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Aikido Chicago Aikikai

Chicago's foremost school for the martial art of Aikido

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RESOURCES

The Asian American Roots of Chicago Aikikai and Aikido in Chicago

May 1, 2023 By Dwight

“To practice Aikido fully, you must calm the spirit and go back to the origin.”

-Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

Aikido, a martial way

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so it seems like a good time to turn back the clock and look at the Asian American origins of Chicago Aikikai and its place in bringing the Japanese martial art of aikido to the Windy City. [Read more…] about The Asian American Roots of Chicago Aikikai and Aikido in Chicago

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), Budo, Chicago, Chicago Aikikai, Japanese Culture, Mitsugi Saotome

Interview with Marsha Turner, Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho of Chicago Aikikai

January 18, 2023 By maletu

Marsha Turner is Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho (director) of Chicago Aikikai, the city’s oldest dojo (school) for the Japanese martial art of aikido. Assuming leadership in 2012, Turner brings more than 37 years of training under such notable instructors as Mitsugi Saotome, Shihan (Master Instructor) and founder of the Aikikai’s parent organization Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), and her predecessor, late Chief Instructor Kevin Choate. A former student of ballet and other forms of dance, as well as fencing, Turner is noted for her detail-oriented instruction and proficiency in such areas as traditional Japanese weapons work. In addition to regular classes at the Aikikai, Turner has guest instructed at Winter Term at Oberlin College, the ASU Winter Intensive, and the Midwest Bridge Seminar.

Chicago Aikikai member Dwight Sora interviewed Marsha Turner and put together this video.

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: Chicago Aikikai, Marsha Turner

Syncopated Jo Kata

June 11, 2022 By maletu

[Read more…] about Syncopated Jo Kata

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: Jo Kata, Kevin Choate, Marsha Turner, Videos

Mementos of a Life: Gifts from Wendy Whited Sensei

May 20, 2022 By maletu

At the seminar held in appreciation of Wendy Whited Sensei April 8-10, 2022, at Inaka Dojo in Beecher, Illinois, participants were each offered offered a small gift bag containing items of traditional Japanese art and design. [Read more…] about Mementos of a Life: Gifts from Wendy Whited Sensei

Filed Under: RESOURCES Tagged With: Japanese Culture

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Free Intro Classes

Curious about Chicago Aikikai? We have two classes especially to welcome you!

Newcomers:  You are invited to our Saturday class at 10 AM or to our Sunday class at 11 AM. You may join us on the mat, or observe. We are currently mask-optional, but you are welcome to wear a mask if you wish.

If you will be practicing with us, you will need to bring proof of vaccination against covid-19. Please show up a few minutes early to introduce yourself, sign a waiver, and to warm up.  Bring sweats or other loose-fitting exercise clothing (and optional mask).

If you’d prefer to visit a different class, please contact info@chicagoaikikai.org to make arrangements.

Visiting aikidoka: You are welcome to train with us, whatever your affiliation may be. We do require a small mat fee.

 

Chicago Aikikai is located at:

1444 W. Chicago Avenue, 2nd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60642

Free parking is available along the North and South bound streets, and (weekends and after 4:30 PM on schooldays) in the diagonal spots behind Golder Prep.

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Aikido

Aikido, the art of peace, offers a modern-day path to achieving inner balance. Rooted in the traditional disciplines of the Japanese samurai warriors - including jitsu (hand), ken (sword) and yari (spear) - Aikido is a contemporary martial art that can effectively repel any attack, but the goal is nonviolent conflict resolution.

Featured Links

Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
International Aikikai Foundation
AikiWeb.com
Boulder Aikikai
Aikido Journal

Chicago Aikikai

1444 W. Chicago Ave, 2nd Floor (above Beauty Bar)
Chicago, IL 60642

‪(312) 870-0687‬
info@chicagoaikikai.org

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