Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

Dwight

Chicago Crosstown Seminar (Kiku Matsu Dojo and Chicago Aikikai)

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Reminder that Kiku Matsu Dojo, headquarters of Aikido World Alliance (AWA) and under the leadership of Andrew Sato Shihan, will be hosting the Chicago Crosstown Seminar with instruction by Laura DeGraff Sensei (Kiku Matsu Dojo) and Marsha Turner Shihan (Chicago Aikikai). The seminar will be held Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13 at Kiku Matsu Dojo.

Chicago Crosstown Seminar
Kiku Matsu Dojo
4512 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60625
Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13, 2026
Click HERE to register.

 

 

 

Supporting Frank Doran Sensei and Ursula Doran

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Frank Doran Sensei (8th dan, Aikido West) and his wife Ursula are in need of financial assistance due to his declining health. These funds would go towards medical bills and in-home care during the day and also through the night.
Doran Sensei has been a pioneer in establishing Aikido in the United States and abroad, and has touched many hearts with his humor, his masterful teaching, and his passion for the art.
If you are able to give, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support and please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Passing of John Eley

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We just received word from Ted Ehara of Chicago Ki-Aikido of the passing of Jonathan (John) Eley, who died the morning of Tuesday, July 14 in a care facility from a heart attack.

Eley was one of the first non-Japanese members of the Illinois Aikido Club (as Chicago Aikikai was originally called). In February 1961, he responded to an invitation from founding member Norman Miyagi and visited the dojo’s first location at 3223 N. Clark Street for a Sunday class, and as he related in an interview, “I was converted.”

Eley remained with the Illinois Aikido Club until 1974, training under Chester Sasaki, Francis Takahashi, Isao Takahashi and Yoshihiko Hirata. When Koichi Tohei split from Hombu Dojo, Eley chose to follow him as a student of Tohei’s Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (The Ki Society).

In 1975, Eley organized the Chicago Ki Society at University of Chicago, and served as chief instructor of Chicago Ki Aikido until today.

Our condolences to all of Eley’s friends, family and students.

Marsha Turner Shihan at 2026 ASU Summer Camp

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The annual Aikido Schools in Ueshiba (ASU) Summer Camp was held July 1-5 at Aikido Shobukan Dojo in Washington, D.C. Chicago Aikikai’s Chief Instructor Marsha Turner Shihan was one of the scheduled instructors for the event.

Of special note, Mitsugi Saotome Shihan presented Shihan (師範; Master Instructor) certificates awarded by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba and Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo). Recipients included Jim Alvarez (Aikido of Livermore), Lee Crawford (Aikido Northshore), Robert Deppe (Aikido Shobukan Dojo), Eugene Lee (Aikido Shobukan Dojo), Chetan Prakash (Redlands Aikikai), and Marsha Turner

Chicago Aikikai announces final move and temporary training locations

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Starting Tuesday, July 7, northside evening and weekend classes will be held at 3900 North Elston Ave. (home of Choyokan Kendo Dojo), Unit 100, in the 39th Ward at the border of the Avondale and Old Irving Park neighborhoods. 

Starting Tuesday, July 1, southside morning classes will be held at 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd, Suite 203 (606 Karate & Self-Defense). 

New class schedule

Sundays:

10:00am-12:00pm (north)

 

Tuesdays:

6:30am-7:30am (south)

6:30pm – 8:30 pm (north)

 

Wednesdays:

6:30am -7:30am (south)

 

Fridays:

6:30pm – 8:30 pm (north)

 

Saturdays:

10:00am – 12:00pm (north)

 

Please note that the schedule may be revised as we settle into our new spaces, and be sure to check the Classes page of the website for confirmation and updates.

 

As we will be guests in our temporary locations we ask all those training with Chicago Aikikai to observe their rules as well as ours. Visitors and prospective students are asked to call or e-mail the dojo to confirm an appointment before visiting.

 

Final Move-Out – Assistance Needed!

Following the 10:00am-11:30am morning class on Saturday, June 27, we will move mats and other materials to three different destinations:

* Mats and other items to 3900 N. Elston Aven., Unit 100 between 12:30pm-2:30pm

* Remaining items to go into storage to Extra Space Storage, 2850 N. Pulaski Rd.

* Large calligraphy and other items to various private homes

 

We are asking all members, past and present, as well as friends of the dojo to come help as we close out this chapter of the dojo’s long history.

 

Final Classes at Current Location

Chicago Aikikai’s final weekend class at 1444 W. Chicago Ave. will be held Sunday, June 28 11am-12:30pm, and our final class there altogether will be held 6:30-7:30am on Tuesday morning, June 30. Please consider joining us for either or both! Evening class on June 30 has been cancelled as we will not have access to the space after 11am on that date.

 

Future Space Plans

Based on current rents and the state of available properties in target neighborhoods, Chicago Aikikai has decided to sublease space for regular classes while continuing to fundraise and search for a suitable long-term location.

 

We are aiming for a 2 to 3-year window, during which we will explore options such as space-sharing with other martial arts groups, or establishing a flex space that could be rented to outside parties on a one-time or short to long-term basis. We also intend to investigate applying for local development grants and other public funding to accomplish this.