Tohkon Dojo
About
Tohkon Dojo offers training in mixed martial arts and judo, supported by a deep bench of experienced instructors. The coaching staff includes multiple Veterans World Champions like Head Instructor Douglas Tono, Nikolai Styrov, and Peter Babjak, alongside other credentialed coaches such as All-Japan National Champion Megumi Ishikawa and National Referees Kevin Pittman and Travis Yamanaka. Specialized programs include women's classes led by Susan Kim, Ph.D. and Caryn Tono, plus junior development instruction. The facility also features a merch shop for training gear and apparel.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptional coaching expertise and technical ability of both instructors and students. They highlight the welcoming, respectful atmosphere that makes visitors and beginners feel immediately included. Specific compliments mention Sensei Doug's professionalism and knowledge, the patience of all instructors, and the strong sense of tradition and community. Reviewers describe outstanding training sessions with great rounds of newaza and tachiwaza, noting it as one of the best martial arts experiences they have had.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Marius Pintilii
a year ago
A fantastic club where honor , respect and hard work is greatly value ! The best judo club in town and in our country !
Caleb Garbuio
a year ago
I visited Tohkon Dojo 3/3/2025 and 3/4/2025. I had an amazing experience! The expertise of the coaching and technical ability of the students was phenomenal! Thanks for letting me train with you all!
Andy Bosiljevac
2 years ago
I was traveling from out of town and dropped in - everyone was very welcoming, and the practice had a lot of great rounds of newaza and tachiwaza... Such a great school. Thank you!
Chris Shin
5 months ago
Tohkon Judo Academy is truly special. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the sense of respect, discipline, and tradition that defines the dojo. Sensei Doug is incredibly welcoming, professional, and deeply knowledgeable, the kind of instructor who not only teaches judo techniques but also instills the values and spirit behind the art. His passion for judo and for his students is evident in every class. The other instructors are equally amazing: patient, skilled, and always willing to help students at every level improve. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced judoka, you’ll find an environment that pushes you to grow while making you feel like part of a community. The respect, tradition, and camaraderie that fill the dojo make it one of the best martial arts experiences I’ve ever had.
Camila Fadragas
a year ago
It's an outstanding place to learn judo and enjoy the richness of martial arts. It's truly a wonderful location to train.
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
Tohkon Judo Academy, 5409 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Douglas Tono
Head Instructor
Veterans World Champion
President & Head Instructor, Veterans World Champion, CJBBA Promotion Chair
Nikolai Styrov
Instructor
Veterans World Champion
Instructor, Veterans World Champion
Peter Babjak
Instructor
Veterans World Champion
Instructor, Veterans World Champion
Megumi Ishikawa
Instructor
All-Japan National Champion
Instructor, All-Japan National Champion
Bob Andrews
Instructor
CJBBA Promotion Board
Instructor, CJBBA Promotion Board
Felix Lanier
Instructor
Vice President, Instructor
Susan Kim, Ph.D
Women’s Class Instructor
Women’s Class Instructor
Frank Convery
Instructor
Instructor
Gigi Selagea
Junior Development Instructor
Junior Development Instructor
Fernando Saz
Instructor
Instructor
Kevin Pittman
Junior Development Instructor
National Referee
Junior Development Instructor, National Referee
Sandra Hauptmann
Instructor
Instructor
Travis Yamanaka
Instructor
National Referee
Instructor, National Referee
Chris Jackson
Instructor
Instructor
Omar Marquez
Instructor
Instructor
Shingo Uto
Junior Development Instructor
Junior Development Instructor
David Becker
Instructor
Instructor
Rachel Arndt
Instructor
Instructor
Douglas Skites
Instructor
Instructor
Salvador Cerna
Junior Development Instructor
Junior Development Instructor
Tony Zemlinski
Junior Development Instructor
Junior Development Instructor
Daisuke Hirata
Junior Development Instructor
Junior Development Instructor
John Hamamoto
Junior Development Instructor
Junior Development Instructor
Caryn Tono
Women’s Class Instructor
Women’s Class Instructor
Victor Perez
Instructor
Instructor
Brian Kent
Instructor
Instructor
CJ Otto
Instructor
Instructor
Jeff Latshaw
Instructor
Instructor