather you send your kids to compete or just to build focus and confidence, all kids are represented equally and with pride.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 3 mentions

“It's given her a level of fitness (strength, endurance, flexibility), confidence, and discipline that I didn't even know she needed!”

🤝 friendly, family gym 4 mentions

“He and his wife are very welcoming and they really safe with the COVID and not spreading it and have social distance.”

From the reviews

We found Akyi by luck when my son’s old taekwondo school closed. My Son loves this program so much! He goes almost every week day, and looks forward to class every single day. Mr. Ray and Amanda are great! Thank you for providing a safe and engaging school for my son!

★★★★★ — Courtney, Sep 2020

I started almost ten years with master Ray and never looked back. He is the best teacher and really cares for his students and want them to succeeded in life not just inside the dojan but outside life as well.

★★★★★ — Noel, Feb 2021

If I was to summarize my experience at AKYI Martial Arts in one word it would be very difficult but I would probably say fun. Every time I go even if I have had a long day I always enjoy myself. Aside from it being very fun, it is always a very good workout, pushing me (and the whole class) to the limit.

★★★★★ — Kristin, Oct 2013

I really like the convenience of AKYI martial arts - the schedule is flexible, no need to pick classes in advance, just show up when it’s convenient for you (due to the current COVID situation, they ask to sign up for a class that you will attend in the morning before the class, to control the number of ppl).

★★★★★ — Svetlana, Sep 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at AKYI Martial Arts

AKYI Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first kickboxing class at AKYI Martial Arts

Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Kickboxing is a contact sport. Warm up, pace yourself, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find AKYI Martial Arts

1961 Johns Dr, Glenview, IL60025

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.