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Fit 2 Defend Academy
5 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Lake Bluff, 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 (ages 5–16) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- 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 fit-to-defend.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (847) 445-7247
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
The classes they run
“My kids first started working with Scott (owner and head coach of F2D) when my oldest was just six years old — he’s now 18!”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
“No matter who you spar with everyone here will aproach you with a humble attitude and everyone is willing to work at your pace.”
“Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
Other martial arts here
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“I have studied jiu jitsu with Scott Gave at Fit2Defend for over 11 years and many of my training partners have been training there at least that long or longer.”
“Beyond teaching self-defense, the program emphasizes good discipline, helping children build focus and confidence.”
What members say
“Biggest reason why I stayed was because of Coach Scott. He always has great energy to him and hes always promoting collaboration between teammates.”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“Just from those 4 classes I knew I was hooked into the sport.”
“Amazing technical instruction, inspiring coaches who compete themselves, and you’ll almost always find someone your size to roll with.”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“I have grown so much in confidence and discipline because I made the choice to learn jiu-jitsu from these amazing coaches.”
From the reviews
We’ve had such a positive experience at Fit 2 Defend. Coach Scott, Coach Logan, and the rest of the team have been phenomenal with our 8-year-old daughter. She has a ton of energy and sometimes struggles to focus, but the coaches have been incredibly patient while still pushing her to elevate both her effort and…
Fit 2 Defend is hands down the best BJJ school I've ever been to. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and the sense of community is unmatched. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, this place will take your skills to the next level. The facilities at Fit 2 Defend are also fantastic.
Fit 2 Defend Academy is hands-down one of the best places to train in the Midwest. Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.
Our entire family trains at Fit 2 Defend Academy, and I truly can’t imagine training anywhere else. My kids first started working with Scott (owner and head coach of F2D) when my oldest was just six years old — he’s now 18! Over the years, my husband joined for jiu jitsu, and eventually I did too.
New to kickboxing? Start at Fit 2 Defend Academy
Fit 2 Defend Academy 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 Fit 2 Defend Academy
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.
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🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
