CHICAGO dojo
The Chicago Dojo made its debut in early 2017 in the heart of the Roscoe Village Neighborhood. Since then, it has flourished into a thriving dojo where residents from all over the Windy City come to practice.
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Have you experienced the FMA Chicago Dojo? Give us your feedback!
Mary Howard Wood
20:38 05 Mar 25
I feel so lucky that we ended up trying this place out of all the options in Chicago. When my son told me he wanted to try karate, we signed up for a trial class at Fonseca and I knew within the first ten minutes we had stumbled upon a special place. My son was having a blast while learning an amazing new skill. Sensei Gerson Guillen and Sensei Shaza are wonderful. They make the children feel so welcome and give them such confidence in their abilities. They have the perfect blend of playfulness and fun and yet can command the room in the most amazing way in order to teach the lesson along with skills of respectfulness and cooperation. It is a sight to behold to watch them interact with the kids… they really know what they are doing and the children adore them and respect them. Your child will have fun, build confidence, learn discipline, make friends, and learn a wonderful new skill. I cannot recommend this place enough!
Leslie Cervantes McGreevy
23:00 20 Feb 25
My 4- and 6-year-olds love their karate classes at this dojo! Both Sensei Gerson and Sensei Shaza are patient and great with kids, making it fun while teaching discipline and focus. The facility is clean and welcoming, perfect for young beginners. Highly recommend for any parent looking to get their little ones into martial arts!
Tyla Pham
22:09 20 Feb 25
Our experience with Fonseca Martial Arts has been nothing short of amazing! Our son absolutely loves attending the school, and we’ve seen such positive growth in him since he started. Sensei Gerson Guillen and Sensei Shaza are incredible with the children. They truly care about their students and foster a welcoming, respectful, and fun environment. We’re so grateful to have found such a wonderful place for him to learn and grow!
Gregg Katsoudas
16:54 26 Jan 25
Both our kids (5 and 7) have been at Fonseca for over a year now and they enjoy it more and more each week. The staff is great and make every session fun. We have been so impressed with everything they do and feel very lucky to be a part of their community.
Zack Christensen
00:13 15 Jan 25
My two kids — 7 and 5 — have been taking karate at FMA for the past 18 months. It’s been a great experience for the kids. They were novices when starting and have progressed well. Both kids really enjoy their weekly class. The senseis are great with the kids and personable. The dojo is well-run. Highly recommend FMA.
Brady Higa
15:50 12 Jan 25
Fonseca is a great martial arts school for kids hoping to get into karate. Gerson is a fantastic instructor who knows how to get kids involved and confident no matter how shy they are feeling. We've taking our daughter here for six months and she loves it. We even did her birthday party at the dojo and all the other kids were raving about how cool it was. Hard to beat letting a kid cut a cake with a samurai sword. If you're looking for a karate school, this is the one.
Anne Stey
15:45 12 Jan 25
Great class, Sensei Gerson is amazing with kids and can bring even the most shy and youngest kiddo. This has been a great way for our kiddo to learn to control her aggression and strength. The stickers and belt changes are a reward system that keep them moving and making progress.
Marina Miloshevski
00:03 12 Dec 24
We have been part of Fonseca Martial Arts-Roscoe Village Dojo for over a year now. My son enjoys the classes. If you want patient and knowledgeable instructors, this is the place for you!! Sensei Gerson and Sensei Shaza are truly dedicated instructors and amazing competitors!!!
Garima Sharma
22:10 11 Dec 24
A fantastic place for kids to learn Karate! The instructors are incredibly friendly and create a welcoming environment that helps kids adjust quickly. Kids are always excited to attend class every week—it’s a highlight of their routine!
David Meyerson
15:05 07 Dec 24
My kids love it here. Instructors are super engaging and awesome with the kids. Great watching my kids be active and learn important life skills.
Anna Karina Naranjo Zurita
21:48 28 Oct 24
The best place to learn karate, treats children very well and my son is happy to come every week
Sofoklis Nikiforos
16:23 13 Oct 24
Sensei Guillen took over to lead Roscoe Fonseca since late spring 2024. He is a great leader and teaches my son in little dragons. He teaches skills, challenges the kids to work, listen and learn. I really think my son has improved in dojo duels thanks to weekly lessons. Guillen has a great balance of teaching, patience, resilience and fun.
I recommend Fonseca Roscoe and look forward to my sons next chapter in beginner karate!
I recommend Fonseca Roscoe and look forward to my sons next chapter in beginner karate!
