World Aikido Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) has officiallly recognized several nanadan (7th degree black belt) instructors within our parent organization, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), as Shihan (Master Instructors). These include Tres Hofmeister (Boulder Aikikai) and Robin Cooper (Aikido of Madison), guest instructors at our 2023 Nanadan Seminar, and George Ledyard (Aikido Eastside) and Chuck Weber (Baltimore Aikido), guest instructors at our 2024 Nanadan Seminar. Congratulations to all. The complete list of those recognized may be found at the ASU website.
Boulder Aikikai
Seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (池田裕師範)
Chicago Aikikai enthusiastically welcomes back Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai) for his annual three-day seminar in the Windy City, September 15 – 17, 2023. Aikido students of all levels and affiliations are welcome to register for training. Observers may watch for free. [Read more…] about Seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (池田裕師範)
June 2023 Nanadan Seminar Pictures
Chicago Aikikai had a great turnout for its Nanadan seminar with instructors Tres Hofmeister (Boulder Aikikai) and Robin Cooper (Aikido of Madison) on June 9-11. Old and new friends from around the country turned up for a fun and informative weekend of training, exchange, making connections and renewing old ones.


Bringing Saotome Sensei’s Legacy Forward
Chicago Aikikai is proud to welcome back Tres Hofmeister (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai) for the first time since the pandemic, this time together with Robin Cooper (7th dan, Aikido of Madison), for a special two-instructor seminar. [Read more…] about Bringing Saotome Sensei’s Legacy Forward
ASU Nanadan (7th Dan) Seminar June 9-11
Chicago Aikikai is pleased to host Tres Hofmeister, Sensei, and Robin Cooper, Sensei, in one special co-taught event June 9-11, 2023. This seminar will be the second of four high-level instructor pairings around the country under the umbrella “Bringing Saotome Sensei’s Legacy Forward,” sponsored by Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU). [Read more…] about ASU Nanadan (7th Dan) Seminar June 9-11
2023 Midwest Aikido Bridge Seminar
Milwaukee Shobukan will host the 2023 Midwest Bridge Seminar, March 24-26, marking the 11th year of the event. Aikidoka of all affiliations and lineages welcome. Headline instructors are Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai), Kayla Feder (7th dan, Aikido of Berkeley) and Lisa Tomoleoni (6th dan, Aikido Shimobkukai). Additional classes will be taught by supporting instructors. 14 classes will be offered over the 3 days. Virtual attendance will also be available.
Schedule (US CST):
Friday March 24— 5:00-7:30 pm
Saturday March 25— 9:30 am-12:30 pm & 2:30-6:30 pm
Sunday March 26— 9:30 am-1:30 pm
There will be a karaoke and pizza party at the dojo Saturday after training (registration required)
Fees: All Days $185 / Saturday and Sunday $160 / Saturday Only $135 / Friday OR Sunday $65 / Virtual $50 / Saturday Party $20
Please register at the Aikido Shimbokukai homepage.
A limited number of scholarships are available, please contact if interested.
Participants asked to be prepared to show proof of vaccination at the door. The vaccination requirement has currently been dropped but this cannot be guaranteed to still be true in March.
Please feel free to send questions to Shimbokukai.Events@gmail.com