What should I look for in a martial arts school?

Look for qualified instructors, a clean facility, structured curriculum, positive student reviews, and a supportive environment.

Is Martial Arts good for beginners?

Yes. Martial Arts is beginner-friendly because it focuses on progressive skill development, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

What age can kids start martial arts?

Kids can start as young as 3 at Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts in Chicago. Classes group children by age and skill level to ensure safe and effective learning.

Can adults start martial arts with no experience?

Absolutely. Many adults at Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts in Chicago begin with no prior martial arts background. Classes are designed to help beginners build skills, fitness, and confidence over time.

How often should I train each week?

Most beginners train 2–3 times per week. As you progress, you can increase training frequency depending on your goals, such as fitness, competition, or self-defense.

Why choose martial arts?

Martial arts builds discipline, confidence, physical fitness, and practical self-defense skills. It also creates a strong sense of community among students of all ages.

Lincoln Square · Chicago · Family-Owned Since 1980

Give Your Child Confidence For Life

Martial arts for kids ages 3 and up — plus teens and adults — at Chicago's legendary family-owned academy. In fun, high-energy classes, your child builds focus, discipline, and real self-defense skills, and you get the peace of mind of instructors who treat every student like family. No experience needed.

View Schedule

Since 1980

Family-Owned & Operated

5★

Google Reviews From Parents

Classes Every Week

All Ages

Kids, Teens & Adults

Getting Started

Your Path to the Mat

From your first call to your first class, here's what to expect.

Start Here

Tell us who's training and what you're interested in. Parents can book their child's intro visit online. Adults, leave your info and we'll call to find the right program for you.

Kids ages 3 and up
No experience needed

Tour & Intro

Come see the academy and meet your instructor. Kids start with a one-on-one intro lesson with a parent there. Adults get a tour and a first class matched to their goals.

Personal, one-on-one welcome
Placed in the right program

Build the Habit

Join regular group classes on a weekly schedule that fits around school and work. Consistency is where the real progress happens.

Classes grouped by age
Kids, junior & adult programs

Watch Them Grow

Every belt is earned. Along the way you'll see more focus, confidence, and respect — on the mat, at school, and at home.

Belts earned, not given
Progress you can see

The Degerberg Difference

One Academy. Every Martial Art.

Most schools teach one style. Since 1980, our family has taught the Degerberg Blend — boxing, Thai boxing, jiu jitsu, kali, savate, silat, and more, woven into one practical system. Your family learns more, in one place.

The famous Degerberg Blend — striking, grappling & weapons arts in one curriculum
Family-owned and operated on Lincoln Avenue for over 45 years
Two floors, five training rooms — three group class rooms, a bag room, and a weights & conditioning room
A path for everyone — from Ninja Turtles tots to adult competitors

1980

Serving Chicago Since

25,000+

Students Trained

Classes Per Week

Training Rooms

Google Reviews

What Chicago Parents Say

4.9

Rated on Google

RJ Jose

Posted on Google

“If I could give Degerberg 10 stars instead of the max 5, I would! Best decision I've ever made in starting my 4-year-old daughter close to 5 years ago. So much learned — confidence, life lessons, perseverance — and the variety of martial arts skills is second to none.”

Meredith Hirshfeld

Posted on Google

“We tried other places closer to home and ended up coming back — it's worth the commute. My son gets a great workout and is learning discipline, focus, respect, and teamwork. The instructors command respect but make classes fun and keep the kids engaged.”

Jennifer Nicolini

Posted on Google

“Degerberg is truly a gem! We moved 30 minutes away and I still commute because it's worth it. They teach above and beyond martial arts — discipline, responsibility, respect, manners, and self-defense. They treat people like family.”

Ready to see the difference for your family?

This Week on the Mats