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Fit 2 Defend Academy
5 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Lake Bluff, Illinois
Plan your first class
- Free intro class most schools welcome newcomers with a free intro or trial class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Women's self-defense dedicated women's self-defense classes — a welcoming, no-pressure space to learn practical skills and build real confidence
- Kids & teens Krav Maga classes for kids and teens (ages 5–16) — built around confidence, focus, and staying safe
- LE & military training for law enforcement, military, and security professionals — ask about dedicated or group programs
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule fit-to-defend.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 847-445-7247
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
The classes they run
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“My kids first started working with Scott (owner and head coach of F2D) when my oldest was just six years old — he’s now 18!”
“Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
“Beyond teaching self-defense, the program emphasizes good discipline, helping children build focus and confidence.”
Other martial arts here
“I have studied jiu jitsu with Scott Gave at Fit2Defend for over 11 years and many of my training partners have been training there at least that long or longer.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
What students say
“Coach Scott has built something truly special—his leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to his students set the tone for a world-class training culture.”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“I joined kickboxing after moving to the area; I had some boxing experience but the folks at Fit2Defend are so welcoming of all experience levels.”
“I have grown so much in confidence and discipline because I made the choice to learn jiu-jitsu from these amazing coaches.”
“As a woman and a mom, I love how Scott has created a community that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely safe, which says a lot in a combat sport that can feel intimidating.”
“Friendly people, great coaches, small class sizes with individual attention, clean facilities.”
From the reviews
We’ve had such a positive experience at Fit 2 Defend. Coach Scott, Coach Logan, and the rest of the team have been phenomenal with our 8-year-old daughter. She has a ton of energy and sometimes struggles to focus, but the coaches have been incredibly patient while still pushing her to elevate both her effort and…
Fit 2 Defend is hands down the best BJJ school I've ever been to. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and the sense of community is unmatched. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, this place will take your skills to the next level. The facilities at Fit 2 Defend are also fantastic.
Fit 2 Defend Academy is hands-down one of the best places to train in the Midwest. Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned competitor, this academy offers an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.
Our entire family trains at Fit 2 Defend Academy, and I truly can’t imagine training anywhere else. My kids first started working with Scott (owner and head coach of F2D) when my oldest was just six years old — he’s now 18! Over the years, my husband joined for jiu jitsu, and eventually I did too.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Fit 2 Defend Academy
Fit 2 Defend Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a self-defense class, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or athletic to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build the fundamentals (stance, movement, and core self-defense techniques) over weeks, and controlled pressure-testing eases in gradually so every drill stays safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or Level 1 class time so your first session is alongside others who are also just starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Krav Maga class at Fit 2 Defend Academy
Nervous about walking into a Krav Maga school 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 warm-up, then drilling a few core techniques with a partner — controlled and at your own pace, not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move in — there's no uniform or special gear you need to buy to get started. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — most schools have everything else you'll need for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call what to bring. Pressure-testing eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid — you won't be sparring hard on day one. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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