IMPACT Chicago

Even though our classes and workshops by definition focus on self-defense techniques, the end result is much more about expanding our lives and connecting with others in genuine and authentic ways. After the final whistle is blown, the ripples in the pond continue outward. When we set a boundary in our regular lives, when we carry ourselves with confidence, when we step into challenges with courage, others see us and think, "Maybe I could do that too." Never underestimate the impact YOU make on the world around you. And never forget your IMPACT family is there for you.

IMPACT WEEKEND Q: What has listening to your instincts protected you from?

We have two, count 'em, TWO IMPACT CLASSES coming up in October, which will be our LAST CLASSES OF 2026. Please spread the word!

IMPACT FOR YOUNG TEENS (12-15) will be held Sat/Sun Oct 17-18 at 1650 W Foster Ave, Chicago. Register today via the link below:

https://www.impactchicago.org/impact-for-young-teens-12-15.html

Our IMPACT Core program for adults will be held the following weekend, Fri-Sun Oct 23-25 at Movement on Montrose (new space!) 2951 W Montrose Ave, Chicago. Registration link below:

https://www.impactchicago.org/store/c3/Core_Program.html

Hope to see you there!

Next month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). For the 4th year in a row, I'm excited to share that Girls Fight Back has partnered with Dr. Vanessa Guyton, Founder of Hush No More to offer our annual FREE Virtual Girls Fight Back empowerment- based self-defense class for survivors!

Sunday, October 25th, 2026
Time: 1:00p-2:00p PST / 4:00p-5:00p EST
Price: FREE
Details: Virtual empowered self-defense class open to women & girls (cis, trans, nonbinary) and centering the experience of survivors!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/girls-fight-back-and-hush-no-more-against-domestic-violence--2026

This 60-minute uplifting, fun, and empowering virtual self-defense class is taught by Girls Fight Back CEO Nicole Snell.

Topics covered will include: intuition, situational awareness, recognizing red flag behavior, boundary setting, de-escalation, and the Badass Basics of physical self-defense. The class is trauma-informed and evidence-based.

Since 2001, Girls Fight Back has been on a mission to help women reconnect to their innate power so they can live limitlessly!

While I have programming for people of all genders throughout the year, this interactive class is designed to be a safe space exclusively for women/girls to learn simple and practical violence prevention strategies and develop confidence for moving through the world.

Thank you to all the amazing organizations who have partnered with us to offer this class again:

💥Supporting Our Survivors
💥Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach, Inc
💥Project Jasmine, Revealed LLC
💥Re-Discover Me
💥Devine Women Foundation
💥Visions of Women

You are worth fighting for!

*****UPDATE: Wow! This event sold out in 3 hours! Thank you for the massive interest. We can't wait!*****

This October we are partnering with the Gene Siskel Film Center to celebrate the release of Jane Schoenbrun’s debut book, “Public Access Afterworld” with a special screening of “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” 🎥

Every ticket includes a signed copy of the book and entry to the screening and conversation at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Tickets are live now via the link in our bio!

6 Years Strong!

Today is my 6 year incorporation anniversary for my companies Empowered Journeys, Inc. and Girls Fight Back!

Looking back, it was scary and unprecedented to consider taking over a company in 2020. It was the start of the COVID pandemic, the world was shut down, live programming was cancelled, and virtual programming wasn't a thing yet. I was advised not to do it.

I did it anyway.

I'm still here!

The world continues to change and challenges continue to pop up and I'm still here. Working to change the world and prevent violence one keynote, workshop, and training at a time.

I'm grateful to everyone who has believed in me, supported me, hired me, referred me, recommended me, advised me, and talked me through numerous difficulties. THANK YOU!

MY MISSION:

To empower people with evidence-based and transformative personal safety and self-defense skills so that we can live our lives limitlessly! Because when we can alleviate fear, we open up our access to the world.

✨I offer keynotes, trainings and workshops for groups of all sizes, genders, and industries! Contact me to book!

✨Sign up for my newsletter!

(links in bio)

We still need ONE more person to sign up for September Core (9/25-27)! Time is running out. Please reach out to your various circles, both IRL and online - we'd really like the class to run! If you know someone who has been thinking about class, check in with them today!

Also, pass on the discount code SUMMER15 to save 15% off the enrollment price!

https://www.impactchicago.org/core-program.html