Baker's Dojo of Karate
About
Baker's Dojo of Karate in Chicago offers comprehensive training in both MMA and traditional karate disciplines. The gym is led by a team of experienced instructors including Grand Masters Stan McKinney and Preston Baker, who bring decades of expertise to their teaching. Co-Head of School Della McKinney and Sensei John Triplett round out the coaching staff, providing students with diverse perspectives and personalized attention. The facility maintains a structured yet supportive environment where students can develop their skills through systematic training programs.
Members consistently praise the gym's network of inter-school competitions, which provide valuable opportunities for students to test their abilities in real-world scenarios. Reviewers highlight the excellence of both the martial arts system and the instructional approach, noting that the combination creates an effective learning environment. The gym's emphasis on competition preparation alongside fundamental training appeals to students seeking both personal development and practical application of their skills. This balanced approach has earned the gym recognition for its comprehensive programming and dedicated coaching team.
With founder Preston Baker's extensive competition background of over 500 awards, the gym maintains a strong focus on technical excellence while fostering a community atmosphere. Students benefit from the accumulated wisdom of multiple grand masters while receiving hands-on guidance from all levels of instructors. The gym's dual discipline offering allows members to explore different aspects of martial arts within a single, cohesive training environment.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe the martial arts system and program as excellent, with particular praise for the instructors' expertise and teaching methods. Reviewers highlight the value of the gym's network of inter-school competitions, which provide students with opportunities to test their skills in practical settings. The overall training experience receives consistent positive feedback, with no significant concerns mentioned in available reviews.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (1)
Kevin Clay-El
6 years ago
Excellent martial art system, program, Instructors and network of inter-school competions for students to test their skills.
groupCoaches & Instructors
Stan McKinney
Grand Master / Head of School
Grand Master
Given authority to operate Baker's Dojo and Mt. Carmel Martial Arts Academy as one combined school under U.M.A.A. Governs the Shorei Goju Ryu and Kenpo Karate lineages.
Della McKinney
Co-Head of School
Wife of Grand Master Stan McKinney, jointly authorized to operate the combined school.
Preston Baker
Grand Master / Founder
Grand Master, over 500 competition awards
Founder of Baker's Dojo. Began training in 1965 under Grand Master James A. Jones Jr. Over 50 years of teaching. Promoted over 300 students to Black Belt.
John Triplett
Sensei
Sensei
Instructor listed for classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.