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Bender Martial Arts and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 96 Google reviews · Muay thai 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 levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Website & schedule bendermartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (773) 655-6305
The classes they run
“As a beginner, I really appreciated how patient he was with me, and I’ve seen firsthand how well he coaches people at all skill levels.”
“My kid was taking martial arts at Bender Martial Arts studio and he was having “too much fun” in there as my kiddo said during his first lesson.”
“Whether you’re looking for a great workout, a new hobby, or a welcoming community, I highly recommend checking out Bender Martial Arts and Fitness.”
“Bender has really created a unique environment for his students, a place where they can learn, grind hard (but smart) and do well when they compete or in personal life.”
“We recently hosted a self-defense class for our team at Bender Martial Arts & Fitness, and it was an incredible experience.”
Other martial arts here
“If you are thinking about trying jiu jitsu or if you've done it for years and you're looking for a new home, you cannot go wrong with BMAF.”
“Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Judo, Wresting, Functional Fitness and more.”
“Jason has completed in everything from MMA to Karate Tournaments.”
“As someone who is legally blind and living with severe hearing loss, I had no issue learning and keeping up in the Judo and BJJ classes.”
What members say
“Amazing gym, super friendly people, and Jason is a great person and an excellent coach.”
“Having visited and trained at Jason’s academy many times now, I can tell you that it is one of, if not the most inviting and welcoming places I have ever trained.”
“The students and coaches are all very friendly and the coaches have a wealth of knowledge to share from years of experience in competition, and traveling around the world.”
“The students and coaches are all very friendly and the coaches have a wealth of knowledge to share from years of experience in competition, and traveling around the world.”
“I was lucky to attend a workshop at BMAF and I was welcomed with open arms into this clean and accommodating space.”
“I recommend that more young people give it a try since it’s an incredible way to build confidence, stay active, and connect with great people.”
From the 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 free community. Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Judo, Wresting, Functional Fitness and more. Go to as many classes as you want.
I have had the opportunity to both know and train with Jason Bender for over 20 years, to provide some insight into my familiarity with the head instructor. I cannot speak highly enough for the content of this man’s character.
I’ve been training at Bender Martial Arts and Fitness for a little over a year now, and I can’t recommend it enough. I mainly train in jiu jitsu but I’ve also spent a few months taking Muay Thai classes and both experiences have been excellent.
I've travelled to dozens of countries and lived in four — and I've trained in dozens of martial arts gyms and dojos. But only four have been home. Bender Martial Arts & Fitness is home. It has a great community, great teachers, and a beautiful new — and clean — facility.
New to muay thai? Start at Bender Martial Arts and Fitness
Bender Martial Arts and Fitness 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 program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all 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 muay thai class at Bender Martial Arts and Fitness
Nervous about walking into a muay thai 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 on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals 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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