Cris Nelson, the founder and owner of National Karate Chicago, has been a pillar of the Thornwood community for 23 years. With his wife Kelly, they made their home for 13 of those years in Thornwood Grove and now residing in the Brookside neighborhood. The Nelson family’s connection to the community runs deep, finding joy in the family-friendly environment, the pool, the walking paths, and especially the people of our Thornwood community. Living close to his business, Cris is able to maintain strong ties to both his business and the place he calls home.

As an 8th-degree black belt, Cris has built a successful career in martial arts, but what sets him apart is his focus on teaching people, not just martial arts. He believes in building the person first, using martial arts as a vehicle for personal growth.  “I do this job because of the people," Cris says, emphasizing his passion for making a difference in others' lives.

Over the years, The National Karate Association has expanded to multiple states, producing over 15,000 black belts, with Cris ranking as the third highest black belt. His accomplishments include Instructor of the Year, 10-time School of the Year, and being voted the Best Martial Arts School in Chicagoland for 13 consecutive years. "When we focus on people, rather than the business, the best things happen," Cris notes, a philosophy that has guided him through challenges, including the tough times during the pandemic.

National Karate has five thriving locations, including facilities in Aurora, South Elgin, Naperville, Elk Grove/Schaumburg, and Bartlett, with Cris's hands-on leadership ensuring consistency in quality and values across the board.

In 2018, Cris faced a life-changing health challenge when doctors discovered tumors during a routine exam. Two years of surgeries followed, with a final operation removing part of his pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, duodenum and bile duct. The recovery was grueling, and he couldn’t eat for months and depended on a feeding tube for nourishment. But Cris’s faith and resilience helped him navigate this difficult period. “It made me prioritize what truly matters in life,” he reflects. During his ordeal, Cris found himself wrestling with God, “God, do you hear my prayers? Do you love me?” This time of questioning was a time of deep reflection of faith and humility. “I had to ask myself ‘Do you only love God because of His blessings, or do you love God because He is God?’”

“In the end, I realized that God never promised that life would be perfect, and in fact, it can be really hard sometimes. But it was God’s strength that got me through it.”

Cris has spent over 40 years in martial arts, witnessing firsthand how it can transform people's lives. Martial arts can help both children and adults find their place in the world by building confidence, teaching them to stand up against bullies, and giving them the skills to protect themselves. "Living in fear from a lack of confidence or a bully inhibits a person from living the life they were meant to live," Cris shares. He believes that overcoming fear is essential for personal growth, as fear often holds people back from realizing their full potential. “Fear can be a form of prison, and martial arts can provide the key to freedom,” Cris adds, emphasizing the importance of building both mental and physical strength in his students.

National Karate takes great pride in giving back to the community. In partnership with Cal's Angels, they host an annual Toy Drive, bringing joy to children battling pediatric cancer. To date, they've donated over 15,000 toys. Additionally, NK supports breast cancer research by raising funds through the sale of pink karate belts each October. National Karate’s commitment to the community extends further with free self-defense seminars offered to local schools and community groups, empowering individuals with valuable skills and knowledge.

As 2025 approaches, Cris looks forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Karate in Illinois, a milestone that marks three decades of dedication, community impact, and personal growth for countless students.

You can find out more about National Karate by visiting: ChicagoNK.com.

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