Titan Gym

Over the years I joined and eventually left various gyms after a couple months — mainly because I would get bored with the same routine and then eventually slide back into sloth. I found Titan Gym back in December 2015 and have not looked back. This place is different.
Krav Maga classes initially called me here — I wanted to learn something fun, challenging and self defense oriented while burning calories. In each class you will learn and apply new self defense techniques. You will get conditioned. You will have fun. It’s the fastest hour of my day.
And while Krav Maga was the calling card, I have also taken a marked interest in the Yoga classes — Vinyasa Flow, Sculpt and Bando. They have been a tremendous asset for I find that yoga is a great compliment to martial arts training; a yin-​yang relationship.
All of the instructors share a common interest: The success of every student. I have learned so much in a short period of time (thank you Ivo and Daniel). What I find further compelling is that the instructors and students alike share the same mindset — come in and perform the best you can. Support and build each other up. The competition resides within yourself. There are no self-​absorbed, narcissistic attitudes present.
Five months in and I have seen results; Better conditioned, increased confidence and serenity, new friends and prepared to defend myself as needed. Fitness is a journey. Let Titan Gym be your path toward transformation.

I am visiting from Seattle and decided to take some classes during the time I’m here. An amazingly friendly and knowledgable staff made me feel welcomed and met me where I was. As a beginner, I learned so much from the instructors, but also benefitted from the environment the instructors create: respectful, safe, and a place where we are all learning. I didn’t feel nervous or felt like anyone was judging me for needing extra help or going a little slower. Supportive and welcoming environments are so hard to find, especially if you (like me) are a bit on the self conscious or nervous side. Try it – I promise you’ll come back. I am definitely coming back every time I am in town.

After almost two years, I guess it’s time to come out of Unilocal retirement. I figure Titan would be a good place to start down the comeback trail.
My fitness goals have definitely changed over the years. In my twenties I wanted to be ripped, have a six pack, and basically be the embodiment of physical perfection. However, now entering my late thirties, I pretty much want to be able to drink beer without getting fat.
Titan Gym has assisted me in exceeding my less then lofty fitness goal and helped me start to feel like an athlete again.
I first start taking Krav Maga classes back in January. Krav Maga is a method of self defense that combines aspects of boxing, wrestling, and several other martial art forms. The focus is on being able to survive dangerous situations one might encounter in everyday life. I already had a wrestling background and I thought Krav sounded like a fun way to expand my combat skill set and maybe lose a couple pounds in the process. Being only a few block from my house was a huge plus as well. It’s harder to make excuses not to go to the gym, when it’s so close.
One of the best things about Titan is that no two classes are alike. I worked out for years in traditional gyms, only to get burned out running in place on treadmills and constantly trying switch my lifting routine to keep it fresh. At Titan Ivo the head instructor (who was an extensive and impressive martial arts background by the way) always keeps the classes engaging and interesting. Also, Krav Maga (and the other classes for that matter) are outstanding cardio workouts. You will get sweaty and be required to push yourself.
You have probably ascertained by now that Titan Gym provides an excellent workout, but what about the social aspect? Lets be honest, walking into a new gym for the first time can be very intimidating. I didn’t find my first time at Titan to be intimidating in the least. Everyone, both student and staff are very friendly. There are all sorts of people with varying levels of skill and body types, so all will feel welcome. It doesn’t take long to learn most everyone’s name or for them you learn yours. It’s like the Cheers of Martial Arts Gyms, so come check it out.

When I went for my first class at Titan I really didn’t know what to expect. I pretty much had no experience whatsoever with any form of martial arts and was worried I’d gotten myself in over my head. When I first met Ivo Boykov, it was clear right away that he was a super welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable instructor that promotes a lot of flexibility in his classes. He meets every individual member where they are in their own journey, both emphasizing progress and encouraging further development, while also maintaining the cohesiveness of group as a whole. Because Ivo is able strike such a balance between promoting individual development and establishing this friendly environment of collaboration and support among the other members (who are also a super friendly bunch), each class is an absolute blast. It’s hard work, but it’s also a ton of fun.

If there was an option for 10 stars, that’s what Titan Gym would get-​because it’s that AWESOME! Daniela will make you feel like you’re home, and the training you get is nothing short of amazing. I used to dread going to the gym, but now that I go to Titan, I can’t wait for class! The adrenaline rush you get is phenomenal.
Two thumbs up to Daniela and Ivo, and thanks for changing my lifestyle in the best way possible!

Titan Gym has exceeded all expectations I had for a gym of it’s kind. Daniela will make you feel welcome from the very first email correspondence to every time you walk in the gym. And Ivo is not only a master at what he does but also a rare individual gifted at teaching those skills to complete beginners like myself. They have created an incredibly friendly atmosphere with some of the nicest members around. Coming from a guy who didn’t even know how to throw a punch, Every class Ivo gives me pointers that improve my fighting but also everyone I partner with is so helpful and encouraging. A nice byproduct to learning self defense — a few classes per week and I’m in the best shape of my life.

This place truly takes the time to learn about you on a personal level. They monitor your growth and cheer you on on your progress. I love this place. They make the entire experience fun!

