GIVE US A CALL 773-631-89896670 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631

Ending 2021 on a positive note, we are pleased to announce that Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness has been awarded the distinction of Best Martial Arts School 2021 by Vverge.com!

Contestants from all over the region were evaluated and selected to be reviewed based on customer satisfaction, business features, services offered, staff, yelp reviews, bbb reputation as well as general reputation and word of mouth. After all that we have faced as a community and worldwide it is wonderful to be able to be a light to the community. We promise to continue this standard of excellence into 2022 and beyond!

We provide the tools for excellence and leadership.

Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness provides students with the opportunity to train in traditional martial arts such as Taekwondo and Hapkido as well as our own national award-winning martial art – Guardian Way.

Guardian Way provides unique and cutting-edge training in striking, grappling, ground fighting, weapons and self-healing techniques. All disciplines, belts and skill levels are welcome.  We look forward to working with you and your children as they begin or continue their martial arts journey.

The Guardian Way Philosophy

An exclusively American martial art, Guardian Way has been winning awards since its inception including a national award for Best New Martial Art in 2012 as well as Best Martial Art School of 2021 by VVerge.com.  Founded by 2012 World Cup Sparring Gold Medalist, Master Christopher Van Mieghem, Guardian Way is not only a  martial art but also a philosophy and way of life.

With a foundation based on self-healing techniques and the cultivation of peace in all interactions/areas of life, Guardian Way incorporates the wisdom and skill from Master Van Mieghem’s years of study and mastery of a variety of martial art disciplines and self-defense while adding the truly unique element of peer defense.

The practitioner of Guardian Way not only learns how to capably defend themselves, but also how to safely and effectively eliminate threats against others. In addition, the principles of Guardian Way can easily be applied to daily life as one seeks to sow the seeds of peace in one’s school, place of work, relationships  and family.

Master Christopher Van Mieghem
Leading Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness in exciting, dynamic, innovative as well as traditional ways, Master Van Mieghem brings World Cup champion expertise and excellence to all areas of instruction that we offer by imparting his dedication, two decades of experience and award-winning skills into the training of our students and staff.
With a passion for martial arts that has been with him all of his life, Master Van Mieghem has been training since 2000 and teaching since 2003. He has taught students of all ages and skill levels from New York to California, as well as training bodyguards, stunt performers, Hollywood actors and high-profile athletes. Obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Martial Arts Studies from the University of Bridgeport in 2012, he graduated as Valedictorian, winning the coveted Martial Arts Practicum award. Master Van Mieghem is the former captain of the U.S. Martial Arts Team and has also amassed numerous titles:
  • 2012 World Cup Sparring Gold Medalist
  • 2012 World Cup Team Forms Silver Medalist
  • 2012 World Cup Team Board Breaking Bronze Medalist
  • 2011 National Taekwondo Silver Medalist
  • 2008 National kickboxing gold medalist
  • 14 State and Regional titles in Taekwondo.

Our Programs and Classes

Youth, Family, Adult, Sparring, Cardio Kickboxing / Self-Defense,
Leadership Seminars, Summer Camp

We Will Be Closed On:

2023 Christmas Break December 22, 2023 | Reopening January 4, 2024
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 15, 2024
Presidents Day February 19, 2024
Easter Break March 29-31, 2023
Memorial Day May 25-27, 2024
Juneteenth June 19, 2024
Independence Day July 4, 2024
Labor Day August 31, 2024 | Reopening September 2, 2024
Columbus Day October 14, 2024
Veterans Day November 11, 2024
Thanksgiving Break November 27, 2024 | Reopening December 2, 2024
2024 Christmas Break December 20, 2024 | Reopening January 3, 2025

Belt promotion testing:

Belt promotion testing will be held during business hours on the following days in 2024:
(Note: There will be no regularly scheduled classes on these dates, only belt testing.)

February 16-17, 2024
April 19-20, 2024
June 14-15, 2024
August 16-17, 2024
October 18-19, 2024
December 13-14, 2024

Testimonials

Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness BBB Business Review

Great new location! My Son AK is a student of Master Chris, and he attends three days a week for multiple sessions. Master Chris and his staff have welcomed AK into their family and AK loves being the best person he can and best student possible for Master Chris. Master Chris instills confidence in my soon to be 10 year old and shows him that there is nothing he can’t do. As a parent…. I am just in awe of the advances he is making and the little man that he is becoming. Signing him up for Taekwondo was the best thing I did as a parent as far as extracurricular, I just wish…. he (could) spend 8 hours a day for five weeks under Master Chris’s instruction!

