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Chicago School Of Grappling

5 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Chicago, Illinois

Kickboxing gym Free trial Beginners welcome Cardio kickboxing Competition team

No-nonsense studio for martial arts instruction, including boxing, kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu & more.

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
  • Membership memberships run around $130/mo — many studios also offer class packs, drop-ins, and a discounted first month, so ask about new-member rates
  • 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
  • Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
  • 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 chicagoschoolofgrappling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 773-482-1255

Hours

Monday 5:30–9:30 pm
Tuesday 12:30–2 pm, 6:30–9:30 pm
Wednesday 5:30–9:30 pm
Thursday 12:30–2 pm, 6:30–9:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 11 am–1:30 pm
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 Chicago School Of Grappling, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 8 mentions

“I took bjj classes here as a beginner and fell in love with the sport, largely due to the community of other students and awesome teachers.”

All gyms that run beginners →

🤜 Sparring

“Trained in BJJ, Kickboxing/Muy Thai Sparring and Training, and Kickboxing/Muy Thai fundamentals here.”

All gyms that run sparring →

🏆 Competition Team

“I would absolutely recommend this gym to anyone, whether you are looking to compete, learn self defense, get a work out in, etc.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Derek provides great BJJ instruction John Le has a great and interestingly structured Muay Thai class focused on critical thinking vs.”

All gyms that run muay thai →

Other martial arts here

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

🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Derek provides great BJJ instruction John Le has a great and interestingly structured Muay Thai class focused on critical thinking vs.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 17 mentions

“absolutely amazing staff/coaches; not only was their knowledge in BJJ and Kickboxing top notch, they are phenomenal people and they always make you feel welcome.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“The instructors here do an amazing job at creating a really comfortable and fun environment for learning and practicing self-defense!”

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 142 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 2 mentions

“Marco's a really great instructor as well and really helped me out during my first few months.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 11 mentions

“The people are warm and welcoming, and you can tell how passionate the teachers are about teaching grappling.”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions

“Non-judgemental and female friendly.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 13 mentions

“Everyone is so inviting and willing to teach you, and they make you feel like you're part of a great community.”

From the 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 attentive and make it around to everyone during drills. Gym fees are transparent, no required uniforms, and cross training is encouraged.

★★★★★ — Chloe, Oct 2022

I’m new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and this place has been incredible from day one. The instructors are top-tier — they genuinely care about your progress and make sure everyone gets the attention they need. The vibe is super welcoming, and you feel like part of the team right away.

★★★★★ — Joshua, May 2025

Phenomenal gym, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in trying out Muay Thai or BJJ. The instructors are great and all members share a mutual respect with one another. I've been attending for a few months and it has been the most accommodating experience.

★★★★★ — Mola, Aug 2025

I would absolutely recommend Chicago School of Grappling (CSG)! The people are warm and welcoming, and you can tell how passionate the teachers are about teaching grappling. I took bjj classes here as a beginner and fell in love with the sport, largely due to the community of other students and awesome teachers.

★★★★★ — Luna, Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 142 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Chicago School Of Grappling

Chicago School Of Grappling comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first kickboxing class at Chicago School Of Grappling

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 Chicago School Of Grappling

722 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL60607

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.