About
Midwest Academy of Taekwon-Do offers training in Taekwon-Do, martial arts, and self-defense. The program welcomes both children and adults to train in a dojang (gym) setting and emphasizes that Taekwon-Do is for self-defense only, with no exceptions.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Multiple weekday evening and Saturday morning class options for beginners, intermediates, advanced students, and all ranks
The Midwest Academy of Taekwon-Do was founded in 1996. Its program is built on the five core tenets of Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit. The mission statement explains that the program is community-based, welcomes both children and adults, and focuses on respect and attitude, character development over competition, and the idea that what is learned in the dojang can be used in everyday life.
The leadership team includes Grandmaster Dan Valin, Chief Instructor and 9th (IX) Degree Black Belt, who has been training since 1978, holds national titles and extensive certifications, and has additional expertise in Jujutsu (Jiu-Jitsu), Hapkido, and self-defense. The team also includes Master/Senior Master Scott Kuhfeldt, Training Director and 7th (VII) Degree Black Belt, a martial artist since 1984 and instructor since 1992 with broad certification and experience as both competitor and official; Master/Senior Master Jemal Crisp, Membership Director and 7th (VII) Degree Black Belt, certified through multiple organizations with extensive training in Filipino Martial Arts, Jujutsu (Jiu-Jitsu), and other martial arts, and an official at tournaments across the country; Mrs. Linda Singer, Instructor and 6th (VI) Degree Black Belt, who has trained since 1979 and performed professionally as a dancer with the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls senior dance team; Mr. Aaron Hadesman, Head Instructor at Emmerich Park and 6th (VI) Degree Black Belt; and Chief Master Fred Zielinski, 8th (VIII) Degree Black Belt (Retired). The organization is a proud member of the Midwest Martial Arts League, and senior instructors have broad certifications and officiate at tournaments across the country.
The program is described as a community-based Taekwon-Do program and as a respected institution known for its commitment to empowering students of all ages and shaping a strong, vibrant martial arts community throughout the Midwest. Grandmaster Dan Valin oversees Academy locations in Elgin, Buffalo Grove, and Lake Zurich, along with affiliated schools throughout the Midwest under the Midwest Martial Arts League. The program offers a free trial class.
Last updated August 11, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Multiple weekday evening and Saturday morning class options for beginners, intermediates, advanced students, and all ranks
The Midwest Academy of Taekwon-Do was founded in 1996. Its program is built on the five core tenets of Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit. The mission statement explains that the program is community-based, welcomes both children and adults, and focuses on respect and attitude, character development over competition, and the idea that what is learned in the dojang can be used in everyday life.
The leadership team includes Grandmaster Dan Valin, Chief Instructor and 9th (IX) Degree Black Belt, who has been training since 1978, holds national titles and extensive certifications, and has additional expertise in Jujutsu (Jiu-Jitsu), Hapkido, and self-defense. The team also includes Master/Senior Master Scott Kuhfeldt, Training Director and 7th (VII) Degree Black Belt, a martial artist since 1984 and instructor since 1992 with broad certification and experience as both competitor and official; Master/Senior Master Jemal Crisp, Membership Director and 7th (VII) Degree Black Belt, certified through multiple organizations with extensive training in Filipino Martial Arts, Jujutsu (Jiu-Jitsu), and other martial arts, and an official at tournaments across the country; Mrs. Linda Singer, Instructor and 6th (VI) Degree Black Belt, who has trained since 1979 and performed professionally as a dancer with the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls senior dance team; Mr. Aaron Hadesman, Head Instructor at Emmerich Park and 6th (VI) Degree Black Belt; and Chief Master Fred Zielinski, 8th (VIII) Degree Black Belt (Retired). The organization is a proud member of the Midwest Martial Arts League, and senior instructors have broad certifications and officiate at tournaments across the country.
The program is described as a community-based Taekwon-Do program and as a respected institution known for its commitment to empowering students of all ages and shaping a strong, vibrant martial arts community throughout the Midwest. Grandmaster Dan Valin oversees Academy locations in Elgin, Buffalo Grove, and Lake Zurich, along with affiliated schools throughout the Midwest under the Midwest Martial Arts League. The program offers a free trial class.
Last updated August 11, 2026.
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