
By Dwight
An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido
By Dwight
By Dwight

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.
By Dwight
By Dwight
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.
By Dwight
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.
By Dwight

Andcheck out our new promo video as well!
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.
Chicago Aikikai is a registered DBA of Illinois Aikido Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 36-2557303
Evening and weekend classes held northside at:
3900 North Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
(Choyokan Kendo Dojo practices at the same building in Unit 200)
Weekday morning classes held southside at:
5307 S. Hyde Park Blv., Suite 203, Chicago, IL 60615
(606 Karate & Self-Defense)
Please call or e-mail to confirm an appointment day and time before visiting.
Phone: (312) 870-0687
E-mail: info@chicagoaikikai.org