Business Details
48 Years
experience
Premier Karate Training for All Ages in Chicago
Founded in 1978 by John DiPasquale, Illinois Shotokan Karate (ISKC) has grown from a single basement dojo into a thriving network of 60+ Chicagoland locations serving over 7,000 students annually. Our program combines traditional Shotokan karate techniques with modern teaching methods, emphasizing character development alongside physical training. With 15+ certified instructors holding black belts ranging from 2nd to 7th degree, we offer expertise honed through decades of national and international competition success. Our curriculum caters to all ages, from 4-year-old beginners to adult practitioners seeking fitness and self-defense skills. The organization's leadership maintains active roles in global karate governance, including positions with the World Karate Federation and Pan American Karate Federation.Students benefit from structured programs that build discipline, focus, and self-responsibility while developing physical attributes like strength and coordination. The community-oriented environment fosters lifelong friendships among families while maintaining rigorous standards for belt promotions and technical proficiency. Our instructors' collective 480+ years of experience ensures personalized guidance for every student's journey toward black belt mastery. Competitive athletes receive specialized training through elite kata and kumite teams that have earned international recognition. The organization's commitment to traditional values remains evident in daily practices like formal bowing rituals and respect-based classroom interactions.
Services
Pre-Karate
Youth Karate
Adult Karate
Competition Training
Family Classes
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of continuous operation with proven teaching methodologies
- Our instructors include 7th degree black belt world champions and national team coaches
- We provide multi-generational family training programs with age-specific curricula
- Our students compete successfully at national and international championship levels
- We maintain traditional karate values while incorporating modern teaching techniques
What people say
Builds confidence
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly environment
Competition success
Lifelong friendships
Services
Pre-Karate
Structured martial arts instruction for 4-6 year olds focusing on fundamental motor skills and discipline. Classes develop balance, coordination, and focus through playful activities while introducing basic Shotokan techniques. The program establishes foundational habits for lifelong character development through karate's core values of respect and perseverance.
Youth Karate
Comprehensive karate training for ages 7-14 combining technical instruction with personal growth. Students learn kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) while building physical fitness through strength training and cardiovascular exercises. The curriculum emphasizes goal-setting and achievement through progressive belt rankings.
Adult Karate
Dynamic karate program for adults seeking physical fitness and self-defense skills. Classes accommodate all experience levels while maintaining traditional Shotokan principles. Participants improve flexibility, strength, and mental focus through structured drills and partner exercises in a supportive community environment.
Competition Training
Specialized instruction for tournament competitors at local, national, and international levels. The program develops advanced kata precision and kumite strategy under championship coaches. Students receive personalized training plans and competition preparation including mental conditioning and technical refinement.
Family Classes
Interactive karate sessions for parents and children training together. The program strengthens family bonds through shared challenges while maintaining technical standards. Participants develop mutual respect and teamwork skills through structured partner drills and collaborative learning activities.
People
John DiPasquale
Founder & Chief Instructor
4th degree black belt with 45+ years of experience. Four-time National Champion and former USA Karate Team Coach. Holds leadership roles in World Karate Federation and Pan American Karate Federation.
Sensei Noia
Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt with 35+ years of experience. Competed internationally including 3rd place at 1998 AASU World Championships. Currently coaches ISKC Elite Kata Team.
Sensei Bajic
Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt with 35+ years of experience. 13-time National Champion and 2009 Shotokan World Championships gold medalist. Holds advanced sports management credentials.
Sensei Picchiotti
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt and ISKC's first female black belt. 1981-1985 Illinois State Kumite Champion. Developer of the Pre-Karate program with 40+ years of teaching experience.
Sensei Lingl
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt and member of US National Karate Team. Multiple Pan American and World Championship medalist. Competes internationally while teaching since 2016.
Questions
What happens during a first karate class?
Classes begin with formal bowing, followed by warm-up exercises, basic technique instruction, and introductory kata practice. The session ends with another bowing ceremony and parent discussion.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes like t-shirts and sweatpants. No shoes required - classes are conducted barefoot. Uniforms are optional and can be purchased later.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for children as young as 4 through adult practitioners. Specialized curricula exist for Pre-Karate (4-6), Youth (7-14), and Adult (15+) age groups.
Do you offer family training options?
Yes, our Family Classes allow parents and children to train together, fostering mutual growth and strengthening family bonds through shared karate experiences.
Are there competition opportunities?
We provide structured competition training for local, national, and international tournaments. Our elite teams have earned multiple World Championship medals.
How do belt promotions work?
Students progress through colored belt ranks by demonstrating technical proficiency and character development. Regular testing sessions evaluate readiness for the next level.
