Gingarte Capoeira Chicago

Gingarte Capoeira is a great place to learn capoeira and grow as a capoiesta! Mestre Marisa leads a great group of talented professors and instructors who are focused not only the movements of capoeira, but the Brazilian culture that surrounds this martial art form. Every class offers me an opportunity to challenge myself physically (I can do a hand stand push up!) and intellectually by introducing me to Brazilian Portuguese and learning to sing and play musical instruments. I have lived and practiced capoeira all over the United States. While I have appreciated everyone whom I have trained with, Gingarte as a community has offered the most well rounded classes, events and other activities.

Brett was a great instructor. I think his explanation of the moves and knowledge of capoeira made me more interested in this art. However I think the place is not well organized. I tried to attend this summer with a friend and the sign on the door said they were having class outside in the park across the street. We spent the whole afternoon looking for the group and asking the park district attendants who did not know a thing about the class. We left without a class and my groupon expired. They also had outdated fliers on their table so they are not really aware of what they are communicating to the public.

I came to Gingarte about 5 months ago from another group, and honestly, I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The community is welcoming, the people who teach are good at what they do and always helpful, and I have a lot of respect for Mestre Marisa. A great place to learn, no matter what level you are. Plus they have class every day, which is awesome.

You have to be in shape for this type of strength & conditioning. I love it.

My sister and I have been coming to Gingarte for a little over a month and we LOVE it here. We’ve tried other capoeira schools and by far it’s our favorite. The instructors and Mestre Marisa are extremely patient and well versed in the art. Prices for the quality of class offered is EXTREMELY reasonable a $ 100 card for 10 classes and unlimited monthly for $ 100. We love it so much we plan on doing the unlimited monthly classes soon! If you plan on taking capoeira seriously, this is the school you NEED to start with :)

Gingarte Capoeira is a great place to train capoeira for adults and kids. I have trained with Gingarte for almost 5 years now. The instructors always teach to the level of their students. Training with Gingarte you will also learn the various styles of capoeira (e.g. Regional, Angola, etc.). Even if you are brand new you will still feel welcomed in a class full of advanced students. The Saturday kids classes are great. I have seen kids from ages 2 through 12 training including my own kids. The kids classes are fun and at a good pace for children. So if you want learn capoeira or are interested in having your kids learn, there’s no better place in Chicago.

What an awesome workout! Millenium Park hosts free workouts on the field on Saturday mornings — tai chi at 7, yoga at 8, pilates at 9 — and the 10 am class is always different per month. In July, the class that was offered was capoeira.
The instructors were efficient, friendly, and got the crowd going. This is not an easy workout by any means, especially for those of us who haven’t done a cartwheel since the early 90’s, but it’s definitely effective and gets you moving!
Towards the end, they engaged us in a bit of Brazilian culture — singing a song and doing a handshake that ensures that everyone in the class has acknowledged one another on a good work out. They even have a stage demo /​performance by the instructors as well, always fun.
I’m sorry to be missing their show next Friday as I’m not from the immediate area, but this was definitely worth partaking in!

As a beginner and having no experience, I found Gingarte to be the place for me. My first class I had no idea what to even expect. The classes are usually small, which I like, and the instructor is always willing to help you develop and catch on if you are lost in any part of the practice… and he’s VERY patient. (Like I said, I had no experience so I would get confused every now and then.)
Every time class is over, I want to do more. I really like Gingarte.
Now, I just wish it was closer to home!

I have been playing capoeira off and on for almost three years now, in Japan, California, and now Chicago. I have nothing but love for Gingarte– out of shape though I may be, I am still able to make it through the beginners class and get an amazing workout without wanting to die. The monday night class with Chris in particular, is awesome– he’s a very patient, laid back instructor and talented Capoeirista. One warning though– if you have zero capoeira experience the beginners class may seem a bit fast paced and intense, but that’s just the way Capoeira is– stick with it and you’ll see amazing results!