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Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

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Kagami Biraki at Third Friday

January 13, 2024 By Dwight

Chicago Aikikai members, their families and friends are invited to its annual kagami biraki event, being held on its regular Third Friday class on January 19.

Reflect upon the last year and welcome the new with a round of training, followed by a potluck dinner and social hour.

The event is FREE and open to members of the general public. Newcomers to aikido may observe or try things out. If planning to step on the mat, please wear loose-fitting clothing and bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

If you are on Facebook, feel free to post on our event page to let us know you are coming, or help us share news of the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(above: Photos from Chicago Aikikai’s 2023 kagami biraki class)

Kagami Biraki (鏡開き, literally “opening the mirror”) is held by many dojo to officially signify starting practice in the New Year. A special class is held followed by time to eat, drink and socialize. Please see the video below to learn more about this tradition.

 

Filed Under: NEWS & EVENTS

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Chicago Aikikai is located at:

Evenings and weekends northside
3900 North Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
(home of Choyokan Kendo Dojo)
Unit 100 – Enter through south door

Weekday mornings southside
Harold Washington Park
53rd Street & Hyde Park Boulevard

Classes
See Classes page for times. Please call or e-mail to confirm an appointment day and time before visiting.

Travel

Northside

Driving – 3900 N. Elston Ave. is near Addison entrance/exit to I-90/94. Limited free parking in parking lot. Free/Metered parking on streets (Zoning restrictions on some residential blocks).

Public Transportation – Near CTA Blue Line station at Addison (10-min walk) and #80 Irving Park bus stops (East/West) at Irving Park & Elston/Monticello (4-min walk).

Southside

Driving – Harold Washington Park is at corner of 53rd Street & Hyde Park Blvd. Reachable via Lake Shore Drive at 53rd St. exit. Free/Metered parking on streets.

Public Transportation – #6 Jackson Park Express bus stops at S. Hyde Park Blvd. & E. Hyde Park Blvd. (Southbound) and S. Hyde Park Blvd. & 53rd St. (Northbound).

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Aikido

Aikidō is a modern non-competitive Japanese martial art for developing flexible response to situations with a calm mind and relaxed body without relying on size or muscular strength. Today, 1 million people in 130 countries do aikidō for personal interest, physical conditioning, stress relief, and cultural appreciation.

About Chicago Aikikai

Chicago Aikikai is a registered DBA of Illinois Aikido Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 36-2557303

 

Location and Contact Info

Evening and weekend classes held northside at:
3900 North Elston Ave/. Chicago, IL 60618
(home of Choyokan Kendo Dojo)

Weekday morning classes held southside at:
Outdoors in Harold Washington Park at northwest corner of 53rd Street and Hyde Park Boulevard, 60615. (Indoor location being sought)

Please call or e-mail to confirm an appointment day and time before visiting.

Phone: (312) 870-0687

E-mail: info@chicagoaikikai.org

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