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EKF Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 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
- 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
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ekfmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (773) 719-6488
Hours
| Monday | 7–8 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 7–9 AM, 6–7 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | 8–11 AM |
The classes they run
“Very welcoming and safe for beginners and really great if you are looking to fight and compete.”
“Theres Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Sanda, Sparring, Conditioning, Kids' Classes, Private Lessons, and an area for Weight Lifting.”
“Theres Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Sanda, Sparring, Conditioning, Kids' Classes, Private Lessons, and an area for Weight Lifting.”
“Regardless of whether you're a hobbyist or intend to compete, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.”
“Theres Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Sanda, Sparring, Conditioning, Kids' Classes, Private Lessons, and an area for Weight Lifting.”
Other martial arts here
“And one of the only gyms in Chicago which offer Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sanda, and Wushu for a price not many gyms can compete with.”
“And one of the only gyms in Chicago which offer Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sanda, and Wushu for a price not many gyms can compete with.”
“And one of the only gyms in Chicago which offer Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sanda, and Wushu for a price not many gyms can compete with.”
“It is mostly MMA, but there are plenty of boxers at different levels and lots of talent in the ring.”
“I wrestled and did some Judo in the past, but have never formally trained in boxing or kicking.”
What members say
“Coaches are extremely knowledgeable, passionate, experienced, and--above all-- they do an excellent job at facilitating a positive gym atmosphere.”
“Coach Tony is a cool guy and has a really fun teaching style, and the whole school has been kind and welcoming, which was something I was anxious about going in.”
“Coach Tony is a cool guy and has a really fun teaching style, and the whole school has been kind and welcoming, which was something I was anxious about going in.”
“I went to boxing classes by coach Ivo for few years - he is extremely knowledgeable and focuses a lot on technique.”
“The whole staff is very knowledgeable youd be surprised how much you can learn in just a year going there, let alone the great shape you get into.”
“Regardless of whether you're a hobbyist or intend to compete, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.”
From the 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 warm and welcoming place, EKF feels like a boxing gym, not a health club or a spa. Skilled and attentive management.
The most welcoming gym you'll find. Coaches are extremely knowledgeable, passionate, experienced, and--above all-- they do an excellent job at facilitating a positive gym atmosphere. Regardless of whether you're a hobbyist or intend to compete, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Five stars all around! My only regret is that I didn't start 20 years ago. It's been more fun than humans should be allowed, and it's apparent that, if I stick with it , I will learn Muay Thai skills that could be very effective in a real world situation.
I've been training here for little over a year now and this is a top notch Martial Arts gym. Very welcoming and safe for beginners and really great if you are looking to fight and compete. Many fighters have won championships due to the team and training that is offered here.
New to muay thai? Start at EKF Martial Arts
EKF Martial Arts 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 EKF Martial Arts
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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