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Muay Thai for Beginners in Chicago
15 gyms in Chicago, Illinois show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first muay thai class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit, you won't be thrown into sparring, and a patient coach walks beginners through technique on the pads and bags at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some shadowboxing, and a few strikes learned slowly — most gyms lend gloves so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 15 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Benjilany striking - Muay Thai - kickboxing & MMA chicago
5 ★★★★★ 196 reviews
“I came into Benjilany striking, nervous at first but when i got there everybody was super welcoming and kind. Here they have made such a great and caring community of people.…” — Alonzo
2. Chicago School Of Grappling
5 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
“This place is amazing. The gym has such a chill and positive atmosphere. Both the teachers and students have been welcoming, kind, supportive and respectful. All the teachers are…” — Chloe
4. Chicago Muay Thai Kickboxing Club
4.7 ★★★★★ 123 reviews
5. Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 111 reviews
6. Bender Martial Arts and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
“Beginner friendly, fun atmosphere, tons of classes, great community. Bender Martial Arts and Fitness is an outstanding place to learn and practice combat sports in a judgement…” — Collin
7. Chicago Mixed Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 91 reviews
“Legit BJJ blackbelt & Muay Thai instruction, coupled with a very welcoming environment. Classes are structured & build upon prior concepts. The facilities are well maintained,…” — Nader
8. Chicago Thai Boxing Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
“I'm very happy here! As a beginner, the trainers have given me extra help even in a group setting. My experience so far is that, if you let them know about what's going on with…” — Nicholas
9. Muay Thai Chicago Aiki Training Hall
4.9 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
10. Hybrid Martial Arts and Fitness
4.7 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
11. Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
“Project Achilles is hands down one of the best martial arts gyms in Chicago. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming, professional, and highly motivating. The…” — Gheorghi
12. Warrior Evolution MMA
5 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“This gym is amazing and one of a kind! I’ve been with the instructors of Warrior Evolution MMA for over 3 years and can honestly say that they are a group of dedicated,…” — Natasha
13. EKF Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
“A great gym. EKF has good space, good equipment, and outstanding coaches. It is mostly MMA, but there are plenty of boxers at different levels and lots of talent in the ring. A…” — Allen
14. Viking Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
“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…” — Lisa
15. Bel Air Martial Arts & Fitness
4.8 ★★★★★ 33 reviews
“The Bel Air Program has been really fantastic. My son has been doing a weekly class for about 2 months and is really enjoying it. Alex and the other instructors are extremely…” — Tim
Booking your first class in Chicago: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a fundamentals or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask about the sparring policy. You won't be made to spar as a beginner; find out how and when a gym introduces it so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most gyms here lend gloves, so you can try muay thai before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free muay thai trial classes.
Beginner muay thai near Chicago
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