Amazing people. Hands-​down the most welcoming gym of it’s kind, anywhere. The membership works hard and also takes care of one another. Ultra convenient location, clean and bright space, friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere; ultimately, Titan Gym has a member-​for-​life in me for all of the above reasons and also for having the highest quality self-​defense training in Chicago. I would recommend this place for million reasons, but you should see for yourself. This place is the best.

This gym is da bomb. If you’re a serious fitness nut, or you’re just looking to learn some new skills, Titan gym is great for anyone. The classes are so fun that I don’t even realize I’m working out. The gym is like a big olé family and the owners are the best! I would highly recommend anyone looking to learn self defense, or just a kick ass work out, to try Titan gym because you won’t be sorry.

This gym is fantastic. If you want a local, non-​corporate and a non-​bs-​y feel with trainers and instructors who genuinely care about your progress and know your name, this is the place for you. I frequent this gym because it works me hard and their knowledge didn’t come from a YouTube video or short seminar on how to teach saps. They know their styles because they live their styles, whether it’s boxing, yoga, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, or any other form they offer. Try it once and you’ll be hooked, because I’ve been there, nameless and invisible in a place too caught up in selling me something to actually help me. Don’t be there, be here.

I usually don’t write a review about a gym, as I feel that any type of fitness facility can be highly subjective and based on one’s unique goals. That being said, Titan Gym is NOT YOUR TYPICAL GYM. Where a lot of today’s «gyms» are glorified spas or coffee bars with equipment, Titan Gym is all about building skills, building self-​confidence and building lasting relationships.
From the first time I stepped foot into the facility, I was greeted by a polite, barefoot, gentleman (Ivo Boykov) who was as welcoming to me on my first day as he was to others who have spent years studying under him. Ivo’s friendly demeanor, combined with his genuine (and apparent) love for teaching, is infectious and made me want to learn more than just Krav Maga.
After several sessions, I found myself staying around for the other classes he offered as well. What started as a simple one hour a day, three day a week, fitness activity, quickly morphed into a now crucial part of my daily routine. The Titan Gym experience extends far beyond Krav Maga, it encompasses other forms of martial arts and general fitness, that can be easily applied to any real-​world situation.
It is not just Ivo (and Daniela too) who add legitimacy to Titan Gym, it is all of the instructors who bring their unique skill sets and personalities to create an environment that allows us to sweat (and sweat you will), but also allows us to feel safe. The whole ‘core group’ of gym members are a good lot of people who are helpful and really add to making each class meaningful.
If you want to sip a smoothie and «work out» on a treadmill for an hour; go somewhere else. However, if you want to learn real-​world self-​defense skills, get a serious sweat going, and meet great people who might positively change your life; then welcome to Titan Gym.

So happy I found Titan. It’s super close to my apartment (proximity is everything) and the instructors are awesome. Took my first Krav Maga class there on Sunday and I can’t wait to go back. I’ve only taken one Krav Maga class before and it was a long time ago, but Ivo and Ana are really patient. They take the time to explain everything and make sure you’re executing all the moves correctly to ensure maximum impact while also making sure you don’t hurt yourself in the process. The class is intense, but also a lot of fun. I think I’ve found my new happy place!

Let me start by giving you my background. I was a high school wrestler, a very good high school wrestler but like many people when I left high school I did nothing (physically). I partied, moved, made new friends, got married, etc. Oh yea I also got fat and out of shape. In all honesty I had settled on the idea that aside from my athletic background that once you get into a professional career that being in shape etc was supposed to take a back seat. Then, through a friend I was introduced to krav.
At first I was skeptical, as a wrestler I had previously been interested in muay Thai, bjj, etc. The problem for me is that when you pursue those arts, not for all but for most you are doing it to say you do it. There is no real practical application. Anyways. I went to my first class at titan gym and to be honest I was afraid — not of pain or getting hurt, that I could deal with. I was afraid of hurting my pride. For a long time I had rested on my laurels and the idea that I was in shape –even though I clearly wasn’t. My first class with Ivo — I thought I was going to die. It wasn’t that intense but it was more than I had done in over a decade, but you know what — leaving that hour long class I had never felt better. I felt invincible, even though I barely made it the feeling of accomplishment was incredible. I went back the next day. And the next day and I have now been going for at least 3 days every week. I can honestly say that it is my single favorite part of every single day (aside from seeing my wife — obviously ;) Ivo, the owner was born to do this. He is an incredible teacher with incredible patience and a knack for knowing how to relate.
If you are on the fence about this at all I urge to come to one class. It is life changing. The work that Ivo and Daniela are doing is nothing short of incredible. I will go as long as they will have me and I will forever owe them a debt of gratitude. Thanks for doing what you do!

Here are a couple of things:
The head instructor/​founder: I’ve been studying Krav Maga at a different school for a couple of years and Ivo Boykov was one of my instructors. He has a lot of background in martial arts and is always trying to create fun and challenging atmosphere at the classes. He is really passionate about teaching and can explain anything the way that it will be super easy to understand.
The classes: Besides learning a lot about self defense students also have an awesome workout during classes. Everyone (all instructors and students) are always supportive which makes you work even harder than you think you can. I started out as a student and ended up becoming an instructor.
The school: The school facility is in a great location and offers lots of free parking. They have great adult and kids programs that are worth trying.