• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

  • INSTRUCTORS
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • CLASSES
  • VISIT
  • SEMINARS
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • DOJO MOVE

Kagami Biraki at Third Friday

January 13, 2024 By Dwight

Chicago Aikikai members, their families and friends are invited to its annual kagami biraki event, being held on its regular Third Friday class on January 19.

Reflect upon the last year and welcome the new with a round of training, followed by a potluck dinner and social hour.

The event is FREE and open to members of the general public. Newcomers to aikido may observe or try things out. If planning to step on the mat, please wear loose-fitting clothing and bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

If you are on Facebook, feel free to post on our event page to let us know you are coming, or help us share news of the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(above: Photos from Chicago Aikikai’s 2023 kagami biraki class)

Kagami Biraki (鏡開き, literally “opening the mirror”) is held by many dojo to officially signify starting practice in the New Year. A special class is held followed by time to eat, drink and socialize. Please see the video below to learn more about this tradition.

 

Filed Under: NEWS & EVENTS

Previous Post: « Dojo closed for the holidays
Next Post: CLASS CANCELLATION NOTICE (severe cold weather) »

Primary Sidebar

Chicago Aikikai is located at:

Evenings and weekends northside
3900 North Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
Unit 100 – Enter through south door
(Choyokan Kendo Dojo practices at the same building in Unit 200)

Weekday mornings southside
5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd, Suite 203, Chicago, IL 60615
(606 Karate & Self-Defense)

Classes
See Classes page for times. Please call or e-mail to confirm an appointment day and time before visiting.

Travel

Northside

Driving – 3900 N. Elston Ave. is near Addison entrance/exit to I-90/94. Limited free parking in parking lot. Free/Metered parking on streets (Zoning restrictions on some residential blocks).

Public Transportation – Near CTA Blue Line station at Addison (10-min walk) and #80 Irving Park bus stops (East/West) at Irving Park & Elston/Monticello (4-min walk).

Southside

Driving – 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd. is near the intersection of 53rd St. and Hyde Park Blvd. Metered parking on streets (Zoning restrictions on some residential blocks).

Public Transportation – Near #6 Jackson Park express bus stops (North/South) at 53rd St. and S. Hyde Park Blvd. (1-min walk).

Footer

Aikido

Aikidō is a modern non-competitive Japanese martial art for developing flexible response to situations with a calm mind and relaxed body without relying on size or muscular strength. Today, 1 million people in 130 countries do aikidō for personal interest, physical conditioning, stress relief, and cultural appreciation.

About Chicago Aikikai

Chicago Aikikai is a registered DBA of Illinois Aikido Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 36-2557303

 

Location and Contact Info

Evening and weekend classes held northside at:
3900 North Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
(Choyokan Kendo Dojo practices at the same building in Unit 200)

Weekday morning classes held southside at:
5307 S. Hyde Park Blv., Suite 203, Chicago, IL 60615
(606 Karate & Self-Defense)

Please call or e-mail to confirm an appointment day and time before visiting.

Phone: (312) 870-0687

E-mail: info@chicagoaikikai.org

Copyright © 2026 · Made with for Chicago Aikikai · Log in