CHICAGO AIKIKAI IS MOVING
(updated September 2025)
In March, Chicago Aikikai announced its lease would not be renewed, and must vacate by June 2026.
Since then, we have launched a search for a suitable location. Plans are to lease a new space in the city with the best combination of size, cost and ease-of-travel for existing members. Ideally, we will move after our last seminar in October, but are open to earlier opportunities should they arise.
We have so far visited a number of spaces to assess the property market, the types of spaces available, and different neighborhoods.
We are also receiving assistance from a realtor related to one of our members, consulted Tohkon Judo Academy on their recent move, discussing potential space-sharing with Chicago Kendo Dojo, and talked to Alderperson Andre Vazquez (40th Ward) as a first step in reaching out to ward representatives for guidance.
THE KEVIN CHOATE SENSEI MEMORIAL BUILDING FUND
To support our move and future build-out, we also launched the Kevin Choate Sensei Memorial Building Fund. Choate Sensei was our Chief Instructor from 1981 until his passing in 2012, and is strongly credited with creating the dojo’s distinctive interior design.
We are currently aiming for a fundraising target of $70,000.00. This will help us cover the cost of the move, building materials, any non-volunteer labor, and a reserve fund for rent and utilities. In addition, our intention is for this to lay the groundwork for long-term fundraising to purchase a more permanent location in the future.
BUILDING FUND PROGRESS REPORT
We are sincerely grateful to our fellow aikido organizations for leading these fundraising efforts and to those who donated through them, and to each of the individuals who has donated directly. We appreciate your support and thank you all for your generosity.
Change has been part of the dojo since it began 
informally in 1961 in a Lakeview basement on Clark Street, then moved across the street the following year as Illinois Aikido Club. It has since relocated to Uptown (Bryn Mawr, 15 years), Rogers Park (Howard Street, 4 years – as Chicago Aikikai), Northcenter (Lincoln Avenue, 15 years), and presently West Town (Chicago Avenue, currently 16 years).
A new dojo presents challenges, but we are ready for it. We hope you can support us in our endeavors.
You may donate by check made out to “Illinois Aikido Club or Chicago Aikikai” and mailed to the dojo at 1444 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, or click here to donate online. You may also donate as part of registering for our last two seminars, or by purchasing a T-shirt from our new Etsy store. Chicago Aikikai is a 501(c)3 not for profit and all donations are tax deductible.
Thank you.
You may donate by check made out to “Illinois Aikido Club dba Chicago Aikikai” and mailed to the dojo at 1444 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, or click here to donate online. Chicago Aikikai is a 501(c)3 not for profit and all donations are tax deductible.
Thank you.