Krav Maga Force

The women’s self defense workshops are awesome. They really prioritize conditioning, so be prepared to move and work for 90 minutes straight. There is plenty of instruction, but no sitting around and watching (which is awesome– you get your money’s worth).
The training is very practical. You learn how to fight effectively by performing drills that mimic real-​world threats.
The instructors are usually cops and former military members. They give helpful feedback and are very attentive and motivating.

For years I’ve secretly wanted to try Krav Maga. Maybe I kept it low key because I didn’t want to appear so aggressive? I dunno what my reasoning to keep it under wraps was, but I’m so glad I tried Krav Maga here at Krav Maga Force!
I tried KMF because my colleague comes here ALL DA TIME! When he first told me he was going to start Krav Maga, I was super jealous. After a few months of him trying to convince me to go with him to check it out, I finally did around in June of 2015. KMF let’s you try out a class for free, so this was my chance!
Both Tony and Michelle taught the class I tried out. They totally kicked my ass (almost literally). The cardio portion was killer, but the combatives they teach you are rough. I had good inspiration to want to punch and kick and beat someone’s ass because at that time my boyfriend had just broken up with me: p
As much as I wanted to continue taking a few classes here and there, money was super tight, plus I had so much on my plate after that. But Tony and Michelle didn’t forget about me.
Fast forward to this past weekend. I finally signed up to take one of the Women’s Workshops. The course was anti-​kidnapping. What a FANTASTIC class! Again, Tony and Michelle taught the course together and what great techniques they show you. They really are genuine people, they WANT you to protect yourself and are super passionate to pass along their knowledge. Sure you get a little rough, but it wouldn’t be true self defense without getting roughed up.
Tony and Michelle are really cool. Really knowledgeable and also caring. Top notch people!
For all my ladies out there, this is THE place to learn self defense techniques. I couldn’t recommend this place more.

This is the absolute BEST place to learn the BEST forms of self defense. I’ve trained/​dabbled in a few different martial arts but this is where I am going to stay, because for me, I want a system that provides me with discipline, fitness, and real life practicality. As others have mentioned, the instructors are not only extremely well versed in Krav Maga, DNA, etc, but also share a wealth of street knowledge and real life combative wisdom from their many years as police officers. This completes the package and will set you at ease knowing that you will be the most prepared for anything. By the way, you will also be in the best shape of your life! Finally, if you have any apprehension about the environment, it couldn’t be more comfortable and ‘new-​comer’ friendly. Even if you are out of shape and know nothing about martial arts, they will take you from wherever you are, and I guarantee you will be surprised at how quickly you feel stronger, more confident, and twice as prepared as you were yesterday.

Loved this place. Was in town visiting my sister and went with her to check it out. She was looking to get back into shape after having a kid but was also looking for a place that taught self-​defense techniques. It was a full class but the instructor made us feel like she was giving us a private session. She started everyone out with a challenging interval circuit but at no time did we feel rushed. The second half of the class focused on techniques and combination drills, and she went around the room giving everyone feedback, tips, and encouragement. The place also had a community feel to it, which I don’t think is that common. Throughout and at the end of the class, the other students were quick to introduce themselves and were very welcoming. It was great. My sister decided to join and I would’ve if I lived in Chicago. Highly recommend!

If you want to learn self-​defense and be confident that you can protect yourself on the streets, I’d say that Krav Maga Force is one of your best choices for it. I came from a Chinese martial arts background and I came here looking to make my basics sharp and effective for self-​defense applications. The martial art krav maga is simple, effective, and brutal, plus it has the right philosophy you will need for the streets. It’s great for beginners too as compared to other martial arts you will be effective with it sooner.
KMF also teaches a number of other arts that blend well with krav such as DNA (seen in the Batman movies — this is the only place in Chicago you can learn it), boxing, and judo. The boxing here is a true hidden gem as it incorporates principles of wing chun and kali.
With regards to instruction, what I like about KMF is that the teachers are all police officers. Here you are being taught by people with significant experience using the material in real life situations. They know their stuff and they will make sure you will be effective using the techniques they teach. They also teach other important things related to self-​defense such as situational awareness, criminal mindsets, issues you find on the street, etc. that you won’t get in a more traditional martial arts setting. It’s hard to find better self-​defense instruction elsewhere. Lastly the workout here is as hard as you’ll find at pure fitness gyms.
In comparison to other martial arts places, if your goal is something other than self-​defense, say MMA, groundwork, kickboxing, boxing for the ring, sophisticated fighting strategies for fighting other martial artists, other choices in Chicago are better. But if you want to learn self-​defense then come here.

This place is incredible. The instructors know their stuff, and are really helpful, no matter what level you start at. I started going here with no martial arts experience of any kind, and they have helped me develop some great self defence skills. It is intense, it is comprehensive, and if you are serious about self defence then this is the place for you.

My son used to go here for kids self-​defense course. Erin, one of the instructors was amazing, she was very patient with him and adapted program to suit 6 years old child. We were all very sad that the program had to be discontinued (due to low interest) but if they run it again, we will surely sign him up. Keep great work KMF.

I had an amazing class with Cedric today! He teaches the boxing class on saturdays. I have been taking boxing classes for a while but they do not compare to Cedric’s teaching methods. He works one on one with each student to teach both the technique and the reasoning behind each movement. He doesn’t just teach one combination and move on, he teaches you the technique and keeps working with you till you get it right. The class was really fun, a lot of hard work and so beneficial for learning the fundimentals. I will be taking this class every Saturday from now on. His co-​teacher, Rick, is also there to work with you one on one to perfect your moves and give you advice on how to perform at your best. This class is perfect for beginners and long time boxers. I would recommend it to anyone!

People say invest in your health; you should. You often will get a gym membership, go a few times a week, some stick with it, some don’t; you have to deal with the people hogging the weights or the rush hour crowd that makes for a miserable experience. Thinking that is the only way to get healthy is a mistake. Joining Krav Maga force was the BEST choice I’ve made in years when it came to my health. When I started in May, I had a bit of a gut. Almost three months later, my stomach is almost flat, I am the strongest I have ever been, and the skills I learn to defend myself if I am ever in a bad situation has increased my confidence like never before. The classes are amazing! They are tough; this is no cake walk. However, the positivity and intense atmosphere pushes you to do better. You will get hooked!

Awesome place to train! Tony & the rest of the instructors are amazing & knowledgeable plus the workouts are challenging but doable. I’ve been training there for a little less than 2 months & I highly recommend this place, one of the best combat training studios in Chicago.

Tony Cianflone and staff @ KMF breaks down physical technique along with mental awareness. Their LEO (LAw Enforcement Only) classes are hardcore but necessary, officers lives depend on it! Their civilian classes promotes self awareness and situation awareness, provided with development of technique and physical ability to deal with any situation from single to multiple aggressors.
It’s also a GREAT WORKOUT! See You There!