IMPACT Chicago
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Advanced Programs

Open only to Graduates of IMPACT's Core Program
Why take an Advanced IMPACT Program?
  • Review tools and strategies 
  • Expand tools and strategies for dealing with a single, unarmed assailant
  • Develop tools and strategies for dealing with an  armed or multiple assailants​
​Advanced Program Descriptions
See below for details about the content and length of each course. The Advanced Programs build on the Core Program and are, therefore, open only to women who have successfully completed the Core Program.
REGISTER
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Is an Advanced Program for you?
  • Did you successfully complete IMPACT's Core Program?
  • Can you comfortably engage in everyday activities?
  • Can you walk up a flight of stairs, walk quickly across a room to pick up a ringing phone, and get down on the floor and up again? See below for additional requirements for Defense Against Multiple Assailants.
  • Are you free from injury?
  • Are you looking to expand your tools and strategies?
  • If you are looking to recreate your Core Program experience an Advanced Program is unlikely to meet that expectation. Advanced Programs are shorter and more technically-oriented.  Women are welcome to retake the Core Program at any time.

Defense Against an Armed Rapist
  • Addresses  ways that an attacker uses a weapon to intimidate and overpower, ways to calm yourself when confronted with an armed attacker,  assessing an attacker's intent (e.g. robbery, sexual assault), and awareness of  and defenses for the particular dangers different weapons have.
  • Addresses common attacks with a club, knife, or gun, from the front or the rear, both standing and on the ground.  
  • Typically  taught on two consecutive days, with six hours of training each day. 

Defense Against Multiple Assailants
  • Addresses ways the most common ways two or three attackers use their numbers to intimidate and overpower, ways to calm yourself when confronted with multiple attackers, choosing strategy depending upon their intent (e.g. robbery, sexual assault, sexual harassment).
  • Address strategies to defend yourself  in surprise attacks, attacks that begin with a verbal confrontation, attacks in which you are grabbed from behind, and attacks that occur when you are asleep. 
  • Typically  taught on two consecutive days, with six hours of training each day.  
  • Defense Against Multiple Assailants is our most physically demanding program .
  • ​In addition to the physical recommendations stated above, we recommend that you can quickly walk three to four blocks while maintaining a conversation, you can turn quickly when walking or running without stopping your momentum, you can get in and out of a car quickly, and you can step up and down from a curb without changing your walking or running pace.  

​​What are the physical and emotional well-being requirements to take an IMPACT program? 
  • If you have a temporary injury or condition, such as pregnancy, healing from surgery, or a sprained limb, wait to take the class until you no longer have this injury or condition. 
  • If you have a chronic condition, please let us know about it and we will work with you (and in consultation with your health professional) to make it possible for you to take the course. We encourage you to register. 
  • If you have been sexually assaulted, consider waiting 6-12 months before taking an IMPACT course. A good wait time depends of course on you and your situation, so please talk to us about what will work for you.

Contact Us

312.971.7119

Our Mission

IMPACT Chicago teaches self-defense to  women, girls, and ​people with disabilities, so they can prevent, minimize, and  stop violence.

Mailing Address

4057 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60618

Designed by  Nate Tracy-Amoroso
  • Home
  • Statement on COVID-19
  • Programs
    • Core Program
    • IMPACT for Girls
    • What is IMPACT Program
    • Advanced Programs
    • IMPACT:Ability
    • Workshops >
      • Online Workshops
      • Book a Workshop
    • Schedule 2021
  • Register
    • Core Program
    • IMPACT for Girls
    • What is IMPACT
    • Advanced Programs
    • Workshops
    • Payment Options
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Donate Now
    • Volunteer
    • Refer a Friend
    • Receive IMPACT Updates
    • Become an Instructor
  • About Us
    • Our Mission and Approach
    • Gender Inclusivity
    • Why We Say "Get to Safety"
    • Instructors
    • Board and Admin Staff
    • Frequently Asked Questions