Requirements
- Read and sign Chicago Aikikai waiver
- Watch/Participate in at least one class, or complete introductory package (see below)
- Pay monthly dues
- Regular $130/month (auto-debit), $135/month (credit card)
- Student (high school and college) $65/month (cash/check), $68/month (credit card)
- Wear uniform and use equipment as prescribed by Chicago Aikikai (see below)
- Train in Aikido as taught by the instructor leading class
- Follow Aikido etiquette and traditions as practiced at Chicago Aikikai
- Assist in cleaning, maintenance and promotion (Chicago Aikikai is entirely member operated)
Benefits
- Unlimited access to all regularly scheduled classes
- Opportunities to receive officially-recognized kyu (white belt) and dan (black belt) rankings in Aikido.
Intro membership
Chicago Aikikai offers an 8-class intro membership for those wishing to try Aikido for a limited time. Intro members may attend classes on Sunday (10am-12pm) & Tuesday (6:30pm-7:30pm] at our northside space and Tuesdays & Wednesdays (6:30am-7:30am) at our southside space.
Click here for membership sign-up
All members are required to wear a white dōgi (either jūdō or karate style) during class. Those holding a rank of rokkyū (6th degree white belt) or above also wear hakama (traditional pleated pants). Feet should be bare during class (unless wearing medical footwear). No street shoes inside the dōjō, but slippers should be worn off the mat.
Regular members are recommended to purchase their own bokken (wooden sword), jō (wooden staff) and tantō (wooden dagger). Less frequently used but suggested are a shinai (bamboo sword) or shōtō (wooden or bamboo short sword).
Chicago Aikikai maintains a small inventory of dōgi and weapons for purchase, as well as weapons and slippers that may be borrowed for onsite use.