Kung Fu Schools in Illinois

From metropolitan Chicago to suburban Champaign and rural Plainfield, Illinois offers many exciting opportunities for students of the martial arts. Kung fu is thought to be the mother of all Asian martial arts. In Illinois there are many excellent schools offering training in modern and traditional variations on this revered Chinese fighting art.

  1. Chicago Wushu

    • What we know as kung fu is called wushu in China. Wushu, translated into English, essentially means, "martial arts." At Chicago Wushu, instruction is available in a variety of Chinese fighting arts, including traditional kung fu and contemporary wushu. Admission to the school is open to men and women of all skill levels as well as children aged five and up. The school emphasizes the martial code of "Wude," which essentially means building your character through applying yourself to mastering the physical demands of martial arts. In addition to kung fu and wushu, the school also offers instruction in tai chi, self-defense, and other Chinese styles. Free introductory courses are available.

      Chicago Wushu
      4405 N. Clark Street
      Chicago, IL 60640
      (773) 562-0473
      chicagowushu.com

    Super Kicks Kung Fu

    • Super Kicks Kung Fu is a martial arts academy located in Plainfield. The school was established in 2003 and since then has taught traditional Shaolin kung fu to adults and children. Super Kicks has an impressive roster of instructors who, in addition to Shaolin kung fu, are well versed in tae kwon do, Brazilian jiujitsu, and various other fighting styles. The school's philosophy is essentially that training in a well-rounded fighting style ultimately makes us more well-rounded as individuals. Super Kicks is open to students from age three upward.

      Super Kicks Kung Fu
      7170 Caton Farm Road
      Plainfield, IL 60586
      (815) 439-8510
      superkickskungfu.info

    Little Nine Heaven

    • Little Nine Heaven Internal Kung Fu and Tai Chi is a martial arts school in Chicago. The school offers instruction in traditional Shaolin and Taoist martial arts. Emphasis is placed on health and practical self-defense. Admission at the school is open to males and females above the age of 14. In addition to various forms of Shaolin kung fu, Little Nine Heaven also offers instruction in tai chi, meditation, and chi gong. Beginners are welcome to attend, however the school specializes in teaching new skills to those who have previously acquired martial arts technique.

      Little Nine Heaven Internal Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chicago
      2120 Sheridan Road
      Highland Park, IL 60035
      (847) 702-7581
      kungfupower.com

    Five Animals Kung Fu

    • Five Animals Kung Fu is a martial arts academy in the Champaign/Urbana area. The school offers instruction in Choy Lay Fut, a style of kung fu that is popular in mainland China for its devastating power and ability to fight off multiple attackers. Classes at Five Animals are held at the University YMCA and are open to adults only. In addition to Choy Lay Fut, the school also offers classes in tai chi.

      Five Animals School of Kung Fu
      University YMCA
      1001 S. Wright Street
      Champaign, IL 61820
      fiveanimalsclf.com