About Chimera

Chimera was founded in 1976 by Andra Medea, a Chicago woman who developed her self-defense style based on both her own needs and the experiences of women around her. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, she discovered that fast thinking was often more important than physical strength. In developing her comprehensive approach to self-defense for women, she included elements of strategy and psychology well as the kind of physical training women in the 1970s were seldom exposed to. Her approach was strongly influenced by the growing acknowledgement of rape as a feminist issue, and the recognized value of women’s anger as a source of power.

Our curriculum includes the violent techniques that everyone thinks of as self-defense, and it includes self-defense options that fall somewhere between doing nothing and beating the daylights out of someone. We learn defenses against chokeholds and talk about how women's socialization predisposes us not to defend our space. We learn how to incapacitate an attacker and discuss when and why rejecting someone might lead to violence. We learn how to resist abduction by car and compare notes on our intuition. Whatever you want to learn about, we teach it!

Meet Our Staff

Natalie (she/her) is our Lead Instructor and Program Coordinator! She is a seasoned, passionate facilitator who always tries to model assertiveness and healthy boundaries. With 11 years of teaching experience and a great sense of humor, she is energetic and hands-on. Her classes are relaxed, inclusive, and empowering.

Before coordinating Chimera, she logged 650 hours as a volunteer on RCC’s helpline. She is a certified Empowerment Self-Defense Instructor with the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation and has served on their board. Natalie has a background in mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu jitsu. She is a member of the Geological Society of America and loves languages, cooking, and cats.

Student testimonials about Natalie:

• Instructor used the right mix of humor, friendliness and frankness. She felt like a strong and reliable ally. She also really knew her stuff.
• Natalie is a terrific instructor who is authentic, compassionate and tough!
• OMG Natalie is slay

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a survivor to take a Chimera class?

No. Rape culture affects all of us. Survivors and non-survivors are welcome!

How old do you have to be to take Chimera?

In general, kids should be 12 or older. And if they're under 16, we recommend that they take it with an older friend (parent, aunt, BFF's mom, etc.) so they can talk about it with someone at home later.

There's no upper age limit! Chimera benefits people of all ages.

I'm worried Chimera will be too physically difficult for me.

Don't be! Our techniques are designed to work even if you aren't very strong, flexible, or fast. And we get plenty of practice, but you probably won't sweat. Your instructor will be happy to work with you on any and all concerns!

Will I have to share my story in class?

No. We will never expect you to share anything you don't want to.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes! We want everyone to be able to take Chimera. Choose "scholarship registration" when you sign up and we'll get in touch ASAP.

What if I freeze up or freak out during class?

That's OK! It's very normal to have strong emotions during class. Our instructors are trained to help you through it.

Are there fight scenarios or padded attackers in Chimera?

No. You will not have to fight in real time against an attacker character. It's just the instructor and the students.

Will my Chimera instructor pressure me or yell at me?

No. Chimera class is NOT like an intensive exercise class or a boot camp. There isn't any sense of competition, and you can opt out of anything.

Can men attend Chimera?

At least once a year we offer all-gender classes specifically to include men who experience gender-based violence, like trans and gay men. But the majority of our classes are closed to men and open to all cis and trans women and nonbinary participants.