In March 2025, Chicago Aikikai announced our lease would not be renewed, and we must vacate by June 2026.
Since then, we 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. We are currently focused on prospects on Chicago’s Northwest side. We are also discussing possible space-sharing with Chicago Kendo Dojo and other activity partners to offset costs.
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.
The fund 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
As of February 2026, we have raised $32,300.00. This includes direct contributions to the building fund, as well as donations made via seminar registrations, gifts from fellow dojo, Giving Tuesday campaigns, and dojo merchandise sales. We are sincerely grateful to all those who have contributed and thank you for your generosity.
Our original goal was $70,000.00. However, due to landlords seeking stronger financial guarantees and rising construction costs (reportedly up 6.2% in mid-2025), we are revising it to $100,000.00. This should help ensure a smooth transition between spaces.
PLEASE SUPPORT US
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.
If you have not donated already, or would like to give further, 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.
You can also support us by getting a T-shirt online from our Etsy store, or purchasing one of the river rocks from the dojo’s rock stream with added custom painting (In-person sales at dojo only). Also stay tuned, we are working on repurposing the dojo’s old canvas mat covering into bags.
Chicago Aikikai T-shirts on Etsy
Chicago Aikikai Japanese calligraphy rocks
Chicago Aikikai canvas bags (work in progress)
Thank you.