Krav Maga Illinois

Highland Park, United States

5

Open now

12 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 847-433-0405
Website:
www.kravmagaillinois.com
Address:
2200 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL, 60035
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.2 miHighwood
1.7 miFort Sheridan
1.7 miHighland Park
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
Open now
Local time (Highland Park) 11:53 Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Krav Maga Illinois, is the ONLY officially licensed training facility of Krav Maga Worldwide, on the North Shore and one of only two facilities in Illinois. We are dedicated to providing the finest in self defense, fitness and fighting and are on a curriculum with over 250 Krav Maga Worldwide Training Facilities nationwide. We have direct lineage with the founder of Krav Maga, Mr. Imi Lichtenfeld, through Mr. Darren Levine who trained our Black Belt and expert instructors.

Krav Maga Illinois was voted BEST Self Defense Training 2015 by Chicago Magazine. Don’t settle for less, train with the best!

We offer Krav Maga Reality Self Defense/​Awareness training, weapons defense, heavy bag, boxing, brazilian jiu-​jitsu, kali and fitness classes.

Our KMI Kids program consists of reality self defense training, situational awareness and bully-​proofing.

All of our instructors are officially certified through Krav Maga Worldwide, and knowledgeable in their area of expertise.

We offer family, military, law enforcement, and student discounts.

Krav Maga Illinois offers group, private and on-​site training, as well as monthly seminars, providing you with the tools needed to «Get Home Safe»

Interested in making sure you can always get home safe? Call in to set up a completely FREE trial class, and mention this listing to receive 10% off a 6 or 12 month membership!

History

Established in 2009.

Krav Maga Illinois, is an officially licensed training facility of Krav Maga Worldwide. The purpose: to bring realistic self defense and awareness training to the men, women and children of the northshore and entire midwest area, and to spread the word about the practicality of Krav Maga reality self defense training. Since our grand opening on October 1, 2009 our facility has grown to over 300 students, offering over 50 classes per week. Krav Maga Illinois also offers a quality boxing, brazilian jiujitsu and strength and conditioning program to complement your self defense training or to prepare for competitive fighting. Call for a free trial class or tour of our facility — 847−433−0405

Meet the Business Owner

Sue G.

Business Owner

Sue G., an Expert Level certified Kravmaga Worldwide Instructor was trained by the best instructors in the world. She is also certified in the Haganah/F.I.G.H.T. System, Commando Krav Maga, and a Level 4 instructor in the Raven Method Close Quarter Defensive Tactics System, having had the honor of working with the Chicago Guardian Angels. Sue was nominated Female Reality Self Defense Instructor of the Year, Civilian Close Quarter Combat Instructor of the Year and is in the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. She works with the Chicago Police Department, schools and other organizations spreading awareness in Self Defense, Women’s Self Defense and Domestic Violence issues.

Sue has over 20 years of teaching experience and is a 2nd degree black belt in Shorei Goju Karate. She certified under NDEITA to be a personal trainer and was one of NAPMA’s first Kardio Karate Instructors under Jim Graden. Sue has much experience in, and continues to train in many different martial arts.

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12 reviews of Krav Maga Illinois

