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Fit 2 Defend Academy
5 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Lake Bluff, Illinois
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
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 (ages 5–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 fit-to-defend.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 847-445-7247
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
“My kids first started working with Scott (owner and head coach of F2D) when my oldest was just six years old — he’s now 18!”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“No matter who you spar with everyone here will aproach you with a humble attitude and everyone is willing to work at your pace.”
“Amazing technical instruction, inspiring coaches who compete themselves, and you’ll almost always find someone your size to roll with.”
“Beyond teaching self-defense, the program emphasizes good discipline, helping children build focus and confidence.”
Other martial arts here
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“I have studied jiu jitsu with Scott Gave at Fit2Defend for over 11 years and many of my training partners have been training there at least that long or longer.”
What members say
“Biggest reason why I stayed was because of Coach Scott. He always has great energy to him and hes always promoting collaboration between teammates.”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“There’s a 3-week rotation of technique, conditioning, and sparring so you get the chance to develop your skills.”
“Amazing technical instruction, inspiring coaches who compete themselves, and you’ll almost always find someone your size to roll with.”
“She has a ton of energy and sometimes struggles to focus, but the coaches have been incredibly patient while still pushing her to elevate both her effort and attitude.”
From the reviews
I have studied jiu jitsu with Scott Gave at Fit2Defend for over 11 years and many of my training partners have been training there at least that long or longer. It is a community of wonderful people where you learn to fight in a safe and friendly environment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
We’ve had such a positive experience at Fit 2 Defend. Coach Scott, Coach Logan, and the rest of the team have been phenomenal with our 8-year-old daughter. She has a ton of energy and sometimes struggles to focus, but the coaches have been incredibly patient while still pushing her to elevate both her effort and…
Fit 2 Defend is hands down the best BJJ school I've ever been to. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and the sense of community is unmatched. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, this place will take your skills to the next level. The facilities at Fit 2 Defend are also fantastic.
Fit 2 Defend Academy is hands-down one of the best places to train in the Midwest. Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.
New to muay thai? Start at Fit 2 Defend Academy
Fit 2 Defend Academy 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 Fit 2 Defend Academy
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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