The 95th Street Business Association congratulates the Warrior Institute of Chicago and Chief Instructor Oren Headen for his recent induction to the Illinois State Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Headen is a 7th Degree Black Belt with 40+ years of martial arts experience. This distinguished honor recognizes Headen’s decades of dedication to teaching, preserving, and advancing traditional martial arts in the Chicago community and beyond. Headen has been a martial arts leader in Beverly/Morgan Park and the greater Chicago area for more than two decades.
Under Headen’s leadership, the Warrior Institute of Chicago has grown into an award-winning, internationally recognized martial arts academy known for its high-quality instruction, character-building programs, and commitment to serving families, youth, and adults of all ages.
“For more than 40 years, martial arts has shaped my life-from the lessons I learned as a young student to the honor of teaching thousands of students here in Chicago,” said Headen. “Being inducted into the Illinois State Martial Arts Hall of Fame is not just a personal milestone-it reflects the dedication of my students, the trust of our families, and the support of the martial arts community.”
Throughout his career, Headen has represented Chicago on national and international stages, including demonstrations at major summits, instructor training programs, and leadership events across the United States, Latin America, and South Korea. His expertise spans traditional Korean forms, practical self-defense, weapons training, youth develop-ment, and instructor mentorship.
The Hall of Fame induction acknowledges not only his technical skill but also his impact as a community leader, coach, and mentor whose teachings have shaped generations of martial artists. Please join the 95 Street Business Association, along with the Warrior Institute students, families, and alumni, in celebrating this milestone and recognizing Headen’s contributions to martial arts excellence.