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South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in South Elgin, Illinois

Tai chi studio Certified Beginners welcome

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

  • Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule southelginbudokan.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone (847) 888-8866

Hours

Monday 3–7 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–8 PM
Thursday 9 AM–8 PM
Friday 3–7 PM
Saturday 9–11 AM
Sunday 9–10 AM

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 South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“They have classes that can accommodate complete beginners through black belt/black sash+ levels, so wherever you are on your journey, the Budokan has something for you.”

All studios that run beginners →

🔄 All Levels

“Although, it's currently filled with a younger audience, the instructors have done well incorporating lessons that suit for any age range.”

All studios that run all levels →

From the reviews

I highly, highly recommend the Budokan,. There are many classes and martial arts styles to choose from, all the instructors are fantastic! They teach martial arts the way it's supposed to be done it's about the art .

★★★★★ — Peter, Jan 2017

South Elgin Budokan is a very special and rare martial arts and fitness school. The broad range of martial arts that are taught there is like nothing else I've seen in the area. They have an extraordinary team of experienced instructors teaching classes in just about any martial art you could want to learn.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Jan 2018

It’s a very real and decent place the master and the lady they are really good my kids enjoy this place but I I have to say something parents you bring your kids over here for discipline you to learn something from here but the way you people park your car when you come and drop your kids please see what you were…

★★★★★ — Jayendra, Jun 2021

EXCELLENT facility with top-notch, world-class instructors. Kid friendly, lots of various disciplines/programs. Really great place for beginners and advanced alike. AAA+.

★★★★★ — Scott, Aug 2015

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 14 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts

South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts 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 South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts

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 South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts

959 N La Fox St, South Elgin, IL60177

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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.