About Shi Rei Kai

In 2025, as a way to tribute Sensei Jose Luis Montes teachings, Shoo Rei Kai Illinois was renamed to "Shi Rei Kai", going from "School that greets with courtesy" to "School that greets and values the willingness", the character Kokorozashi (志) has a deeper meaning, it combines the heart with a warrior, having a meaning of "the spirit within the warrior".

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Shoo Rei Kai was founded in 1977 in Mexicali BC, Mexico by Shihan Sergio Cortes.

On the year 2000, inspired by a phrase "A Black Belt Trains Alone", our Sensei Jose Luis Montes began a small group in a community church to members and families from all ages, regardless of race, belief, sex or age, we have been offering the Lake Zurich and Mundelein area great quality. Following the Champions Schools principle, encouraging students to never give up. We strive to take martial arts back to its roots as both a physical and spiritual art form that represents a harmonious way of life. In a world of seemingly unending pressures, we represent an oasis of calm and balance.

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Martial arts give you the tools to stay present and focused while standing in the eye of the storm. It is this self-awareness that allows you to make the best decisions in stressful situations, and to defend yourself when needed, “The best way to win a battle is the one you don't have to fight”.