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This is a shining example of a well run business! My son has been a student of Master Scott for almost a year, and I really appreciate how much he has learned both in the way of physical skill and also social responsibility/​respect imbued in each lesson. The classes (adult and children) are perpetually packed but not bursting at the seams, just a simple indication of the popularity of this place. Sue Garstski (owner) is a seriously wonderful person with clear dedication to her craft and clients!
Place rating: 5
Lincolnshire, IL
Krav Maga Illinois’s owner, instructors, and students are all warm and welcoming. Everyone has been eager to help me out from the moment I stepped through the doors. Like another reviewer, I expected to find some machismo but it has been few and far between, if it existed at all. What I discovered is that many of the people who are taking Krav Maga are attracted to it because they have been victims or want to avoid becoming one. Consequently, they are some of the most gentle people I’ve met. But, this being a martial art setting, they will also be kicking, choking, and elbowing you, among other things.
The instructors can push you pretty hard in terms of physical conditioning, mental readiness, and situational awareness. I’m used to conditioning, but I’d never before had a martial arts class that simulated a three on one fight or forced you to stay aware of your surroundings in the darkness or through a crowd. The variety of exercises makes every training session fun, dynamic, and practical.
Finally, besides Krav Maga, there is also a range of other martial arts available at Krav Maga Illinois, like Boxing, Kali, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With KMI’s kickass instructors and great community, I’ve been trying to get everyone I know to go to class with me. Highly recommended!
Place rating: 5
Buffalo Grove, IL
I am a Certified Personal Trainer who takes his own health and fitness very seriously. That being said, I will only train with coaches who are the best at what they do and who are affiliated with the most reputable organizations.
At Krav Maga Illinois:
— You will receive world-​class instruction on Krav Maga techniques and theory. Most of the coaches are Chicago cops who must use these techniques every day in real life. It is very rare to find a dojo where the instructors actually use martial arts in their jobs and not just for fitness or sport. You wouldn’t go to a doctor who practices medicine on stuffed animals, would you?
— You will be treated with respect, no matter your age, gender, or fitness level. KMI has created a unique culture in the sense that the instructors don’t play favorites. This may not sound impressive but as a fitness professional, let me tell you this is very hard to do. KMI instructors go out of their way to make sure every person in the class gets the most of out of their coaching every time.
— You will learn from the coaches, but also from your peers. Many of KMI’s students are veterans of the art who have been practicing and refining their craft for years. Being surrounded by these «Assistant Coaches» makes the learning experience that much richer and more fun. Moreover, these students are also class acts who genuinely want to help people.
— You will never miss a class. The fact that KMI’s classes were at full capacity over the last few weeks during the coldest winter in 100+ years tells you all you need to know.
What are you waiting for? Get off your butt and go see Sue at KMI now!!!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Hands-​down, this is the best Krav school I have ever trained at and it is all because of Sue, who owns KMI. I met her when she was an instructor at a different location and followed her to this one — so it’s been about 5 years that I’m on-​and-​off training with her. No matter your level of experience or fitness limitations, Sue and her instructors (Al and Jesse) always make you feel like you’re part of the class, and give constructive, individualized attention. The vibe during the classes is a ton of fun — they’re always cracking jokes but you will walk out of here actually knowing how to defend yourself. Because of her reputation, Sue always has the best seminars– think elite instructors from the Krav community. Train here!
Place rating: 5
Highland Park, IL
Krav Maga Illinois is as good as it gets. Unmatched in quality of instructors, not to mention the caliber of clientele makes it extremely comfortable for anyone, even someone without any experience whatsoever in self defense, can literally come and feel at home on the very first day.
Place rating: 5
Lake Bluff, IL
I hate working out. No, really, I don’t like it at all, but more then that, I hate missing a class at Krav Maga Illinois!
In the few weeks that I have started going to classes I feel better, I (think) I look better and I have definitely gained a confidence that somewhere along the way I lost!
The instructors are amazing and understand different skill levels and different comfort levels on an individual basis. They will push you but they push right to that point you think you can’t, but you can so you succeed!
The gym itself is always clean and well cared for. The pads, bags and mats are always clean. Upstairs they have a full size ring and more pads, bags and mats.
I can’t wait to continue and add classes to my weekly routine!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Buzzing with anticipation before class, I laced up my wrestling shoes and glanced at another krav maga student sitting next to me on the large window seat that stretches across the front of the studio. We struck up a conversation.
«So, where are you from?»
«Well, I work in Chicago but live in Lincolnwood.»
«…And come all the way up here to work out?»
«Well, I used to go to Sue’s (one of the co-​owners) old gym. When she opened this place, I followed her here. She’s the best teacher I’ve had at anything. Ever.»
