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Jade Fortress Shaolin Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Urbana, Illinois

Free trial Kids & teens

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 18) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule jadefortress.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (217) 904-8213

Hours

Monday 9 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–9 PM
Thursday 9 AM–9 PM
Friday 9 AM–9 PM
Saturday 9 AM–9 PM
Sunday 9 AM–9 PM

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Muay thai classes on the schedule at Jade Fortress Shaolin Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Demitri is very good teacher for kids.”

All gyms that run kids muay thai →

🥊 Sparring

“If you are interested in sparring, the school participates in competitions too!”

All gyms that run sparring →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“If I had to recommend any place to go to have your child learn discipline and self control and self defense, I would very much so say go to Jade Fortress!”

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 22 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 3 mentions

“The teacher Demitri is professional and friendly along with the community surrounding the school.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 2 mentions

“If you are interested in sparring, the school participates in competitions too!”

🇹🇭 authentic Thai roots 2 mentions

“Shifu Demitri has a vast knowledge in authentic traditional Shaolin Martial Arts.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“If I had to recommend any place to go to have your child learn discipline and self control and self defense, I would very much so say go to Jade Fortress!”

From the reviews

I've been taking lessons at this school for about 8 months, and can't recommend it enough. I primarily joined to do something meditative as well as active and have been satisfied in both areas. If you are interested in sparring, the school participates in competitions too!

★★★★★ — Connor, Dec 2019

I have known Demitri since I was very young, trained with him and my father. He is VERY professional, family oriented and fun! If I had to recommend any place to go to have your child learn discipline and self control and self defense, I would very much so say go to Jade Fortress!

★★★★★ — Abby, Jun 2019

Demitri is very good teacher for kids. Fun yet stern and discipline. If you want yourself or your kid to learn the deeper spirit of Kung Fu then Demitri’s lessons will last lifetime. A+ x 100

★★★★★ — Eric, Jun 2019

Huang shi Fu is very professional on teaching Martial art, you'll learn real technique kung fu to use in real life. Highly recommend!

★★★★★ — Xiao, Oct 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

Your first muay thai class at Jade Fortress Shaolin Martial Arts 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.

Muay thai is a contact sport. Ease in, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Jade Fortress Shaolin Martial Arts Academy

1009 N Boyden St, Urbana, IL61802

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.