Our Dojo

Welcome to Chicago Aikikai

The first dojo in the Midwest dedicated to Aikido, Chicago Aikikai offers a warm community and a tranquil environment for the study of the traditional Japanese “martial art of peace.”

Kevin Choate Sensei, Chief Instructor, is a sixth dan and student of Mitsugi Saotome Sensei and Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei. He has been chief instructor at Chicago Aikikai since 1981 and has earned a reputation for high-quality instruction, always demanding the best from his students as well as himself in his own training. Choate Sensei teaches as a senior instructor for Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) and travels frequently to conduct Aikido seminars across the country and overseas. He has trained thousands of Aikido students in the Chicago area, including classes for senior citizens, youth, actors, and dancers. Choate Sensei is also a Certified Instructor in Training of the Russian Martial Art Systema.

New to Chicago Aikikai? Please join us for a free introductory Aikido class any Wednesday evening at 6pm or you can contact us to make separate arrangements. We also welcome visiting aikidoka from any style for a small mat fee.

Recent Blogs

  • Registration is open for the annual Thanksgiving Seminar

    We will be hosting our annual Thanksgiving seminar with Saotome Sensei November 25th – 27th. Full Seminar fee $150.00 Space is limited to register and pay via paypal e-mail info@chicagoaikikai.org. Class times are: Friday 3:00pm – 4:30pm 6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am – noon 3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday 10:00am – … Continue reading →

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  • Taking Ukemi

    Half of an aikido class is falling down and while falling down is fun, good exercise and a chance to feel the skills of my partner I want it to be more.  I’ve come to realize that I can help a new student more when I am taking ukemi that … Continue reading →

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  • Are You Really Training?

    Have you ever noticed this about yourself? Your partner does an “unfair” move towards you, for example, he responds to your light strike with a hard and painful one. And then you get angry. Or your partner is a bit arrogant or slow to learn, and you get irritated. Then … Continue reading →

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Class Schedule

  • EARLY MORNING AIKIDO:
    Monday through Thursday from 6:15-7:15am
  • MID-MORNING AIKIDO:
    Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 10-11:15am
  • EVENING AIKIDO:
    Monday through Friday from 6-7:15pm
    Monday & Wednesday from 7:30-8:45pm
  • WEEKEND AIKIDO:
    Saturday 1-2:30pm & Sunday 11am-12:30pm
Download a detailed, print-friendly schedule

Dojo Events

Map & Directions