Viking Muay Thai
About
Viking Muay Thai in Chicago offers training in MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing under the guidance of a highly credentialed coaching team. Head coach Kale, a former WKA North American Champion and World Championships bronze medalist, leads a staff that includes experienced fighters, boxing specialists, and instructors with backgrounds in disciplines like Seido Karate. The gym provides a shop for equipment needs, creating a comprehensive training environment for martial arts enthusiasts.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise head coach Kale for his exceptional teaching abilities, personalized approach, and ability to adapt training to individual goals whether someone wants to compete professionally or simply learn self-defense. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere that makes beginners comfortable despite the potentially intimidating nature of combat gyms. Specific compliments include Kale's wealth of knowledge, encouraging teaching style, and the personal touches like follow-up texts and complimentary one-on-one sessions. Multiple reviewers mention that coaches are attentive to client needs and create a safe, supportive training environment for all skill levels.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Lisa Mucci
2 years ago
Kale is an outstanding coach! I came to him years ago wanting to fight, 3 years after that I already had 10 plus fights under my belt. He is great with beginners and fighters alike! I tend to be more shy and nervous when it comes to performing or any kind of sport. Kale is great at encouraging you to do your best whether you want to fight or are just there to learn something new. Additionally, he has a wealth of knowledge that helped me continue to grow throughout my Muay Thai career!
Ginny Cook
a year ago
I found a flyer for this gym at a coffee shop and randomly signed up for a drop in class. I received a personal follow up after the class, and then an offer for a gratis 1:1 session. This is unheard of in larger gyms! It was incredible! The personal touch of the text along with a truly generous offer for what was a 10/10 training session with Kale has me completely dedicated to returning. Kale is an incredible teacher and has a great energy, cannot recommend highly enough.
Brian Murphy
7 months ago
Kale (owner) is one of my favorite humans. I have trained with him for several years having started with boxing and expanding that to include some muay thai and other martial arts It can be intimidating to go to these gyms that are strictly geared towards training in any combat (as opposed to doing a group boxing class) but Kale just brings you in and finds a way to get you to connect with and love the art of fighting and training He himself has experience at all levels of muay thai fighting yet, irrespective of where you are and where you want to go, he is so attuned to his clients and their needs that he can adapt and provide a training path that is impactful yet not overwhelming. Whether you want to become a pro fighter or, like me, you’re a professional looking for a good workout (and some key nuggets for fighting)...Kale will prove exceptional in fulfilling your goals
Tom Wendt
a year ago
Learning how to fight and defend myself is always something I’ve wanted to do, and Kale does an excellent job starting with the fundamental basics and making me feel like progress has been made after every session. He’s very knowledgeable on the techniques needed to become a great fighter! I’ve only done 1:1 sessions with him and he’s a very personable teacher and always provides great conversation while we train. For anyone looking to get started or even train at an advanced level, Kale is a great teacher and I’d recommend him to anyone!
Christina
a year ago
Rarely have I come across a gym with coaches that are so welcoming and thoughtful to each of their members. Kale, alongside his team, bring a solid foundation of Muay Thai knowledge and concepts to integrate into your style of fighting. Whether you're looking to compete or learn self defense, Viking Muay Thai covers all your bases for the most effective and efficient! Thank you for making this place a safe haven for me as well as others, and for all the hard work you put in for us! Much love! Christina-
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
5645 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Kale
Head Coach / Kru
2011 WKA North American Muay Thai Champion, 2011 WKA World Championships Bronze Medalist, NASM CPT, EXOS Physical Therapy Level 1, TRX Certified, RKC Kettlebell Trainer
Over 15 years experience instructing and competing in Muay Thai, kickboxing, boxing, and wrestling. Trained and competed in the US, Europe, Australia, and Thailand.
Christian
Coach
Training and competing in Muay Thai since 2015 under Kru Kale. Brings a philosophical approach to lessons, connecting martial arts to life expression.
Hadley
Coach / Fighter
Training in Muay Thai since 2018, fights with the Viking fight team. Has trained in the US, UK, and Thailand. Assists in teaching introductory and self-defense classes.
Jason
Boxing Instructor
Training in Boxing, Muay Thai, & MMA since 2009. Previously a Boxing Instructor at Northside Boxing Gym and Iron Jiu Jitsu.
Grant
Coach / Kids Instructor
Black belt in Seido Karate
Cross-trained in multiple styles for 25+ years (Karate, Muay Thai, etc.). Instructs students from ages 2-72. Founded Queer Kickboxing & MMA Club in collaboration with VKMT.
Rosario Aybar
Coach
Passionate martial artist with a foundation in kickboxing, Taekwondo, and Hapkido. Dedicated to Muay Thai as a competitor and coach since 2008, training and teaching internationally.
Isaiah
Coach / Fighter
28 amateur fights
Started with Krav Maga, transitioned to Muay Thai. Competes with the gym's fight team and focuses on strength, conditioning, and mobility.