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Historical European & Filipino Martial Arts Classes in Illinois

13 of the 1,220 martial arts schools we track in Illinois have specialized historical and weapon-based martial arts instruction. Full listings for every city are on the Illinois page.

13schools
11cities
1,220schools statewide

This section lists academies offering specialized historical and weapon-based combat systems, including Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and Filipino Martial Arts (Kali, Escrima, Arnis). These programs teach practical self-defense and historical combat techniques using longswords, rapiers, rattan sticks, and blades. Before visiting, check whether the school focuses on historical reconstruction, modern sport sparring, or tactical self-defense.

Chicago 3

  1. 606 Karate & Self-Defense

    5307 S Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL 60615-5728

    12:00 pm-1:00 pm, 7:30 pm-8:00 pm

    Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondoMMA
    Call Website All Chicago

  2. Seigokan AIkido Chicago

    1856 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

    Karate / taekwondo
    Call Website All Chicago

  3. Wing Tsun Kwoon

    820 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610

    06:30pm to 08:00pm

    Free trial classKarate / taekwondo
    Call Website All Chicago

Barrington 1

  1. Barrington Tiger Academy

    762 W Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010-2640

    Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA
    Call Website All Barrington

Bolingbrook 1

  1. Sundo Martial Arts

    1343 Lily Cache Ln, Bolingbrook, IL 60490-4600

    Kids classesKarate / taekwondo
    Call Website All Bolingbrook

Downers Grove 1

  1. Amalgam Martial Academy

    923 Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL 60515-4852

    Kids classesKarate / taekwondo
    Call Website All Downers Grove

Elburn 1

  1. Midtown Martial Arts

    525 N Main St, Elburn, IL 60119-8146

    5pm–6pm

    Kids classes
    Call Website

Geneseo 1

  1. LaGrange Muay Thai

    633 N College Ave, Geneseo, IL 61254-1020

    Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo
    Call

Lake Barrington 1

  1. Akf Tiger Martial Arts

    28686 W Northwest Hwy, Lake Barrington, IL 60010-5942

    Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA
    Call Website All Lake Barrington

Lake Bluff 1

  1. Lake Forest Sword Academy

    421 W Washington Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044-1819

    sundays 12:00

    Call Website All Lake Bluff

Libertyville 1

  1. Northshore Academy of Martial Arts

    281 Peterson Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048-1005

    Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo
    Call Website All Libertyville

Metropolis 1

  1. Synergy Combat Arts

    3106 Old Marion Rd, Metropolis, IL 62960-2926

    Kids classesBJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo
    Call Website

Oak Park 1

  1. Oak Park Arnis

    111 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301-1363

    Kids classes
    Call Website All Oak Park
Gear Requirements: Most schools provide basic loaner equipment for introductory classes, but members must purchase their own protective armor and practice weapons within 30 to 60 days.

Also in Illinois

Good to know

How much do HEMA and Filipino Martial Arts classes cost?

Monthly membership dues in the US typically range between $100 and $180 for unlimited or bi-weekly group training. Introductory packages usually cost $50 to $100 for a 2- to 4-week trial that includes loaner sticks or synthetic swords.

Do I need to buy my own weapons and armor before joining?

No, beginners can use academy loaner gear for the first month of training. As you progress into partner sparring, you will need to purchase personal gear costing between $200 and $600, depending on whether you choose synthetic weapons or steel-rated protective suits.

Are these weapon-based programs suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, foundational courses focus on basic footwork, body mechanics, distance management, and weapon safety before introducing contact drills. Free sparring is optional and restricted to students who have acquired proper safety gear and passed basic skills assessments.

How to lose body fat percentage?

Reducing body fat percentage involves maintaining a moderate energy deficit while engaging in strength training and high-calorie combat sports. Regular practice in disciplines like MMA or Muay Thai builds lean tissue while driving down overall body fat. Users in Illinois can browse 13 verified martial arts academies offering structured weight management programs.

How to drain fluid from ear?

Draining fluid from an ear—often caused by trauma such as cauliflower ear in grappling—requires sterile medical aspiration using a syringe followed by a compression wrap. Performing this procedure at home without medical expertise carries a severe risk of infection and permanent cartilage deformity. Practicing martial artists in Illinois should consult qualified medical professionals or ask coaches at one of the 13 listed local academies for proper sports health protocols.