Jessica Strang
01:13 03 Oct 24
My daughter joined this dojo a few years ago and four years later, we continue to be impressed with what she takes away from every class. Confidence, self improvement and character building are just a few of the valuable areas that stressed here. And karate! Fonseca has the best instructors- every location is amazing. Take a class and you or your child will not regret it!
Jakob Stein
00:14 02 Oct 24
Awesome dojo and great community! Classes start at 3 years old and it's our toddler's favorite activity!
Carrie Gildin
23:24 01 Oct 24
Our son has a great time at Fonseca and it’s been a valuable experience. Highly recommend Sensei Gerson and Sensei Shaza!
Ron Liberman
21:32 27 Sep 24
Instructors are great. Easy to communicate and book classes. My son has really enjoyed it. Great balance of exercise, technique and fun.
Max Bromberg
22:48 24 Sep 24
I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca. My kids have been coming here for almost a year now and they love it almost as much as I do! They have learned respect and discipline and are learning to control their bodies in a super fun way. I’d specifically note that Sensei Gerson and Sensei Shaza are not only incredible instructors but also such wonderful and genuine people. They care so much about their students and families and I will always be telling people about them and Fonseca as a whole.
Karate is a great way for young kids to learn to move their bodies in a safe way and if you’re looking for a school where the teachers care about your kids as much as you do, Fonseca is the place! Oh! And they also do adult classes so definitely check them out!
Karate is a great way for young kids to learn to move their bodies in a safe way and if you’re looking for a school where the teachers care about your kids as much as you do, Fonseca is the place! Oh! And they also do adult classes so definitely check them out!
Seth & Meagan Duncan
14:17 21 Sep 24
We have really enjoyed our experience at Fonseca Martial Arts! Each sensei is so patient and helpful. As parents, we love the message and learning that karate teaches. Our child enjoys going to practice, earning new belts, and participating in competitions. Fonseca makes it fun and competitive for all ages! Highly recommend!
Hope Gomez-Peck
15:23 20 Sep 24
Great instructors (sensei)! My child is always improving self- control, listening, and discipline in a fun and motivated environment!
Scott Smithberger
18:21 14 Sep 24
Yadira Yacab
22:15 11 Sep 24
Jerome Pickett
20:57 11 Sep 24
Such a great experience for my little guy. He has learned a lot in a short amount of time, and I’m excited to join him int he martial arts journey when he is a little older. Thank you Sensei Gerson and Sensei Shaza!!
Kristina Ahern
22:25 02 Aug 24
My daughter is loving karate at the Roscoe village location! The sensei’s are so patient with the kids. They are encouraging and know how to speak to kids, in tern the kids listen well and learn so much, quickly. I recommend Fonseca to all my kids friends’ parents.
Mike N.
23:56 25 Jul 24
Fonseca Martial Arts in Roscoe Village is terrific. The program offer several classes throughout the week, making it easy to find classes to fit one’s schedule. The facility is fairly small but it is kept clean and orderly. Our toddler only started this year and he is already exhibiting learned skills, including martial arts technique, discipline, listening, and self-control. The senseis are incredibly kind, attentive, and patient. We are grateful for Fonseca and look forward to many years of instruction.
Nada Litwin
00:24 19 Jun 24
Nuttapol PhosThai
22:20 17 Jun 24
Very nice place
Paulina Vazquez
01:28 17 Jun 24
I am so grateful to have found this place! I am the mother of a child with autism💙, and even though it took my son a few sessions to integrate into the class, the senseis (teachers) were always attentive and motivating my son to participate in the class and that day arrived when my son I feel safe being part of the group! That security was thanks to the senseis, the healthy and pleasant atmosphere of the place, the respect that exists between their colleagues and the senseis, the professionalism with which they teach the classes. These classes are excellent for my son because they teach him discipline, to take turns, help him with the coordination and strength that his body needs, to have confidence in himself and they teach him to be brave🤎🙏. It is important to mention that all senseis are bilingual😃.
Aaron Z.
16:51 16 Jun 24
Spectacular classes for all ages! Instructors are fabulous. Classes are also different week-to-week, so kids remain interested.
Valeriya Kravtsova
21:32 06 Jun 24
Wonderful experience. My daughter can’t wait to come every week and we now even come multiple times a week! The teachers are fantastic and we have had a great experience with every instructor. Highly recommend this program for kids, not just for karate but respect and listening skills. Will be going for many months and hopefully years to come!
Kerry Paquette
21:57 02 May 24
We love the Roscoe Village Dojo, especially Sensei Guillen and Shaza! They do a great job both teaching a kids and having a little fun. The kids love it and the parents get the benefit of exercise, focus and self control coaching for the kids.
