We practice Shotokan style karate

Shotokan is a widely popular style with aspects popular for youth sports. Less well known is that Shotokan also contains elements of old Japanese martial arts, kobudo, in its training methods. The instructor will introduce students to both modern and historical martial arts, and create a place where all may strive for courage, calm and perseverance among other beneficial traits.

Instructor & Founder

Margaret Lo, 3rd Dan

As a young attorney walking through Boston’s Kenmore Square in 1988, Margaret Lo decided it might be good to get in shape and walked into a karate dojo. Margaret never left. From 1995 - 2010 she taught at Princeton University and recently at Northwestern University before founding JKA of Illinois. Currently ranked 3rd dan by the Japan Karate Association, and licensed to teach, Margaret hopes that the dojo will benefit its community young and old.

Instructor & Founder

Margaret Lo, 3rd Dan

As a young attorney walking through Boston’s Kenmore Square in 1988, Margaret Lo decided it might be good to get in shape and walked into a karate dojo. Margaret never left. From 1995 - 2010 she taught at Princeton University and recently at Northwestern University before founding JKA of Illinois. Currently ranked 3rd dan by the Japan Karate Association, and licensed to teach, Margaret hopes that the dojo will benefit its community young and old.

Instructor & Founder

Margaret Lo, 3rd Dan

As a young attorney walking through Boston’s Kenmore Square in 1988, Margaret Lo decided it might be good to get in shape and walked into a karate dojo. Margaret never left. From 1995 - 2010 she taught at Princeton University and recently at Northwestern University before founding JKA of Illinois. Currently ranked 3rd dan by the Japan Karate Association, and licensed to teach, Margaret hopes that the dojo will benefit its community young and old.

Instructor

Tom Fabian

Tom Fabian began training Shotokan Karate in 1992 at the University of Connecticut. He has trained under the leadership of Masataka Mori, 9th dan, Hidetaka Nishiyama, 10th dan, and Shu Takahashi, 7 dan. Tom is a 3rd degree Black Belt with the Japan Karate Association and is a 2nd degree Black Belt with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) and is a JKA certified Instructor and Judge.

Instructor

Tom Fabian

Tom Fabian began training Shotokan Karate in 1992 at the University of Connecticut. He has trained under the leadership of Masataka Mori, 9th dan, Hidetaka Nishiyama, 10th dan, and Shu Takahashi, 7 dan. Tom is a 3rd degree Black Belt with the Japan Karate Association and is a 2nd degree Black Belt with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) and is a JKA certified Instructor and Judge.

Instructor

Tom Fabian

Tom Fabian began training Shotokan Karate in 1992 at the University of Connecticut. He has trained under the leadership of Masataka Mori, 9th dan, Hidetaka Nishiyama, 10th dan, and Shu Takahashi, 7 dan. Tom is a 3rd degree Black Belt with the Japan Karate Association and is a 2nd degree Black Belt with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) and is a JKA certified Instructor and Judge.

Philosophy

道場訓

Dojo Kun or “Dojo saying”

Our philosophy emphasizes the continuous improvement of one’s character. Each class begins and ends with formal bows and at the end of class, students recite and study the dojo precepts.

Our philosophy emphasizes the continuous improvement of one’s character. Each class begins and ends with formal bows and at the end of class, students recite and study the dojo precepts.

一、人格完成に努むること

Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
Seek perfection of character

一、誠の道を守ること

Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Be sincere

一、努力の精神を養うこと

Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
Put maximum effort into everything you do

一、礼儀を重んずること

Reigi o omonzuru koto
Respect others

一、血気の勇を戒むること

Kekki no yuu o imashimuru koto
Develop self-control

4011 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago

609-651-5035

Registration Info

Our Policies

We are a member of Shotokan Karate-do International (SKDI) headed by Takahashi Shu, 7th Dan. The SKDI is affiliated with the Japan Karate Association, Tokyo, Japan.

Copyright © 2026 JKAIL. All Rights Reserved.

4011 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago

609-651-5035

Registration Info

Our Policies

We are a member of Shotokan Karate-do International (SKDI) headed by Takahashi Shu, 7th Dan. The SKDI is affiliated with the Japan Karate Association, Tokyo, Japan.

Copyright © 2026 JKAIL. All Rights Reserved.

4011 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago

609-651-5035

Registration Info

Our Policies

We are a member of Shotokan Karate-do International (SKDI) headed by Takahashi Shu, 7th Dan. The SKDI is affiliated with the Japan Karate Association, Tokyo, Japan.

Copyright © 2026 JKAIL. All Rights Reserved.