Thornwood residents may know Cris Nelson as a neighbor who was out on the walking paths nearly every day. In October 2025, the rest of the country also got to know him as one of the top small business owners in America.

Cris, founder and owner of National Karate & Martial Arts of Illinois, has called Thornwood home for more than two decades—17 of those years in Thornwood Grove, and later in Brookside with his wife, Kelly. Their family ties to the neighborhood run deep. Living close to his business allows Cris to keep one foot firmly planted in both worlds.

In 2025, National Karate was named one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, chosen out of tens of thousands of applicants nationwide. Cris traveled to Washington, D.C. last October to accept the honor.

The honors haven’t stopped there. Cris was inducted into the prestigious Diamond Nationals Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of dedication to martial arts, leadership, and student development. National Karate also celebrated an incredible milestone, earning the Daily Herald Readers' Choice Best of the Best award for the 15th consecutive year. Together, these recognitions reflect not only Cris's lifelong commitment to excellence, but also the trust and support of the thousands of families who have made National Karate part of their lives.

"The local and national recognition is truly humbling," Cris said. "It reflects the hard work of our instructors, the dedication of our students, and the support of the families and communities we serve."

The timing of these awards carries extra meaning. National Karate celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025; three decades built on a simple philosophy: teach the person, not just the technique.

An 8th-degree black belt, Cris has spent more than 40 years in martial arts, and his focus never wavered from the people in front of him. "I could do nearly any job, but the people are why I continue in this one." he says.

That people-first approach has produced results. National Karate has grown to five locations—Aurora, Bartlett, Elk Grove/Roselle, Naperville, and South Elgin. Cris and his Illinois team have trained more than 20,000 students. 

"When we focus on people, rather than the business, the best things happen," Cris says.

That philosophy was tested in 2018, when doctors discovered tumors during a routine exam. Cris had several surgeries,  including one that removed part of Cris's pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, and bile duct. The recovery was long and painful. It also reshaped how Cris saw everything. "It made me sort out all the stuff that was important versus not important in life," he reflects.

That perspective shows up in how National Karate gives back to local businesses and non-profits. They partner with Cal's Angels for a Christmas Toy Drive that donates nearly 15,000 toys. They sell pink belts each October to raise funds for breast cancer research. Cris and his team donate dozens of Bully Self-Defense Seminars, Women’s Self-Defense Seminars, and Predator Protection classes for children throughout local communities. They also participate in many community events, including the National Night Out and events involving local clubs and nonprofits.

For Cris, martial arts has always been about far more than earning the next belt. It's about helping children and adults discover confidence, resilience, and the courage to believe in themselves. As a longtime Thornwood resident, he's proud to invest in the same values that make this community so special—encouraging neighbors to grow stronger, support one another, and become the very best versions of themselves. 

After more than 30 years, National Karate continues to change lives, one student, one family, and one neighbor at a time. 

Thornwood is proud to call Cris Nelson a neighbor whose commitment to service, character, and community has helped build champions both on and off the mat.

National Karate
ChicagoNK.com