Thinking about trying karate? Come watch a practice! No commitment, no gear, no experience needed.
What to Expect
All Chicago Shotokan practices are open to visitors. You’re welcome to sit and watch a few practices to make sure our practice is a fit for what you are looking for. Practice is led by senior instructors with decades of experience, and every class blends basics, forms (kata), and partner work suited to a mix of experience levels, from total beginners to black belts.
You’ll be training alongside people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. Nobody is thrown into anything they’re not ready for — instructors and senior students pace partner drills to the person they’re working with.
What to Bring For Your First Practcie
- Comfortable workout clothes — a t-shirt and shorts or sweatpants work fine. You don’t need a uniform (gi) for your first few practices.
That’s it!
What It Costs
If you decide to join us, membership is $125/year through our nonprofit parent organization, Shotokan Karate of America. Chicago Shotokan instructors are all volunteers, which helps keep our costs low. You will also need a membership to the Bernard Horwich JCC, our practice location. See full cost details →
When to Come
We practice at the Bernard Horwich JCC, 3003 W. Touhy Avenue. See the full class schedule →. If you’re not sure which class makes the most sense for a first visit, just reach out below and we’ll point you to the best one.
Why People Stick With It
Traditional Shotokan karate builds real self-defense skill alongside physical fitness, mental focus, and self-confidence with a direct lineage back to Master Funakoshi, the father of modern karate. It’s a serious practice, but not sport karate, not MMA, and not full-contact. The goal is steady, lifelong improvement, not knockouts or trophies.
Ready to Come In?
Tell us you’re coming, or just show up. Either way, we’d love to meet you.
Have questions first? Check our Beginner FAQ → or email us directly at chicago@ska.org.