Fonseca Martial Arts - Glenview Introduce
For families in Glenview, Illinois, and the wider Chicagoland area, finding a martial arts program that is both a world-class training center and a welcoming community is a rare find. Fonseca Martial Arts, located at 1976 Tower Dr, Glenview, IL 60026, USA, is exactly that. Founded by the legendary John Fonseca, a world champion in Karate, this school provides an unparalleled experience for students of all ages. It is a place where aspiring athletes can train at the highest levels, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage, and where young children can begin their journey in a nurturing and fun environment. The transformation a parent witnessed in their son, from a beginner in the Little Dragons program to a member of the junior competition team, is a powerful testament to the school's ability to foster incredible growth and development.
The core philosophy of Fonseca Martial Arts is rooted in the belief that martial arts training is a vehicle for lifelong growth. While the classes teach physical skills and techniques, they are also designed to instill essential values like discipline, respect, and confidence. This is a recurring theme in the glowing reviews from parents. As one parent noted, the instructors are "not only highly skilled, but also genuinely caring and committed to helping each child grow." The school’s leader at the Glenview dojo, Sensei JC, is highlighted as the "perfect mix of structure and fun," with a motivating "better than the last one" mantra that brings out the best in every student. This dual focus on technical excellence and personal character is what makes Fonseca Martial Arts such a special place and has created a community that feels "like family."
Fonseca Martial Arts is conveniently located at 1976 Tower Dr in Glenview, IL, making it easily accessible for families across the North Shore and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. The facility is designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that the benefits of martial arts training are available to a diverse range of individuals. The on-site services provide a consistent and dedicated training environment, allowing students to feel at home and focused during their classes. The school also offers online and outdoor classes, providing flexibility for those with busy schedules or who prefer to train in different settings.
The studio also offers convenient payment options, accepting both credit cards and debit cards, which simplifies the registration and class payment process for busy families. A clean and well-maintained gender-neutral restroom is available on-site, adding to the comfort and convenience for all members. With a policy that requires an appointment, the school ensures that every new student receives dedicated attention during their initial visit. This professional and well-organized approach, combined with a focus on creating a supportive community, makes Fonseca Martial Arts a welcoming and user-friendly establishment. The accessibility and convenience of the location remove barriers to entry, encouraging more people in the Illinois area to explore the benefits of martial arts training.
Fonseca Martial Arts offers a comprehensive suite of services and programs that cater to all ages and skill levels, making it a true hub for physical fitness and personal growth.
Karate Programs: From beginner to advanced levels, including the highly-praised Little Dragons and Youth Programs. The school offers specialized classes like Competition Karate, which helps students train and compete at the highest levels, including at national and international tournaments.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ): The school offers Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for both youth and adults, providing a comprehensive self-defense and grappling program taught by skilled instructors.
Summer and Day Camps: A major highlight of the school is its summer camp and training camps, which provide a fun, engaging, and structured environment for children during school breaks, blending martial arts training with other activities.
Self-Defense Courses: The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on practical self-defense techniques, empowering students with the skills and confidence to protect themselves.
Private Lessons and Corporate Training: The school offers personalized one-on-one lessons for students who want to refine their skills for competition or personal goals. They also offer corporate training to help businesses with team-building and wellness programs.
The features and highlights of Fonseca Martial Arts are what truly set it apart as a premier choice for families in the Glenview area.
World-Class Instructors: The school is led by a "legend in the sport," John Fonseca, who is not just the name on the sign but is actively involved in teaching. The instructors, such as Sensei JC, are described as "phenomenal" and "highly skilled," providing the highest quality of instruction.
Emphasis on Holistic Development: The program focuses on building character traits like discipline, respect, and confidence, in addition to physical skills. This approach has led to incredible transformations in students.
Path to Competitive Success: For students who wish to compete, the school offers a clear path, from fun "Dojo Duels" to competing at "the highest levels," including AAU Karate Nationals and the world stage.
Family-Oriented Community: The dojo fosters a "feeling of family" among its members. As one reviewer noted, the families enjoy the social events and truly have fun together, creating a supportive network.
Trial Classes: The school offers trial classes for new students, providing a low-risk opportunity to experience the positive environment and high-quality instruction before making a commitment.
For more information about the program or to schedule a visit, you can contact Fonseca Martial Arts.
Address: 1976 Tower Dr, Glenview, IL 60026, USA
Phone: (847) 866-0200 or +1 847-866-0200
What makes Fonseca Martial Arts truly worth choosing is its unique blend of elite-level training and a genuinely caring community. The fact that students can train under a world champion like John Fonseca and his team of expert instructors is a significant advantage. The stories of personal transformation, where a child who started in the Little Dragons program has gone on to compete at a national level, are a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the teaching and the program's ability to help students "discover the champion within." The school's commitment to creating a fun yet disciplined environment, where students are not just taught but are also mentored and supported, is what makes it a special place. For families in the Glenview area seeking a martial arts school that offers exceptional instruction, a supportive "family" atmosphere, and a clear path to both personal and competitive success, Fonseca Martial Arts is an outstanding choice. It's more than a school; it's a community where children and adults can grow stronger, more confident, and more disciplined with every class.
