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Best Kids' Martial Arts Classes In Chicago

Martial arts classes are great ways for children to learn discipline while also learning a new sport. But where can your child attend a class? From the city to the suburbs, the Chicago area offers a wealth of martial arts classes, including judo and karate. Classes are also available for a wide range of abilities, so your child won't feel intimidated with a class that's too difficult or bored with a class that's below his/her skill level. For an additional list of places to learn martial arts, check out this article.

Ninjas
(Photo Credit: cmatkd.com)

Chicago Martial Arts
151 South Pfingsten Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 564-0200
www.cmatkd.com

Through its Little Ninjas program, Chicago Martial Arts offers what it calls a modified martial arts program. The program has a 14-level belt system and is geared for children between three and six years of age. If you're looking for a unique summer camp, consider checking out Chicago Martial Arts' camp for kids. The youth camp is available for children between the ages of five and 13 and includes taekwondo and boxing. Chicago Martial Arts also offers classes for adults, with yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and taekwondo among the courses available. Chicago Martial Arts has locations throughout the north and northwest suburbs.

Chicago Park District
541 N. Fairbanks
Chicago IL, 60611
(312) 742-7518
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Your child can sign up for martial arts classes held at various locations throughout the Chicago Park District. Judo and karate are available for children. Your child can also register for a martial arts class that includes karate, self defense and sparring at select locations. Classes may be coed and separated based on age and ability. Although many of the martial arts classes started earlier this month, you can register your child for classes in the spring. Many of the course fees are under $35; just keep in mind that a higher fee will apply to participants who do not live in Chicago.

Degerberg Academy Of Martial Arts
4717 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 728-5300
www.degerbergacademy.com

If your child is interested in learning karate, consider signing him/her up for classes at Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts. The classes can help instill self-discipline in your child while learning important life skills. Classes are divided by age, with Ninja Turtles for children ages three to six years, Karate Kids for children ages seven to 12 years, and Teen Warriors for children ages 13 to 17 years. In addition to its Logan Square location, Degerberg Academy has a facility in Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood.

Schaumburg Park District
505 North Springinsguth Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194
(847) 490-2505
www.parkfun.com

Through the Schaumburg Park District, your child can learn karate, taekwondo and hapkido. Classes are available for children as young as four years of age, and there is a class geared for both parents and children, too. Non-competitive options are available, and keep in mind that non-residents may have a higher fee for classes. Although many classes started the first week of January, you can contact the park district to see if your child can still register for a winter session. Another option is to sign up for a spring class.

Tandang Garimot Martial Arts And Wellness
2940 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-1667
www.gatchicago.com

Head to Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood for martial arts classes at Tandang Garimot Martial Arts and Wellness. Kids can register for a number of martial arts classes that include Capoeira, Kung Fu and Muay Thai kickboxing. Tandang Garimot also offers KidFit Training, where kids can exercise and run obstacle courses. Classes are offered after school and on Saturdays, too. If your child isn't sure if martial arts are for him/her, don't sweat it; Tandang Garimot offers drop-in classes to try it out. You can sign up for classes, too, as Tandang Garimot offers Kung Fu, Tai Chi and more for adults.
Related: Best MMA And Martial Arts Studios In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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