Est. 1992 · St. Charles, Illinois

Where Families Grow Strong Together

Traditional Korean Taekwondo. Modern Excellence.
Founded by Grand Master Bill Cho in 1992.
Programs for ages 3 to 80+.

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34 Years of Excellence
Generations of Black Belts
All Ages Welcome
Complimentary Assessment
프로그램What We Offer

Find Your Path

Every journey begins with a single step. We have a program tailored for every age, every goal, and every family.

Little Tigers
Little Tiger student with yellow belt doing a focused technique at Bill Cho's dojang
Ages 3–5

Little Tigers

Our youngest martial artists develop focus, coordination, and confidence through playful, structured classes designed for tiny warriors.

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Kids Martial Arts
Kids at Bill Cho's looking up attentively to their instructor
Ages 6–12

Kids Martial Arts

Build discipline, respect, and self-defense skills. Our kids program develops champions on and off the mat with proven techniques.

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Teen Program
Bill Cho's teen black belt executing a high side kick at a tournament
Ages 13–17

Teen Program

Where teens build real confidence, discipline, and respect — at their own pace. Whether they're here to stay fit, sharpen focus, or take on new challenges, they grow stronger on the mat and off.

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Family Program
A mother in dobok hugged by her daughter at Bill Cho's, father smiling in foreground
All Ages

Family Program

Train together, grow together. Our family classes let parents and children share the journey — the ultimate bonding experience.

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Adult Program
Adult Bill Cho's student with yellow belt mid-punch — proof it's never too late to begin
Ages 18+

Adult Program

It's never too late to begin. Improve fitness, reduce stress, and enjoy the journey at your own pace — whether your path leads to a black belt or simply a stronger, calmer you — alongside a welcoming community of adults.

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Black Belt Club & Master Club
Back of a Bill Cho's Black Belt Club dobok with the school tiger logo
Invitation Only

Black Belt Club & Master Club

Two invitations, one serious journey. Black Belt Club for color belts on their journey to black belt — Master Club for those whose passion and goals lead toward becoming a leader.

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우리 학교About Our School

34 Years of Building Champions

Grand Master Bill Cho founded United Taekwondo Center in St. Charles, Illinois in 1992 with a singular vision: to use the art of traditional Korean Taekwondo as a vehicle for life transformation.

From his St. Charles headquarters, Grand Master Cho's influence has reached internationally, including an established presence in Beijing, China. More than just martial arts, he teaches the values of respect, self-control, positive attitude, focus, and discipline that carry students far beyond the mat.

Across more than three decades, Grand Master Cho has guided generations of students to the rank of black belt — and more than 80% continue to advance beyond their first. The results speak for themselves: a curriculum backed by decades of refinement, competitive success, and an unwavering commitment to each student's personal journey.

34 Years of Excellence
1,000s Black Belts Forged
80% Continue to Higher Ranks

"Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities."

— Grand Master Bill Cho
유산A Lifetime in the Art

Our Story

From competitive roots to a lifetime of teaching — the journey behind United Taekwondo Center.

Young Bill Cho representing Team USA in front of the Olympic rings

Team USA · Olympic Era "Excellence is never an accident."

  1. Early Years

    Competitive roots, Olympic-level training

    Grand Master Cho's early career took him from traditional Korean training to representing the United States in Taekwondo at the highest levels — the foundation for everything that came next.

  2. 1992

    United Taekwondo Center opens in St. Charles

    Grand Master Cho founded United Taekwondo Center with a singular mission: to use traditional Korean Taekwondo as a vehicle for life transformation — for families of every age.

  3. 2000s

    Curriculum reaches Beijing, China

    A second location and partnership in Samdo, Beijing extended the United Taekwondo curriculum internationally — a curriculum now taught to students on two continents.

  4. Today

    Today · A Living Legacy of Black Belts

    Grand Master Cho continues to lead the dojang personally. New black belts are forged every year — and more than 80% keep going, well beyond their first.

사범님Our Instructors

Meet the Team

Behind every great student is a great teacher. Our dojang is led by Grand Master Bill Cho and a team of dedicated instructors whose passion for people is equal to their love of the art.

Grand Master Bill Cho in his red Master vest with American and Korean flag patches
Founder

Grand Master Bill Cho

Grand Master Cho founded United Taekwondo Center in 1992 with a philosophy that life skills come before techniques. His curriculum is now taught on two continents — and his vision shapes every class, every belt test, every relationship in the dojang.

"I seek out Masters whose passion for people is equal to or greater than their desire to simply teach."

  • Founded United Taekwondo Center in 1992
  • Head Coach — 2001–02 World Cup Games, Vietnam & Tokyo
  • Past President, Illinois State Taekwondo Association
  • Current President, Midwest Taekwondo Association
The Instructor Team
Master Shelley Johnson — Head Director

Master Shelley Johnson

Head Director
Master John Abel — Park District Coordinator

Master John Abel

Park District Coordinator
Instructor Julie DiChiara

Julie DiChiara

Instructor
Instructor Jennifer Moret — Master Club Coordinator

Jennifer Moret

Master Club Coordinator
Instructor Luisa Rodriguez — Master Club Coordinator

Luisa Rodriguez

Master Club Coordinator
Instructor Amanda Halbach — Leadership Coordinator

Amanda Halbach

Leadership Coordinator
Instructor Jackie Laskaris — Etiquette Coordinator

Jackie Laskaris

Etiquette Coordinator
Wendi Merrell — Social Media & Website

Wendi Merrell

Social Media & Website
Claudia Cortez — Office Assistant

Claudia Cortez

Office Assistant
정신The Spirit of Taekwondo

The Five Tenets of Taekwondo

Rooted in centuries of Korean philosophy, the five tenets (jeongsin) are the heart of every class. We train the body, mind, and character together — to build better people, not just better athletes.

