Looking at Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs, you’d never know that this thriving dojo of 7,000 students, all began in the small space of a young man’s basement. Unlike most adolescent boys who turn to football, baseball or other traditional American sports to fill their free time, John DiPasquale developed a love for martial arts.

He began taking karate lessons at a small dojo in Des Plaines with Loren Rodgers at the age of 13. As DiPasquale grew, so did his passion for karate. He realized he wanted karate to be more than just a hobby; he wanted to make into a career.

In 1978, DiPasquale created his own karate dojo. Since then, the club has expanded to serve more than 75 park districts throughout the Chicagoland area. Students of all ages and abilities are welcome at ISKC.

DiPasquale is a four-time National Champion and former United States Team Coach. Sensei DiPasquale was the only actively teaching karate coach in the country to have been named to the 27 member national faculty of the American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP).

ISKC is proud to offer our karate program, one that is a proven leader in its field. You can feel confident that you and/or your child will be getting the best the sport has to offer.