Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

NEWS & EVENTS

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.

Last Third Friday on Chicago Avenue

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Chicago Aikikai members gathered for our last monthly Third Friday class and potluck at our Chicago Avenue location on Friday, June 19.

Class was led by Chief Instructor Marsha Turner Sensei. Since the removal of our mats two weeks ago, we have been holding weapons-only classes (Wearing shoes indoors for safety – Apologies to the etiquette minded). Turner Sensei led us in a combination of drills, kata and exercises with jo staff.

An official announcement on our new location will be coming shortly. Apologies to all friends and colleagues for it not being sooner, but we had a few details to iron out. Stay posted!

End of an era on Chicago Avenue

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Chicago Aikikai held its last seminar at 1444 West Chicago Avenue, its home since 2009 and the last one designed and built by Kevin Choate (1954-2012) who served as chief instructor and dojo-cho from 1981 until his passing. Instruction was led by Tres Hofmeister Shihan (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai), a longtime friend and guest instructor for many years.

Everyone enjoyed a great weekend of training. Although the dojo was already partially dismantled, the atmosphere was enthusiastic. Many regular members and guests actually commented the minimized dojo look was oddly refreshing and relaxing (Though everyone did miss the elaborate designs and calligraphy – already in storage).

Saturday night dinner was again catered by Torino Ramen, bringing in a variety of Japanese bento lunch boxes as they had for our last two seminars. There was a great opportunity to rest up after the vigorous training (and recent rise in local Chicago temperatures), chat and reminisce.

On the last day after class, Chicago Aikikai members and guests worked together to remove and stage the mats for later transport, and dismantle the wood frame for the mats. The wood pieces were then taken to a rental storage facility where they will be kept for the time being.

Chicago Aikikai will soon be making an official announcement on its new temporary location and plans to secure a long-term space. In the meantime, check out this video remembrance and farewell of its home at 1444 West Chicago Avenue.

Last Third Friday on Chicago Avenue!

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THIS FRIDAY, MAY 15 will be Chicago Aikikai’s last regular Third Friday class at its Chicago Avenue location. For the past several years, Aikikai members have been gathering every Third Friday evening for an extra weekly class followed by a potluck dinner. It has also become a regular date for kyu tests and our annual Kagami Biraki party. If you’re free, come join us this Friday, starting at 6:30 pm. (Pardon our dust; dojo dismantling continues apace)