Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

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2025 Seminars at Chicago Aikikai

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Please come join us for our last three seminars in our current space

June 6-8

Tres Hofmeister Sensei

7th dan, Senior Instructor at Boulder Aikikai, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)

Classses: Friday (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm), Saturday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm), Sunday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Register for full weekend or per class here.

 

September 12-14

Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan

8th dan, Founder and Chief Instructor of Boulder Aikikai, Aikido Shimbokukai

Classses: Friday (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm), Saturday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm), Sunday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Register for full weekend or per class here.

October 3-5

Mitsugi Saotome Shihan

Uchi deshi of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, Founder and Chief Instructor of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)

Seminar will also feature classes taught by ASU Senior Instructors TBA

Part of a year-long celebration of Saotome Sensei’s 50th years of teaching in the United States.

Classses: Friday (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm), Saturday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm), Sunday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Register for full weekend or per class here. Non-training guests attending Saturday dinner must also register as a “Celebration guest”.

Please note that due to anticipated demand, registration will be closed Friday, September 19.

Financial support to attend available via the ASU grant program.

 

 

Kagami Biraki at Third Friday Class

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Chicago Aikikai will hold its annual Kagami Biraki to celebrate the New Year on Friday, January 17 as part of the monthly Third Friday class. Current and past Chicago Aikikai members are all invited, as well as friends and family. Starting at 6:30 pm, instruction will be led by Marsha Turner Sensei, and then rotated among other senior members/instructors. Potluck dinner will follow.

Click here to learn more about the tradition of Kagami Biraki.

Last kyu tests of 2024!

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Chicago Aikikai held its last round of kyu tests for 2024! Andrew Rathgeber tested for 4th kyu during morning class on Saturday, December 14. Then at our last Third Friday evening class of the year, tests were given for 6th kyu (Mike Buss, Dee Guerrier, Nathan Erickson), 5th (Ally Dignan), and 4th (Christian Boswell). Congratulations to all and enjoy a well-earned winter rest.

 

 

Winter Happenings at Chicago Aikikai

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柳に雪折れ無し
Yanagi ni yukiore nashi / “Willows don’t break under the weight of the snow*
(Japanese proverb)

 

Winter is upon us. We will be taking a break for the holidays, and wanted to give everyone a heads up before the season overtakes us.

 

LAST THIRD FRIDAY AND KYU TESTS OF 2024!

Friday, December 20 will be our last Third Friday class of the year, and will include tests for 6th, 5th and 4th kyu. Please come for class, starting at 6:30 pm, followed as usual by a potluck social hour.

 

DONATION MATCH CHALLENGE

We have been generously offered an anonymous $500 donation as a match challenge to round out the year. Donations may be made by check, cash or PayPal payment to info@chicagoaikikai.org.

 

DOJO CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S

No class will be held from December 24 to 31. Everyone enjoy the break!

 

NEW YEAR’S DAY CLASS

Ed Reiff Sensei has generously offered to lead a first class to kick off the New Year from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

 

KAGAMI BIRAKI AT CHICAGO AIKIKAI

Chicago Aikikai will hold its annual Kagami Biraki to celebrate the New Year on Friday, January 17 as part of that month’s Third Friday class. Current and past Chicago Aikikai members are all invited, as well as friends and family. Starting at 6:30 pm, instruction will be led by Marsha Turner Sensei, and then rotated among other senior members/instructors. Potluck dinner will follow. Those unfamiliar with the Kagami Biraki tradition can read about our last event or this article here.