On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the late Wendy Whited Sensei (1952-2021) was inducted into the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame at the organization’s 19th annual banquet (held in conjunction with inductions for the 8th Annual Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame).
The founder and chief instructor of Inaka Dojo in Beecher, Illinois was a longtime friend, colleague and supporter of Chicago Aikikai, having trained there from the mid-1970s (when it was still Illinois Aikido Club), and attended and taught seminars throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
Members of Chicago Aikikai, Inaka Dojo and KoFu Dojo (which she co-founded and taught at) were in attendance. Daniel Pierson of Aikido of Hales Corners, who received training and guidance from Whited Sensei at Inaka, received the Hall of Fame Award and spoke on behalf of Inaka Dojo and its students (current chief instructor Kay Sandacz Sensei was traveling in Japan).
Please enjoy this tribute video specially prepared for the occasion.