Tohkon Dojo

Tohkon Dojo is located at 5409 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, United States of America.

Tohkon Dojo has been a cornerstone of the Chicago judo community since 1992, offering structured, high-quality instruction for practitioners of all ages and skill levels.

Founded as a not-for-profit organization, the club emphasizes character development, discipline, and technical mastery through the practice of judo. Douglas Tono, a 7th Dan and the President and Head Instructor, leads the program with decades of experience and deep commitment to the sport’s traditions and values.

The club provides a comprehensive range of classes designed to meet the needs of diverse participants. Juniors programs introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of judo in a safe, supportive environment. Fundamentals classes serve as the entry point for beginners, guiding new members through core techniques and principles.

These sessions are essential for those progressing toward their yellow belt, also known as Rokyu.

For adult practitioners, Seniors classes offer technical refinement and live practice opportunities.

A dedicated Women's program supports female judoka in building confidence, strength, and tactical awareness.

Those interested in the formalized forms of judo can participate in Kata sessions, which emphasize precision, timing, and mutual respect.

Competitive athletes train in the Competition program, which prepares judoka for local, national, and international events.

This pathway focuses on strategy, conditioning, and competition rules, helping athletes perform at their highest level.

The club’s structured approach ensures steady belt progression, with clear milestones and grading opportunities.

Tohkon Dojo is affiliated with several key organizations, including the United States Judo Federation (USJF), USA Judo, the Chicago Judo Black Belt Association, Illinois Judo Inc., and the Kodokan International Judo Institute and World Headquarters.

These affiliations reflect the club’s commitment to national standards, instructor development, and the global judo community.

New members with no prior experience are encouraged to begin during the first Monday and Wednesday of each month for orientation, after which they join the fundamentals curriculum.