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.