Courtesy

Showing respect and good manners to instructors, fellow students, and everyone — inside and outside the dojang.

Integrity

Knowing right from wrong and having the honesty to stand by your principles, even when no one is watching.

Perseverance

Continuing to strive toward your goals against all odds — one of the surest paths to achievement.

Self-Control

Mastering your thoughts and actions, keeping your emotions in check — especially in difficult moments.

Indomitable Spirit

The courage to stand firm in your convictions and give 100% effort, no matter the odds against you.

띠의 여정Your Path to Black Belt

The Belt Journey

In Korean, each rank below black belt is a geup (급), and each black-belt degree is a dan (단). Every belt is a milestone of discipline, character, and growth — earned step by step in the dojang.

Training videos for every form (poomsae) and self-defense set are available in the Member Portal.

후기Community Stories

What Families Are Saying

"Absolutely amazing. A positive, fun and respectful environment for kids and families. We feel so lucky to have found this place."

CJ Morgan Family Member · St. Charles

"The Masters show so much compassion, respect and dedication to every student. You can feel the difference the moment you walk through the door."

Deina Morgan Jagus Parent · St. Charles

"Our daughters love attending classes. The community of wonderful families here makes it feel like home — they've grown so much in confidence and focus."

Molly Spring Kids Program · St. Charles

Read what families are saying on Google.

Read Our Reviews ↗
시범단The Demo Team

Performance & Pride

Our Demonstration Team represents the very best of United Taekwondo — students chosen for skill, character, and dedication. They perform at community events, tournaments, and special occasions across the region.

Bill Cho's demo team celebrating with a championship trophy at a tournament
  • Choreographed forms (poomsae), board breaking, and weapons
  • Invitation-only program for advanced students
  • Performs at festivals, schools, and corporate events
  • Builds leadership, stage presence, and teamwork
Demo Team Login How to Try Out
Bill Cho's demo team celebrating with a championship trophy at a tournament
수업 시간표Plan Your Week

Fall 2026 Schedule

Headquarter Location — 2000 W. Main Street, Suite C, St. Charles  ·  (630) 513-5433
All classes effective August 3rd, 2026 Last updated: —

⬇ Download Full Schedule (PDF)
회원For Current Students & Families

Member Portal

Training videos for every belt level, from at-home workouts through 4th Dan. Watch, slow it down, and practice anytime, from any device.

Training Videos Follow along with videos for your belt level.
Forms & Self-Defense Every form and self-defense set, belt by belt.
Slow-Motion Practice Play at ½× or ¾× speed to learn every detail.
Demo Team Routine videos for Demo Team members.
행사Beyond the Mat

Events, Camps & Parties

There's always something happening at United Taekwondo. Celebrate, train, and grow with us.

Birthday Parties

Give your child an unforgettable martial arts birthday — games, board-breaking, and a celebration led by our instructors. Private use of the dojang included.

Book a Party →

Summer & Day Camps

School breaks made active and fun. Full and half-day camps blend taekwondo, games, character-building, and friendships that last all year.

View Camp Dates →

Belt Testing & Tournaments

Quarterly belt promotions and regional tournaments. Watch your student rise through the ranks and compete with confidence and pride.

See Upcoming Dates →
소식News & Insights

From the Dojang

Read the Latest →
Student Spotlight

Meet Our Newest Black Belts

United Taekwondo · 3 min read

Celebrating the dedication of the students who earned their black belts this season. Their stories will inspire you.

Coming Soon →
Adult Fitness

Why It's Never Too Late to Start

By Grand Master Cho · 4 min read

Adults of all ages are discovering the physical and mental benefits of taekwondo. Here's how to begin your journey today.

Coming Soon →
질문Questions Parents Ask

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taekwondo safe for young children?
Absolutely. Our Little Tigers program (ages 3–5) is specifically designed for young children — focused on balance, listening skills, and self-control through fun, engaging classes that keep them moving and smiling. No contact sparring, certified instructors, and a small class environment so every child is supervised closely.
What does it cost?
We offer monthly tuition plans tailored to your family — including family multi-student discounts. Your first session is a complimentary assessment, with no obligation. Call (630) 513-5433 or request your complimentary assessment and we'll walk you through the options.
What should I wear to my first class?
For your complimentary assessment, just comfortable workout clothing — t-shirt and athletic pants or shorts. Bare feet, no shoes on the mat. When you enroll, your uniform (dobok) is our gift to you.
I have zero martial arts experience. Is that okay?
Many of our students started with zero experience — including many adults who earned their black belt later in life. Every class begins where you are. There is no fitness, age, or experience prerequisite.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
For dedicated students training consistently, the typical path to 1st Dan black belt is about 28 to 42 months. There are no shortcuts — every belt is earned through testing. See our Belt Journey for the full progression.
Do you offer birthday parties and camps?
Yes — birthday parties (with games, board breaking, and a celebration led by our instructors), as well as summer and school-break day camps. See Events & Parties for details.
Where are you located?
Our dojang is at 2000 W Main Street, Suite C, St. Charles, IL 60174. Easy parking, family-friendly waiting area. Open Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–8 PM and Saturday 8:30 AM–2 PM.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Start with a Complimentary Assessment. No experience necessary — just bring the will to grow. Spots fill fast. Reserve yours today.

Request a Complimentary Assessment (630) 513-5433

⚡ Enroll Online in 3 Easy Steps

1 Pick a program
2 Choose your time
3 Reserve your spot

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방문Visit Us

Find Us & Get in Touch

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