After religiously attending courses four to five days a week for nearly two months, I can see why people travel from far and wide to go to this martial arts studio. Friendly, helpful students, an incredibly effective self-​defense technique, broad availability of classes to accommodate a wide variety of interests, fitness levels, and schedules, and outstanding instructors. I hesitate writing this review, in fact, because I don’t think I can do Sue, Al, and Jesse justice– they will challenge you, remain patient, command a room full of students’ respect and attention, and still ensure you’re executing every movement properly. I’m not the most coordinated nor athletic and haven’t taken a martial arts or self defense class since I was seven but never feel left-​behind when covering previously uncharted (krav maga) territory.
Cheesy as it sounds, I feel remarkably empowered and significantly stronger after just a few scant months. I’m still challenged, leaving class five days a week winded, dripping with sweat, maybe a touch bruised, but having learned something new. And I’m consistently touched by how supportive, encouraging, and helpful more experienced students are.
Now to the nitty gritty: KMI offers a variety of membership options and folks are welcome to attend or observe a free class before joining. In addition to krav maga, the gym offers instruction in Brazilian jiu jitsu, boxing, MMA, and a heavy bag conditioning class. Children’s classes are offered too. The facility is small but well-​appointed with locker rooms, a nice pro shop, clean bathrooms, and equipment to borrow if you haven’t gotten to buy your grappling gloves yet. Finally, parking is a little tight (create-​your-​own-​parking-​space seems to be the norm) so definitely show up early.
Place rating: 5
Highland Park, IL
When I started, I was concerned about how Krav Maga would fit into my regular workout schedule. Now this is my workout schedule! I am beyond happy that I joined Krav Maga Illinois. Not only do I get an intense workout, I also learn self defense skills that will enable me to defend myself and my family if the need arises.
I’ve been a member since the school opened and I can choose weekday, evening or weekend classes that fit my schedule and skill level. I’ve also taken some jui-​jitsu classes. I’m considering whether or not I should try an MMA class. Regardless, I feel like there are a lot of options before I ever get bored.
Since I had never practiced Krav Maga before joining the school, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I am now a level 3 student because of the great instruction and the availability of classes ranging from beginner to experienced, including weapons defenses and conditioning. Now, my daughter is asking me to enroll her in the kids classes so she could join her brother.
Place rating: 5
Northbrook, IL
When I signed up to take classes through Gotspot, I never expected to meet such amazing, kind and helpful instructors and students! The instructors really go out of their way to get you to do your best, and to teach you how to take your life into your own hands while having you push yourself to your personal limit in fitness. I have never taken a martial arts class, nor do I have a particularly athletic background when it comes to conditioning. I found everyone to be very open, instructive and good at building you up from the day you step in their doors. They are really strong, and they want you to be strong, too.
Thank you for offering such an important and amazing experience– see you at class again, tomorrow. :)
Place rating: 5
Vernon Hills, IL
KMI has become my home away from home. I joined because I needed something to break up the routine of the gym, which I was getting bored with. I had no idea that not only would I get into shape, I would also gain skills that I never thought were possible. I take to Krav Maga, Boxing, and MMA, though Boxing has become my main focus. I am now training to compete in the Golden Gloves in March ’11. I never had any confidence in myself or my abilities, and always stayed in my comfort zone, and this place changed it. The instructors are amazing, the environment is great, and whether you’re there to lose weight, gain confidence, learn new skills, or make new friends, you will get it all.
Place rating: 5
Glenview, IL
I have never actually written a review for anything before, but Krav Maga Illinois begs to be given a great review. I started Krav Maga just a few weeks ago and I can’t get enough of the training. The staff are extremely friendly and they do a great job of adjusting the class to meet the abilities of the participants. They’ll push you, but only because that’s what it’s going to take to improve your skills. The other participants are totally cool as well. I was worried I was going to get smacked around as the «new meat» but it was the exact opposite. This is truly an environment where people help each other out and work together, and there are students from all levels and age ranges. There was absolutely no pressure to join or buy anything– signing up was a very pleasant experience. As someone who has worked in gyms for many years I really appreciated this approach. All in all if you are even remotely interested in what Krav Maga Illinois offers, make an appointment with Heather and find out for yourself. You will be happy you did! PS– You don’t need to worry about any Karate Kid Cobra Kai dudes there– these trainers are the real deal.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Brand spankin new and such an awesome facility. They have everything to serve your martial arts/​fitness needs. The main level has a huge matted area with a handful of bags on a state of the art roller system that moves them out of the way. They have just about every pad imaginable. There is also a pretty sweet proshop there. You make your way upstairs and find a full size ring along with a ton of specialty bags and another matted area. The bathrooms are nicer than they have in most homes and the art work and pictures hanging are just awesome.
The only thing better than the facility is the level of training available. Sue and Larry have tons of experience and will show you the way, while maintaining the perfect environment to work hard and learn a ton. They will turn you into a lean, mean Krav Maga/​Boxing machine!