Yah, I have to admit that I'm not a fan of the PetSmart classes. I mean, in general, I think that they're good for the public (I mean, at least give the public an opportunity to do *something* to train their dogs), but I want my trainer to have proven themselves prior to teaching me how to train my dogs.
Also, I think that you'll find a much different mindset at the all breed clubs. Keep in mind that the PetSmart trainers do it for the love of money (to make a living), while the all breed trainers do it for the love of the sport. They are working on a volunteer basis (and if they do get paid, they get paid very little). They're doing it because of their love of training and they're doing it to support the club that they are members of. Because of this, it is my belief that you'll find the quality advantage at the all breed clubs as well - they *want* to help you to train your dog.
Similarly, since the clubs are usually volunteer run, your classes will be much cheaper. I pay $75 for 8 weeks of classes at my training club, which is a far cry from what I've seen advertised in other places around here.
The one biggest benefit that you'll find with an AKC recognized club, however, is that they are prepping you for show. They follow the rules and the guidelines of the AKC, and they know what you can and cannot do in the ring. For example, a sit isn't a sit until it's a *straight* sit in this environment, whereas a sit is a sit is a sit in the PetSmart environments.
Good luck!