I’ve been training Muay Thai on and off since it opened and started the MSP circuit training class. They do offer a free trial so its nice to checkout first before you enroll. CS has a nice big clean facility, excellent staff and training environment! They work with all levels, both kids/adults and everyone is friendly. Throughout the years, there has been many updates to the gym. Not only do they offer MMA classes, but they have a fitness program through Maximum Sports Performance. Joe is a great and knowledgeable instructor, you definitely get an intense workout to burn those calories.
Jaded C.
Place rating: 5 Lisle, IL
I’ve been going here for Muay Thai lessons for over 2 months now, and I love it! Rey and Sonny are excellent teachers who deliver a strong emphasis on the basics and know how to slowly break-in the beginners. Their assistants Debbie and Nicholas are also great and will constantly push you and give sound advice. There is a friendly family atmosphere for the most part, but these guys know when to get serious, command respect from all students, and push the physical limits of the class. Like Kristen B. noted, the first class is free for any martial art you want to try out, and you can try them all. For newbies, there’s a pretty mixed crowd in the beginner and intermediate Muay Thai classes. I’d say about 35−40% of the class is female, and the age spread is very wide from age 10 to people in their 40s. Many of the advanced and intermediate level students go to the beginner classes to brush up on their basics, and it gives the new students some experienced partners to help them progress. Most of all, EVERYONE is just really chill. If there’s anything that might need improvement, the gym itself could use a water fountain and an interior refresh here and there. At least they sell cold beverages and bottled water for relatively cheap. Other than that, it’s a pretty good size gym with a full-size ring, weight-training area, a big class mat area, and a heavybag area. You can also order your equipment through them. Test yourself and feed that inner beast. It’s great fun and being with good people makes it even more worthwhile!
Salman V.
Place rating: 5 Westchester, IL
I was recently laid off and had some time on my hands so I took their unlimited package. Great instructors, great classes, and friendly people! Professor Daniel Wanderley is not only a great fighter(North American/NAGA Champion and also won 2nd place in the world Brazillian Jiu Jitsu competition) He is also an amazing instructor and very good guy. He makes you feel comfortable asking questions and helps corrects mistakes. Sonny and VJ are great Muai Thai instructors and have trained tons of winning fighters. Great guys who gives everyone individual time(even though it is a big class) and corrects mistakes people make. Pete Juska runs a great practical self defense class and it is great to learn to use sticks and knife in drills. This class is relatively small right now so you get good individual instruction. Sensei Mark is also a great Judo instructor and also helps correct mistakes. Ross the owner is awesome also. I broke a toe in Judo from a bad foot sweep. One of the students was a doctor and he was nice enough to wrap it up so it would be ok till I could get to the ER. Ross was nice enough to freeze my account until my Toe got better and invited me to check out an MMA seminar they hosted. He was also nice enough to let me use the gym to work out while my toe healed. For me it was great to see they knew how to handle things when they go bad.
Kristen D.
Place rating: 5 Atlanta, GA
Counterstrike MMA lets you take the first class free. They just moved to a great new facility. Check out their ad in Coffee News for information on the free class. They are a pleasure to work with, and Ross and Rey are awesome instructors.