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Kids Muay Thai in Chicago
15 gyms in Chicago, Illinois show real evidence — from their own sites or parents' reviews — of running kids or youth muay thai classes. Muay thai is a genuinely good fit for children: it builds confidence, focus, and fitness in a disciplined, respectful setting, and young beginners drill technique and pad-work rather than sparring. The best move before enrolling is simply to go watch a class — ask each gym what age ranges its classes serve and what its sparring policy is for kids, and notice whether the coach is patient and the room is calm and organized. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 15 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Benjilany striking - Muay Thai - kickboxing & MMA chicago
5 ★★★★★ 196 reviews
“Hello Chicago - need a new routine try Benjilany Fitness, 2 years after my kidney transplant. I wanted to get back where I was even better than before. Living a healthy lifestyle…” — Will
2. Sam Colonna Boxing
4.6 ★★★★★ 138 reviews
“I wanted to share a quick story in hopes that perhaps it will help someone else one day.. my oldest son has always struggled with anxiety as he went in to his early teen years he…” — Marielena
3. Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 111 reviews
“I've had 2/3 kids training at Degerberg since 2021. The eight-year-old daughter has gained (much needed) self-confidence in addition to quality instruction in martial arts and…” — Alicia
5. Bender Martial Arts and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
“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…” — Ron
6. Chicago Thai Boxing Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
7. Hybrid Martial Arts and Fitness
4.7 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
“Maaaaan where do I start. As someone from LA who had moved out to Chicago with essentially no friends in the area, this gym really gave me a place to call home during my time in…” — Jonathan
8. Project Achilles - Mixed Martial Arts - BJJ - Muay Thai - Self Defense - Concealed Carry Licence - Kid BJJ - Kid Muay Thaï
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
9. Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters
4.8 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
“I've been studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu here since 2015 and I absolutely love it! Learning this sport and being a part of the Carlson Gracie team has been transformational. I'm…” — Marian
10. Warrior Evolution MMA
5 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
11. CombatZone Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
“My husband Joe aka Asaru attends this place let just say the workout ain't no joke. MR. Unique is very Unique. This man right here derseves what he asking for and some. I know…” — Tefnut
12. EKF Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
“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…” — Jer
14. 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
15. Chicago Mixed Martial Arts, South Loop
4.7 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
“The coaches are phenomenal! I wasn’t asked to post, but felt compelled after the awesome class led by coach Patrick today. New location in south loop is pristine! Backstory and…” — Viviana
Enrolling your child in Chicago: practical notes
- Watch a class first. Any welcoming gym will let you and your child observe before signing up. Look for a patient coach, a calm and organized room, and kids who are having fun while staying on task.
- Ask about age ranges. Confirm which class fits your child — many gyms split younger kids from older kids and teens — so the pace and content match their age.
- Ask about the sparring policy for kids. Reputable gyms keep young beginners on pads and controlled drills; any light contact should be gradual, optional, and closely supervised.
- Keep gear simple to start. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most gyms lend gloves, and they'll tell you when it's worth buying your own. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the lowest-pressure way to find out if it clicks for your child. See free muay thai trial classes.
Kids muay thai near Chicago
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