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HealthKick Kung Fu

5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Chicago, Illinois

Tai Chi for Arthritis Certified Beginners welcome Qigong Private lessons

Certified instruction — reviews and the studio's own info point to a recognized tai chi program or lineage (think Tai Chi for Health / Dr. Paul Lam, the Taoist Tai Chi Society, or a named family-style teacher). If credentials matter to you, ask which program the instructor is certified in and which style they teach.

Plan your first class

  • Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention gentle, joint-friendly classes — often based on the Arthritis Foundation / Dr. Paul Lam program — that may help with balance and stiffness; check the studio's schedule
  • Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
  • Qigong & breathing qigong and breathing practice — gentle "moving meditation" — taught alongside the tai chi form
  • Private lessons one-on-one lessons available — a focused way to learn the form at your own pace; ask about availability and rates
  • Free / donation / in the park free, donation-based, or outdoor park classes — a low-cost way to try tai chi; confirm times on their site
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule healthkickkungfu.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone +1 773-879-0063

Hours

Monday 4–8:30 pm
Tuesday 4–8:30 pm
Wednesday 4–8:30 pm
Thursday 4–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and seasonal outdoor sessions — worth a quick check before a special trip, and class times can differ from the studio's front-desk hours.

The classes they run

Tai chi and qigong classes on the schedule at HealthKick Kung Fu, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Not everyone is interested in such an intense level and Sifu Paula works with all levels and ages, including adults.”

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⚖️ Fall Prevention & Balance 2 mentions

“They really seem to understand the balance for young children between discipline and fun.”

All studios that run fall prevention & balance →

🌬️ Qigong 3 mentions

“This is a wonderful environment for people of all ages to acquire the benefits of the ancient practices of Kung Fu and Qi Gong.”

All studios that run qigong →

👤 Private Lessons

“The small class size enables more 1-on-1 instruction so it's easier to improve and builds a tight knit community.”

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🔄 All Levels 3 mentions

“This is a wonderful environment for people of all ages to acquire the benefits of the ancient practices of Kung Fu and Qi Gong.”

All studios that run all levels →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 3 mentions

“Sifu Paula is a wonderful teacher who has nothing but love and passion for Kung Fu and for teaching.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Not everyone is interested in such an intense level and Sifu Paula works with all levels and ages, including adults.”

🧓 great for seniors & mobility 2 mentions

“They really seem to understand the balance for young children between discipline and fun.”

🏮 authentic, traditional style 2 mentions

“They not only teach the art of Kung Fu with discipline and authenticity but also instill valuable life lessons—respect, focus, confidence, and perseverance.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 5 mentions

“We also appreciate the flexibility in the pricing structure and if we are gone for a few months in the summer, we can make a pause in our payments.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 9 mentions

“People between the ages of 5 and my age enjoy the practice because Kung Fu is fun and the instructors are knowledgeable and friendly.”

From the reviews

HealthKick Kung Fu is a great place to learn traditional martial arts forms, self-defense, qi gong and sparring techniques. I joined as an adult without previous martial arts training, however, Sifu Paula and the instructors help students develop skills and reach their potential.

★★★★★ — Jocelyn, Oct 2018

This is a wonderful environment for people of all ages to acquire the benefits of the ancient practices of Kung Fu and Qi Gong. The benefits include physical, mental and emotional health. I've been attending classed for over 25 years and at the age of 72 have no intention of ever stopping.

★★★★★ — Norman, Mar 2026

I always wanted to learn kung fu and do some of the things in the many martial arts movies I saw on TV as a kid. Thanks to Healthkick Kung Fu I do now! In my 2.5 years at the school, I've learned open hand forms (basic stances, strikes, blocks and kicks in one long continuous movement), self defense, sparring…

★★★★★ — Jack, Oct 2018

Sifu Paula is a wonderful teacher who has nothing but love and passion for Kung Fu and for teaching. The school is well taken care of and has a great energy and community

★★★★★ — Mr, Sep 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at HealthKick Kung Fu

HealthKick Kung Fu comes up as a beginner-friendly studio, going by its listing and students' reviews. If you've never tried tai chi, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first session. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — the movements are slow and gentle, you set your own pace, and many can be done seated if standing is hard. Second, there's nothing to buy and nothing to keep up with — wear comfortable clothes and flat, flexible shoes, and simply follow along. Third, all ages and abilities really are welcome — ask whether there's a dedicated beginners or all-levels class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most studios are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first tai chi class at HealthKick Kung Fu

Nervous about walking into a tai chi class for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a gentle warm-up, then learning a few slow movements of the form, step by step — no pressure to get it perfect, and you can rest or sit whenever you need to. What to wear: loose, comfortable clothing you can move in, and flat, flexible shoes (some studios practice in socks or bare feet). What to bring: water, and that's about it — there's no equipment to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to say hello to the instructor and mention it's your first class. It comes together faster than you'd think — most people feel far more at ease by their second or third visit.

Tai chi is gentle and low-impact, but it's still exercise, and the health notes here are general information, not medical advice. If you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them to the instructor before class, and check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Where to find HealthKick Kung Fu

1329 N Larrabee St, Chicago, IL60610

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Teach here or own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.