Home › Illinois › Chicago › EKF Martial Arts
EKF Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Chicago, Illinois
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
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 ekfmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 773-719-6488
Hours
| Monday | 7–8 am, 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 7–9 am, 6–7 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | 8–11 am |
The classes they run
“Very welcoming and safe for beginners and really great if you are looking to fight and compete.”
“Theres Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Sanda, Sparring, Conditioning, Kids' Classes, Private Lessons, and an area for Weight Lifting.”
“Regardless of whether you're a hobbyist or intend to compete, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.”
“It's been more fun than humans should be allowed, and it's apparent that, if I stick with it , I will learn Muay Thai skills that could be very effective in a real world situation.”
“And one of the only gyms in Chicago which offer Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sanda, and Wushu for a price not many gyms can compete with.”
“Theres Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Sanda, Sparring, Conditioning, Kids' Classes, Private Lessons, and an area for Weight Lifting.”
“Theres Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Sanda, Sparring, Conditioning, Kids' Classes, Private Lessons, and an area for Weight Lifting.”
Other martial arts here
“It's been more fun than humans should be allowed, and it's apparent that, if I stick with it , I will learn Muay Thai skills that could be very effective in a real world situation.”
“And one of the only gyms in Chicago which offer Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sanda, and Wushu for a price not many gyms can compete with.”
“It is mostly MMA, but there are plenty of boxers at different levels and lots of talent in the ring.”
“And one of the only gyms in Chicago which offer Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sanda, and Wushu for a price not many gyms can compete with.”
What members say
“Coach Tony is a cool guy and has a really fun teaching style, and the whole school has been kind and welcoming, which was something I was anxious about going in.”
“Great classes, expert coaches and a very cool and supportive group of members.”
“The whole staff is very knowledgeable youd be surprised how much you can learn in just a year going there, let alone the great shape you get into.”
“Regardless of whether you're a hobbyist or intend to compete, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.”
“Coach Tony is a cool guy and has a really fun teaching style, and the whole school has been kind and welcoming, which was something I was anxious about going in.”
From the 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 warm and welcoming place, EKF feels like a boxing gym, not a health club or a spa. Skilled and attentive management.
The most welcoming gym you'll find. Coaches are extremely knowledgeable, passionate, experienced, and--above all-- they do an excellent job at facilitating a positive gym atmosphere. Regardless of whether you're a hobbyist or intend to compete, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Five stars all around! My only regret is that I didn't start 20 years ago. It's been more fun than humans should be allowed, and it's apparent that, if I stick with it , I will learn Muay Thai skills that could be very effective in a real world situation.
I've been training here for little over a year now and this is a top notch Martial Arts gym. Very welcoming and safe for beginners and really great if you are looking to fight and compete. Many fighters have won championships due to the team and training that is offered here.
New to kickboxing? Start at EKF Martial Arts
EKF 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.
Your first kickboxing class at EKF 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.
More kickboxing gyms near Chicago
Viking Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Bender Martial Arts and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Royal Boxing + MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site