Chicago Aikikai made a return to the annual Anime Magic convention, held August 22-24 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald P. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The dojo gave four demos over the three days of the convention. In addition, member Satoko Bourdaghs led workshops in the art of furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloths), which participants could take home with a donation to dojo’s building fund for a new space.
Chicago Aikikai at Ginza Holiday Festival
Chicago Aikikai returned to the Midwest Buddhist Temple’s annual Ginza Holiday Japanese cultural festival to perform demonstrations on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9. Participants included Christian Boswell, Qin Coe, Allie Dignan, Chris Dignan, Nathan Earixson, Dee Guerrier, Tod Olson, Eric Sirota, Dwight Sora (also speaker), and Xiaolu Wang.
One of the highlights was the recreation of a purse-snatching defense from a demonstration done at a 1965 Ginza Festival (when the dojo was known as Illinois Aikido Club and the temple was called Midwest Buddhist Church).
Marsha Turner Sensei at Inaka Dojo
Inaka Dojo in Beecher, IL had a great turnout for its seminar with Chicago Aikikai’s Chief Instructor Marsha Turner Sensei August 15-17. The seminar, focusing on bokken and jo, had such a great response for registration, the location was moved from Inaka Dojo to nearby Beecher High School.
Thank you Tres Hofmeister Sensei
Great seminar this past weekend with Tres Hofmeister Sensei (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai). Terrific turnout from many of our fellow dojo and everything went smoothly thanks to all the Chicago Aikikai members who worked on the event.
Congratulations also to Chicago Aikikai members who took their dan tests this past week at the seminar: Satoko Bourdaughs (shodan), Rob Brose (nidan), and Eric Sirota (shodan).
We also celebrated Tres Hofmeister Sensei’s recent recognition as a Shihan by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) with a cake after dinner on Saturday of the seminar.
Also, special shoutout to Chicago Aikikai member Joe Guerrier (below left, pictured in a 2024 publicity shot) who injured his leg earlier in the week and was unable to train at the Tres Hofmeister seminar, but was there everyday going the extra mile working registration, T-shirt sales, food prep and cleanup.
Chicago Aikikai is now on Etsy!
Chicago Aikikai is now up on Etsy! You can help support us by buying one of our T-shirts. Hopefully the first of many things we hope to make available. Go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChicagoAikikai
Visit from Ko Fu Dojo
Chicago Aikikai received a visit from several members of Ko Fu Dojo – Aikido Club in New Lenox who joined in 10:00 am morning class with Marsha Turner Sensei on Saturday, May 31.
