JKA WF Chicago Karate Institute

JKA WF Chicago Karate Institute, Inc. offers Beginner & Novice classes for white to red belts, Intermediate Class for green to purple belts, Advanced classes for brown and black belts, Private Classes by appointment, Tournament Team, Online Coaching, Private Lessons, Visitor Pop-in, Self-Defense Workshop, and Kyu Grade Belt-Testing with Clinic. The program serves ages 4 through 19. The schedule includes Beginner & Novice on Mon-Thu, 5:00-6:15 PM; Intermediate Class and Advanced on Mon-Thu, 6:30-8:00 PM; Private Classes on Fri by appointment; Advanced on Sat, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM; and Tournament Team on Sat, 12:05 PM-2:00 PM.

Programs

• Beginner & Novice — Mon-Thu, 5:00-6:15 PM · $150–$450 per month · White to Red-belts; introductory offer once a week for beginners is $50 per month.
• Intermediate Class — Mon-Thu, 6:30-8:00 PM · $167–$500 per month · Green to Purple-belts.
• Advanced — Mon-Thu, 6:30-8:00 PM; Sat, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM · Brown & Black-belts; Saturday class includes instructor trainees.
• Private Classes — Fri, by appointment · By appointment.
• Tournament Team — Sat, 12:05 PM-2:00 PM · $500 · By invitation only; 1x a week; $500/season, 2 seasons a year (Jan-Jun and Jul-Dec).

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Price range: $150–$500
• General schedule: Mon-Thu, Beginner & Novice 5:00-6:15 PM; Intermediate Class and Advanced 6:30-8:00 PM. Fri, Private Classes by appointment. Sat, Advanced 10:00 AM-12:00 PM; Tournament Team 12:05 PM-2:00 PM.

About the provider

The Institute was registered in the State of Illinois in 2008. It teaches Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate and uses the motto “Karate for Character.” It is a member of JKA WF America, directly affiliated with the Japan Karate Association HQ in Tokyo, and is a registered member club with the USA National Karate Federation. Young members can train to compete at the Chicago Classic, the Illinois State, the US Open, and the USANKF National Karate Championships. The dojo has also been showcased by the City of Aurora, IL, and Mayor Richard Irvin's Office of Economic Development.

• Online Coaching — $100 per class · Train from home and country; 1 hour.
• Private Lessons — $50–$100 per class · 30 mins: $50; 1 hour: $100.
• Visitor Pop-in — $30 per class · Karate.
• Self-Defense Workshop — $75 per class · 3 hour; 10 person minimum.
• Kyu Grade Belt-Testing with Clinic — $70 per class · To be paid by check 2 weeks before the testing.

As of Jan 01, 2026, all members 18 and older must be SafeSport and Background Check compliant. Fees are due on or before the 25th of the month prior to the quarter. Annual membership dues are due in December each year. Private, Small-Group, Visitor Pop-in fees are due before the class.

What families say

“Sensei Dhawan is very knowledgeable and with deep and detailed understanding of Karate! Also, great and friendly Sempais! The schedule is full with classes for everyone from kids to adults. I would recommend this dojo to everyone!” — Vladimir Kaloyantchev

“Mr Dhawan is an incredible teacher Who will make your kids very athletic and strong” — Nilam Rathod

“Excellent traditional shotokan karate school - one of the best in the state of IL, a world class instructor and a great dojo for all ages!” — Pratik Dalal

Last updated August 27, 2026.