Japan Karate Association
About
This martial arts gym offers both MMA and karate training under the guidance of highly qualified instructors. Head instructor Margaret Lo, a 3rd Dan Black Belt with JKA licensing, and instructor Tom Fabian, who holds multiple black belts and JKA certification, provide authentic instruction rooted in traditional Shotokan karate while incorporating practical applications. The gym accommodates working professionals with convenient scheduling near downtown Chicago, making it accessible for those coming directly from work.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Margaret's exceptional teaching abilities, describing her as a top-tier instructor with deep knowledge of Shotokan karate history and its relationship to other martial arts. They appreciate her tailored coaching approach that adapts to individual student capabilities while maintaining rigorous attention to fundamentals. Reviewers highlight the challenging yet engaging classes that combine traditional technique with creative strength-building activities, resulting in comprehensive workouts. Many specifically mention the welcoming community atmosphere and Margaret's personal qualities as a generous, kind mentor who makes training both effective and enjoyable.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Helen Hauser
2 years ago
Want thighs of steel? Want to learn about karate history? Want to hang out with tough, smart people who know a lot about food? Then join this karate club! Margaret Sensei was my teacher for years and she's truly a top-tier teacher and person.
Will Midgley
2 years ago
Margaret is a caring and skilled teacher who deeply understands shotokan karate, its history and its relationship to other martial arts. Her classes are challenging and engaging.
Saahir Ganti-Agrawal
2 years ago
I have been training under Margaret for the past three and a half years, and doing karate for fifteen years in total. Margaret’s unique teaching style enables her students to master their karate technique while having fun with the variety of inventive activities that she creates to strengthen our martial arts abilities. Margaret is an incredible teacher and mentor, and she is one of the most generous and kind people I know. I could not recommend anyone more as a karate instructor!
Tony L
2 years ago
If you're looking for a JKA (Japan Karate Association) dojo close to downtown that accommodates the schedule of those coming from work, look no further. Margaret Sensei, the head instructor, covers basics rigorously, and provides thoughtful coaching that's tailored to the student's capability and experience.
Genia Kozorovitskiy
2 years ago
Sensei M is awesome beyond belief. Trained with her for many years, through 2nd dan black belt. Deep knowledge of martial arts history, weapons applications, and a hard-core workout. Awesome to see this great new studio in a superb location!
Contact
4011 N Ravenswood Ave Ste 101, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Margaret Lo
Instructor & Founder
3rd Dan Black Belt (JKA), Licensed Instructor
Began training in 1988. Taught at Princeton University (1995-2010) and Northwestern University. Founded JKA of Illinois. Hopes the dojo benefits its community.
Tom Fabian
Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt (JKA), 2nd Dan Black Belt (ITKF), JKA certified Instructor and Judge
Began training Shotokan Karate in 1992 at the University of Connecticut. Trained under Masataka Mori (9th dan), Hidetaka Nishiyama (10th dan), and Shu Takahashi (7th dan).