Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness

Guardian Way Martial Arts & Fitness offers training in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and its own national award-winning martial art called Guardian Way. Classes include striking, grappling, ground fighting, weapons, self-healing techniques, sparring, cardio kickboxing and self-defense, as well as youth, family, and adult classes. The program also offers leadership seminars, a summer camp, and an after school program for kids.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Class and program options are available Monday–Friday afternoons and evenings, and on Saturdays during the day.

Beginning November 1st, Chung's Taekwondo and Hapkido Academy will be known as Guardian Way Martial Arts & Fitness, and Guardian Way received a national award for Best New Martial Art in 2012. Guardian Way Martial Arts & Fitness was awarded the distinction of Best Martial Arts School 2021 by Vverge.com and received the 2024 Complaint Free Award from the Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern IL. Guardian Way is described as an exclusively American martial art that includes peer defense, teaching practitioners how to safely and effectively eliminate threats against others, and it is described as not only a martial art but also a philosophy and way of life based on self-healing techniques and the cultivation of peace in all interactions and areas of life. The program states that the result of true Tae Kwon Do is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness, and peace only possible through perfect unity of mind and body, and this is stated as their philosophy. They offer a first class free, welcome all disciplines, belts, and skill levels, and also offer martial arts at home and tools for excellence and leadership.

Master Christopher Van Mieghem, the founder and headmaster, has been training since 2000 and teaching since 2003, and has taught students of all ages and skill levels from New York to California, as well as training bodyguards, stunt performers, Hollywood actors, and high-profile athletes. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Martial Arts Studies from the University of Bridgeport in 2012, graduated as Valedictorian, and won the Martial Arts Practicum award. He is the former captain of the U.S. Martial Arts Team and holds titles including 2012 World Cup Sparring Gold Medalist, 2012 World Cup Team Forms Silver Medalist, 2012 World Cup Team Board Breaking Bronze Medalist, 2011 National Taekwondo Silver Medalist, 2008 National kickboxing gold medalist, and 14 state and regional titles in Taekwondo, and he is described as the 2012 World Cup Sparring Champion with several World, National, and 14 state and regional titles in Taekwondo and over 21 years of martial arts experience. The leadership team includes Chris Van Mieghem (Owner/Headmaster), Victoria Starzec (Instructor/Business Manager), and instructors Kevin Woroniecki, David Hall, Caterina Benincasa, Andy Lencioni, and Josef Lencioni.

Guardian Way Martial Arts & Fitness mentions serving the community through group classes and an after school program for kids and expresses a desire to be a light to the community after challenges faced as a community and worldwide. Parent and student testimonials describe Master Chris and the staff as welcoming, patient, and supportive, and mention children attending multiple sessions per week, progressing to first dan black belt, and learning martial arts along with skills such as respecting others, helping teammates, and listening to parents. Testimonials also describe long-term participation of almost ten years, appreciation for junior instructors as examples for younger children, and positive experiences with the teaching style, customer service, and staff encouragement.

Last updated April 18, 2026.