Rachel Salazar
21:24 30 Apr 24
Our son just LOVES Karate and looks forward to it each week. Sensai is so great with the kids!
Evelia Zavala
15:50 20 Apr 24
Melissa Mamuri
15:14 20 Apr 24
My 7 year old and 5 year old sons have attended this dojo for the past few years and we’ve been very happy with the teachers and staff. They truly care about the kids and not only teach them self-defense skills, fitness and coordination, but discipline and self-confidence as well. They are also much better at dealing with children and meeting them at their current level - we tried another dojo before finding Fonseca and they were way too intense/intimidating for kids. Would love it if they added BJJ classes to the Roscoe Village location!
Maria Borisova
22:26 14 Mar 24
My son is coming here for a few months. He absolutely loves it. All the teachers (senseis) are very professional and make the classes fun and engaging. Highly recommend!
Gabe Villarreal
17:39 25 Jul 23
Great karate dojo with excellent instruction. My child has been going here for approximately 3 years. Over that time, I have seen her gain more confidence and mature as a person. The technique taught here has allowed my child to understand the training and continue to grow in her karate journey. She loves attending classes, private lessons and competing. This is a great place for any age and ability. Love this dojo!
Amanda Zenger
01:57 05 Jun 23
My son has been going to Fonseca Roscoe Village for 2 years, and we’ve had a fantastic experience. Sensei Nolys instills good values, hard work and discipline in the kids, but he does so with a sense of humor and approachability that is rare in this field. I’ve seen my son grow so much in his confidence and ability over the past 2 years, thanks in large part to his training at Fonseca.
We just had a kids party at the dojo and it was the most fun party my kids have ever been to - I would highly recommend a party here for kids to actually be able to play together.
We just had a kids party at the dojo and it was the most fun party my kids have ever been to - I would highly recommend a party here for kids to actually be able to play together.
Danielle Capilla
17:44 22 May 23
Fonseca is a treasure- my son really enjoys his classes and truly loves going to class. He had his sixth birthday party at Fonseca so he could show all his friends how much he loves the dojo. Karate has been a really positive experience, building his self control and sense of accomplishment.
Fernando Lima
16:34 17 May 23
This is an outstanding place for karate training. For nearly two years now, my son and I have been participating in the classes here. We're both close to achieving our green belts. Sensei Nollys does an excellent job at engaging the children, ensuring the sessions are enjoyable yet retaining a sense of seriousness when the moment calls for focused work.
Lia Berman
16:25 24 Apr 23
Fonseca Martial Arts is FANTASTIC! At the suggestion of a friend we decided to try Martial Arts as a way to find some focus and self control in our kiddo, and couldn't be happier. In just a few short months my kid has become more confident, more in control, and shown more respect than ever before. The classes are just the right length, the moves and the activities require the kids to focus, and the pride they have after an accomplishment is priceless. We could not be happier with Fonseca and Sensei Oswaldo Lopez is simply the best!
Ian Harrison
00:07 21 Apr 23
Been a 2nd home...
My 7 year old has trained with Fonseca for ~2 years and has had a tremendous experience. Developed strength, confidence and friendships. She loves her sensei and considers the dojo her 2nd home.
My 7 year old has trained with Fonseca for ~2 years and has had a tremendous experience. Developed strength, confidence and friendships. She loves her sensei and considers the dojo her 2nd home.
Olga Rojo
15:07 31 Mar 23
Definitely recommend ., excellent place to learn KARATE my son has been going there for 5 years now; he has become more mature and more responsible he is almost black belt now. Sensei Nollys and Senpai Jose are great with the kids, they keep the clases fun yet serious when it’s time to get to work.
Robert S. Krunich
03:25 30 Mar 23
Such a great learning of a life skill and so much fun for the kids! My 8 year old son loves it! He learned and improved with time while becoming stronger mentally and physically. Karate is great for hand and eye coordinating. Sensei Nolys is a fantastic teacher and a great human being very passionate about Karate. Strongly recommend this Dojo and Fonseca for all ages!
Hannah Bloom-Hirschberg
17:25 15 Mar 23
Highly recommend Fonseca. My child has been there for about a year and it has been a very positive community. The sensei's are all consistently kind and caring while also expecting the kids to work hard. They know how to balance and bring together having fun while focusing on learning new skills. It has definitely built character and physical strength for my child.
Michael Sorvillo
00:38 22 Feb 23
Solid workout in the Jiu Jitsu class. They have kids and adults Jiu Jitsu. Class is very fun and Coach Tony always there to inspire you. He has thorough program and his teaching helps you work through opponents tactics. Best part is he is always around after class for questions, review, and talk all things Jiu Jitsu.