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Mind Body Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Chicago, Illinois
Plan your first class
- 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
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mindbodydefensechicago.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 773-517-4992
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 am, 10 am–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 10 am–12 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–7 am, 11 am–1 pm, 5–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8–11 am |
| Sunday | 10 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“I've taken 1:1 self-defense and kickboxing classes with Torriente and he always makes the experience fun and extremely respectful.”
“Everyone here is very welcoming and positive and in each class there will be beginners and higher level students so it isn't intimidating.”
“During the pandemic they have found creative ways to keep lovers of kickboxing and self-defense engaged with shorter one-on-one sessions, virtual options and outdoor classes.”
Other martial arts here
“He's also a writer and wrote this self-defense book, which I recommend to anyone who wants to understand what self-defense is all about.”
What members say
“Torriente is an absolutely incredible instructor and creates a supportive environment that makes you not afraid to try something new.”
“The instructors themselves are helpful, patient, and genuinely fun to be around- and you can tell they do a lot to ensure it's a safe, welcoming environment.”
“Torriente creates a safe, empowering environment that is very hard to manifest and encourages mistakes that turn into great learning opportunities.”
“The instructors themselves are helpful, patient, and genuinely fun to be around- and you can tell they do a lot to ensure it's a safe, welcoming environment.”
From the reviews
I, 56, did not work out at all in the last two decades, started kickboxing 6 month ago with Mind Body Defense. I never thought about doing material arts but find a great full body workout every time I am in class.
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 a safe, welcoming environment. Everyone talks to and encourages one another as they learn regardless of skill level.
Great place to learn kickboxing, get to know new friends in the community, and most of all, feel energized and happy! I’ve been here for four classes now, and the experience has been way beyond expectation.
I had just moved to Chicago and a month later found Mind Body Defense. I’ve been going regularly ever since and love it even more with each class. Torriente creates a safe, empowering environment that is very hard to manifest and encourages mistakes that turn into great learning opportunities.
New to kickboxing? Start at Mind Body Defense
Mind Body Defense 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 Mind Body Defense
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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