Tohkon grew to more than fifty members soon after its founding and outgrew the original facility, moving to the Japanese American Service Committee in 1995 and developing a partnership that continues to this day. The JASC is a United Way agency that was at the time in the midst of a transition from a social services facility for the elderly to a community service agency serving the whole family.
This partnership enabled Tohkon to significantly expand its judo program, and in exchange Tohkon members support the JASC several times a year by assisting with community support programs and providing martial arts demonstrations. Since then, Tohkon has doubled in size and continues to draw world-class competitors in the junior, senior, and master divisions as members.
This partnership enabled Tohkon to significantly expand its judo program, and in exchange Tohkon members support the JASC several times a year by assisting with community support programs and providing martial arts demonstrations. Since then, Tohkon has doubled in size and continues to draw world-class competitors in the junior, senior, and master divisions as members.
Services
We recommend all potential students observe at least two class sessions (one fundamentals and one advanced) prior to beginning training. Beginning judo students are required to attend fundamentals classes. The fundamentals class emphasizes proper etiquette, posture, footwork, and technique while developing stamina, flexibility, and timing.
All members are expected to embody the highest standards of good sportsmanship, courtesy, and ethics both on and off the mat. Be on time for class, as proper stretching before a workout is crucial for injury prevention. If you are late, you are expected to warm up and stretch on your own, and ask permission from the instructor before joining the class.
Dojo members enjoy the ability to come to any or all of the classes offered for their level of experience. Members are also invited to attend all special events at the dojo. All you need to do is stay connected to know what is happening. Dojo announcements, upcoming events, newsletters, and updates will all come through email.
Reviews (5)
Rayane Chatrieux
May 31, 2021
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Sol Kim
Jun 05, 2019
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Sandra Hauptmann
Aug 05, 2016
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M. D.
Feb 05, 2013
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Agree with SK, hard to believe this is not jammed with 50 five-star reviews already.
Young, old, white or black belt - this is the place. Unassuming & spartan facility, but an incredible place to learn the sport or continue as a senior member. Volunteer coaches with very serious experience under their belts. EXCELLENT with children. Bring yours and they will be encouraged, challenged, pushed, and inspired to return. We were going to shop around, but three minutes inside the door and I knew this was the place.
Young, old, white or black belt - this is the place. Unassuming & spartan facility, but an incredible place to learn the sport or continue as a senior member. Volunteer coaches with very serious experience under their belts. EXCELLENT with children. Bring yours and they will be encouraged, challenged, pushed, and inspired to return. We were going to shop around, but three minutes inside the door and I knew this was the place.
S. K.
Feb 27, 2012
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I am surprised that I am the first one reviewing Tohkon, which is one of the oldest, biggest, and most prominent judo schools in Chicago.
I have been studying judo here for about three months, and I nothing but positive things to say about instructors and fellow students. All the instructors are volunteers, who donate their time to teach, following the educational spirit and tradition of judo. They are very attentive and kind (as could be when teaching you how to toss and slam someone) Plus, they are extremely knowledgeable. There are more than a dozen of black belts here, some of whom
I have been studying judo here for about three months, and I nothing but positive things to say about instructors and fellow students. All the instructors are volunteers, who donate their time to teach, following the educational spirit and tradition of judo. They are very attentive and kind (as could be when teaching you how to toss and slam someone) Plus, they are extremely knowledgeable. There are more than a dozen of black belts here, some of whom
