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Viking Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 47 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
- 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 — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- 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 vikingmuaythai.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 515-991-8009
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–3 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–2:30 pm |
The classes they run
“I came in as a complete beginner to Muay Thai at the start of summer looking for a way to change up my workout routine.”
“I started out as a complete novice and now I am comfortable sparring.”
“Whether you're looking to compete or learn self defense, Viking Muay Thai covers all your bases for the most effective and efficient!”
“If you’ve ever wanted to get into Muay Thai or boxing and felt intimidated by the usual macho gym culture, this is the place to go.”
“I’ve been going to VKMT for about 6 months now for boxing, working with coach Jason and coach Kale primarily.”
Other martial arts here
“If you’ve ever wanted to get into Muay Thai or boxing and felt intimidated by the usual macho gym culture, this is the place to go.”
“I’ve been going to VKMT for about 6 months now for boxing, working with coach Jason and coach Kale primarily.”
“Viking Muay Thai itself is a haven for those seeking to improve their physical fitness, learn self-defense techniques, or simply immerse themselves in the discipline of Muay Thai.”
What members say
“Whether you want to become a pro fighter or, like me, you’re a professional looking for a good workout (and some key nuggets for fighting).”
“I came in as a complete beginner to Muay Thai at the start of summer looking for a way to change up my workout routine.”
“Whether you want to become a pro fighter or, like me, you’re a professional looking for a good workout (and some key nuggets for fighting).”
“He's extremely knowledgeable, super friendly, and always takes the time to provide feedback and instruction in a fun and easy-to-understand manner.”
From the reviews
I love training with Coach Kale, Christian, Rosie, and Isiah at Viking Muay Thai (VKMT)! Each coach offers me a different kind of support from pushing me to train harder to giving me practice tips for the days out of the gym, to giving me a pep talk before my first off-site sparring event.
Kale (owner) is one of my favorite humans. I have trained with him for several years having started with boxing and expanding that to include some muay thai and other martial arts It can be intimidating to go to these gyms that are strictly geared towards training in any combat (as opposed to doing a group boxing…
Kale is an excellent instructor! I started weekly training sessions with him during the pandemic as a way to exercise and get out of the house. Throughout all of the complications of life during covid he has been professional and accommodating- always respecting any concerns or requests I had regarding safety.
Kale is an outstanding coach! I came to him years ago wanting to fight, 3 years after that I already had 10 plus fights under my belt. He is great with beginners and fighters alike! I tend to be more shy and nervous when it comes to performing or any kind of sport.
New to kickboxing? Start at Viking Muay Thai
Viking Muay Thai 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.
Your first kickboxing class at Viking Muay Thai
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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