Bob Kane

New ownership of Guardian Way’s has a level of passion and enthusiasm for the community they serve through group classes and the after school program for kids. Highly recommend trying a class!

Cheryl De Guzman

Absolutely the best Taekwondo Place ever….If I could give Guardian Way 10 stars, I would!…Master Chris is a pro that teaches with kindness and support…The customer service is beyond amazing, the kindness and support in their teaching style is beyond words, and the excitement and encouragement from all staff is real/honest. I trust my son is getting the best education and lifelong skills from this small business…My son went to bed tonight saying, ‘I feel proud of myself and all I have accomplished.’ That’s thanks to an amazing Master Chris and a fantastic school… Instructors like this are the ones who support and drive kids to be successful!

Cybil Rose Meachem

Guardian Way Martial Arts and Fitness has a terrific staff that coaches you through every step you need to know to become a great martial artist! My daughter goes there and she had injuries to her knee, hip and foot. She was able to work past these issues and overcome thanks to the wonderful teaching of Master Chris! She is now a first dan black belt!

Kathleen Starzec

My son has been here for 6 months. They are so patient. He really looks forward to attending his classes.

Sabina Debski

My children are in the Tiny Tigers program at Guardian Way. Along with martial arts, they are learning other life skills, like respecting others, helping teammates, and listening to parents. The masters have a very kind and special way of teaching and speaking with kids. The junior instructors are impressive examples for my little ones to aspire to one day. This is a wonderful business and a value to our community.

Kim White

I have been coming to this establishment for almost ten years and it has been great to me. Not only was I able to learn martial arts and improve myself physically, I was able to improve my focus and increase my confidence. The staff is amazing here…They are all supporting but they also help you push your limits to become a better person.

Rahul Tudmilla

It is great to see Guardian Way continuing the long tradition of Taekwondo instruction in the Edison Park neighborhood. My son came over to GW and with Chris’s instruction he overcame his plateau and his skills rapidly improved. My son has also found a great group of friends at GW, kids who enjoy training, learning, and completing together.

Tom Lomas

We have been with Master Chris for many years and absolutely love him and the atmosphere he creates!!! Our family is very happy here!!! Thank you, Guardian Way!

Michele Minale-Monarrez

I was looking for an activity I could do with my daughter and stumbled upon Guardian Way’s family class. Having absolutely no background in martial arts of any kind, we were immediately welcomed and made to feel like family. The art of Taekwondo really spoke to us, and we are proudly working through our belt levels together.

Adam Lavery

Our daughter is in the Tiny Tigers program for the last year and also attends other classes during the week like sparring. She absolutely loves it! She has so much fun and the instruction is just right for the younger ones – the teachers at Guardian Way really have a gift of explaining things to young kids. In sparring the class is mixed ages and it’s wonderful to observe the bigger kids and what she can accomplish in the future as well as see the big kids interact so positively with the younger ones. She has learned a ton in a year – this is money really well spent! We are really happy to have found Guardian Way and Master Chris – she gets some exercise and just loves coming to class (no complaining from her!!).

Elizabeth McAdams

These are great people! I started going to Guardian way last November and I’ve lost 20 pounds since. I’ve learned a lot of exercising techniques that have really worked I had hip problems and shoulder problems and instructor Victoria gave me special exercises that virtually cured the pain. I cannot say enough good things about these people. On top of all that I bring my nephew there and he loves it! A perfect place for families.

Rich Kiney

I’ve been practicing martial arts for 29 years, and signed my kids up to train under Master Chris Van Mieghem at Guardian Way Martial Arts. I couldn’t be happier. The instruction, discipline, and camaraderie is excellent, for all ages. I’m 50’ish and I train with my kids when my work schedule permits, and it provides the perfect balance to my hectic life. I strongly recommend Guardian Way Martial Arts to any one and everyone, all ages, for a great Martial Arts Program.

Steve Roach

These training programs are the best in the state. The coaches are great, patient and supportive. Great job!

Julia Armstrong

I enjoyed training with the coach greatly. Thank you for the amazing opportunity and awesome experience.

Nick Sullivan

My kids love your school. Professional and individual approach is key in this job. So, thank you a lot.

Sam Jones

Classes & Events

Check out our schedule for upcoming classes & events