KickHouse Park Ridge
535A Busse Highway 
847-558-2570
KickhouseParkRidge.com
Instagram: @KickHouse_ParkRidge

John Bonell’s KickHouse story

I threw my first roundhouse kick at 24 years old and haven’t looked back since. Kickboxing, building skill and personal fitness have been a legitimate life-saver for me. In my early to mid 20s, I was in a dark place following an unexpected breakup and a career path that wasn’t panning out like I had hoped. Out of the blue, a good friend of mine, Matt (now our current studio’s GM), reached out and asked if I wanted to try being a kickboxing instructor.

That first class changed everything. These workouts didn’t just improve my physical health; they pulled me out of a mental hell. The energy, the music, the feeling of landing each strike… I was hooked. This combination of genuine kickboxing, Muay Thai and boxing technique with bumping music in a fun and welcoming environment is still, hands down, my favorite way to stay sharp, centered and in shape.

Fast forward eight years and I have gone from part-time instructor to full-time manager to studio owner. Along the way, I even stepped into the ring for two sanctioned Muay Thai fights and won one of them. (Shout out to Coach Matt and Coach Sam for cornering me and helping secure Team KickHouse the win.)

This skill-based fitness kickboxing concept has completely transformed my life for the better, and it’s been an absolute joy to return the favor and train members through the years. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our members’ lives improve physically, mentally and emotionally. Hearing things like:
“I had no idea working out could be this enjoyable.”
“I’m no longer pre-diabetic.”
“This helped me get through a divorce.”
“This is my happy place.”
“I’m down 60 pounds since I started”

That is why we do what we do. Your goals are our goals.

This skill-based fitness kickboxing concept has completely transformed my life for the better. … There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our members’ lives improve physically, mentally and emotionally.

What to expect from your first KickHouse class

When you walk in, you’ll feel a genuine interest from the team in making sure you have a ton of fun while learning legit boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai technique. Chances are you’ll sweat, dance, laugh and hopefully fall in love with these carefully crafted sessions.

Each class is engineered to help you:
*Learn a badass skill
*Reduce stress
*Lose weight
*Tone up
*Build confidence

The time flies by. The workouts work. And the community? Exceptionally inviting and supportive. You will learn how to move like a champion, and the improvements in mental capabilities are just as powerful as the physical ones. It’s like a party with punches, but with real technique and real results.

The general format for a session

Warm-up with body-weight exercises (jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, sit-ups, etc.)
Guided boxing/kickboxing rounds on the bag
Cool-down stretches

Every session is go-at-your-own-pace and guided by an instructor who will:
Demonstrate and explain all the exercises, techniques and combinations
Go around and ensure that everyone is doing the moves safely and correctly

Who is this for?

I don’t expect fitness kickboxing to be for everybody, but rest assured it’s perfect for every body. Our members come in all shapes, sizes, ages — you name it. If you’re looking to build up a cool skill, while getting in incredible shape and being part of a kickass community, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The camaraderie that’s been built

This is not just a gym. It’s a community. The Fight Fam comes together for:
*DJ nights
*Group outings
*In-house challenges
*Specialty yoga and meditation sessions
*Zumba classes
*Charity events
*Self-defense seminars
*Tough Mudder races

We train together, celebrate together and cheer each other on — inside and outside the studio.

The music is pumping. The instructors are knowledgeable and motivating. And the environment is non-judgmental and welcoming.

Getting the most out of an hour

“Hey, are you stressed out? Of course you are! … You’re alive aren’t ya?”
For real though… in a world that moves at an insanely high speed and demands so much, stress is almost unavoidable. These sessions give you a release from that chaos.

Better mental health leads to:
*Better relationships
*A stronger community
*A more compassionate world

And yes, you’ll also:
*Lose body fat
*Build lean muscle
*See your health metrics improve

The music is pumping. The instructors are knowledgeable and motivating. And the environment is non-judgmental and welcoming. You belong here.