Fonseca Martial Arts - Glenview Martial arts
Martial Arts School
- Karate
- Adult Bjj
- Advanced Class
- Advanced Karate
- Beginner Class
- Beginner Karate
- Competition Karate
- Complete Self Defense
- Corporate Training
- Day Camp
- Day Camps
- Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Intermediate Class
- Intermediate Karate
- Jitsu Youth
- Jiu Jitsu Class
- Jiu Jitsu Programs
- Karate And Jiu Jitsu
- Karate Karate
- Karate Program
- Little Dragons Class
- Online Training
- Outdoor Classes
- Private Lessons
- Self-Defense Class
- Self-Defense Courses
- Summer Camp
- Training Camps
- Trial Classes
- Youth & Adult Karate
- Youth Program
Fonseca Martial Arts - Glenview Details
Service options
- Online classes
- Outdoor services
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Planning
- Appointment required
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Fonseca Martial Arts - Glenview Photos










Fonseca Martial Arts - Glenview Location
Fonseca Martial Arts - Glenview
1976 Tower Dr, Glenview, IL 60026, USA
Fonseca Martial Arts - Glenview Reviews
karatesenseidisciplineskillsconfidencesonfuncompetitiontournaments4th grade
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for the Little Dragons program about 3 years ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible.He's moved quickly through the program, made the transition from Little Dragons to the Youth Program & now he's a member of the junior competition team. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participates in the quarterly Dojo Duels to help refine his skills in a low pressure competition environment. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/ Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. My son has embraced this opportunity, in the last year he has been competing at the highest levels, including a trip AAU Karate Nationals. The staff works hard to make the week at Nationals a memorable one, including well organized team social events for parents and kids alike.John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport, he's not just the name on the sign, you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. My son never misses an opportunity to to train with Sensei Fonseca.Sensei JC leads the Glenview dojo and coordinates the competition team. He's the perfect mix of structure and fun. The students know he runs a tight ship but also love his "better than the last one" mantra which really brings out the best in each student & he always ends each class with a fun game.We've taken advantage of the private lesson opportunities (at my son's request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He has his team Fonseca gear, he knows he has the best coaches supporting him & he loves every moment.It's hard to describe how the dojo fosters a feeling of family, but what I can say is, I enjoy the long competition days because the families really do have fun together and we take advantage of the opportunities to support each other and the kids. FMA truly is a special place.
April 19 · Shana Orczyk SisselFonseca Karate and Jiu Jitsu has been an incredibly positive influence in our family’s life. Sensei JC and all the instructors are not only highly skilled, but also genuinely caring and committed to helping each child grow. Our kids look forward to every class and have gained so much confidence, discipline, and inner strength. We’re truly thankful for this amazing dojo and highly recommend it to other families.
March 31 · AlexandraI had an incredible experience at this karate dojo! The sensei's techniques were top-notch, and the professionalism of the entire team was evident. The facilities were excellent, providing a conducive environment for learning. They were fantastic with kids of all ages, making the classes engaging and enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone seeking quality martial arts instruction! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 03 · Juan QuirozFonseca Karate and Jiu Jitsu have been so wonderful for both of our kids (9 & 3). We LOVE Sensei Luis’s Karate Tots class. He is so patient and silly with the littles while teaching them discipline and helping them build confidence. Professor Tony’s Jiu Jitsu classes have helped our son build his attention span and increase his resiliency. Lastly, Karate classes with Sensei JC are amazing for all ages and all levels. He is so engaging and keeps things both fun and challenging. We are so grateful for all that Fonseca has done for our family!
March 16 · Meaghan TowerFrom our very first class at Fonseca Martial Arts, it was clear that this dojo stands out. The senseis are not only skilled in martial arts, they are exceptional mentors who dedicate attention to each student. Regardless of class size, from one student to thirty, each child receives personalized guidance.What my son learns at Fonseca extends far beyond karate forms or techniques. The lessons are foundational, instilling life-long skills such as discipline, responsibility, and mental toughness. These are virtues that influence all areas of life, not just within the dojo walls.Additionally, the competitive karate program at Fonseca Martial Arts is robust, welcoming all skill levels. My son thrives in this supportive community, where beginning learners and advanced competitors alike find their place. Fonseca has several athletes who compete internationally and represent Team USA at top-tier karate competitions.For any parent considering martial arts for their child, I cannot recommend Fonseca Martial Arts enough. The dojo not only teaches karate but also builds a supportive community where children grow into disciplined and responsible kids.
April 18 · Walker Lawrence
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