Success stories that inspire

Tricia — From parking lot nerves to confident coach

When I first came to KickHouse, I had just moved back home with my son and was feeling so disconnected from myself. I was dealing with postpartum depression and needed an outlet — honestly, I just needed to hit something.

I was so terrified before my first class that I sat in the parking lot for 30 minutes debating whether to go in. But I’d already arranged a sitter, so I told myself, “Just try it once. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to come back.”

I’m so glad I decided to give it a go. The first class was a challenge, but the empowering feeling I had afterward kept me coming back, and the coaches did such a great job of keeping the sessions fun, fresh and effective. The music and vibes were always top notch, and the community was incredible. Soon enough, I was walking in and everyone knew my name!

I’m so glad I decided to give it a go. The first class was a challenge, but the empowering feeling I had afterward kept me coming back, and the coaches did such a great job of keeping the sessions fun, fresh and effective.

When I started, I couldn’t do a single push-up and barely made it through the warm-up. Now I can move the heavy bag with my punches, knock out push-ups with ease, and have the energy to keep up with my son. But the biggest change has been my confidence. It’s given me the courage to try new things, meet new people and even go to therapy. And it’s still an incredible mental release, even to this day.

KickHouse became my happy place. I’ve made amazing friends and even met my husband here. We’ve been happily married for four years and love taking the sessions together. I even became an instructor so I can pass on the same positive energy I received. Come take my class Wednesdays at 5:30!

If you’re on the fence, my advice to you is this: Just try it once! You’ve got nothing to lose. If you don’t like it, then that’s OK. But if you love it, you probably just found your new happy place!

Heather — From struggle to strength: How kickboxing transformed me

In 2019, I made a decision that changed my life — I walked into my first kickboxing class. I was so nervous, unsure and, honestly, intimidated, but it was the best decision I ever made.

I was at a point where I knew I needed to take control of my health and well-being. What started as the first step soon turned into a passion that would carry me through an incredible weight-loss journey and a complete transformation of body and mind. I’ve lost more than 60 pounds, but what I’ve gained is even more powerful: confidence, strength, friendships and a renewed sense of purpose.

Kickboxing is more than just a workout for me — it is therapy, motivation and discipline all rolled into one. At first, I could barely keep up. The classes challenge me mentally and physically, even to this very day, and I’ve taken more than 800 classes! The instructors are exactly what I needed: motivating, supportive and tough in the best possible way. They push you hard because they believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself yet.

One of the unexpected gifts from becoming a member is the beautiful friendships I’ve made. I have workout buddies that keep me accountable. … My story isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about growth, resilience and finding strength I never knew I had.

One of the unexpected gifts from becoming a member at KickHouse in Park Ridge is the beautiful friendships I’ve made. I have workout buddies that keep me accountable. The community here is strong, supportive and real. We cheer each other on, celebrate the wins — big or small — and lift each other up when things get tough.

Over time, I saw real change. Not only did I lose weight, but I gained energy, muscle, confidence and a sense of purpose. Kickboxing gave me a way to relieve stress, and a consistent challenge that kept me coming back.

Now, six years later, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every step, every sore muscle and every morning. My story isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about growth, resilience and finding strength I never knew I had.

To anyone out there struggling with their health or fitness, find something you love, stay consistent and believe in yourself. If you’re thinking about trying something new, give KickHouse a try. It changed my life, and it can change yours too.

Come to KickHouse and get…

*Way more than what you pay for
*Top-tier training
*A supportive community
*A major confidence boost
*A skill that will serve you for life

Since becoming studio owner, I have made it my mission to inspire as many people as humanly possible to give this thing a try. I understand kickboxing is not for everybody, but you will never know unless you step onto the mat, strap on those gloves and give it a go. And when you’re at KickHouse, you don’t have to go it alone because from your very first punch to your biggest personal victory, we are in your corner every step of the way.

So if you are ready to sharpen your skills, de-stress, get in phenomenal shape and have a ton of fun in the process, KickHouse might just be the thing you did not know you needed.

— John Bonell