Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

Hiroshi Ikeda

Thank you, Ikeda Sensei

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Chicago Aikikai enjoyed its final seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (8th dan, Boulder Aikikai) at its current location at 1444 W. Chicago Avenue, September 12-14. New and old faces included guests from Inaka Dojo, Aikido of Western Illinois, Lake County Aikikai, Greater Detroit Budojuku, Milwaukee Shobukan, Aikido Club of Nile, Abiding Spirit Aikikai and Aikido of Wales.

Former Chicago Aikikai member Takashi Kozawa provided some video clips taken the Sunday of the seminar. For the last day, Ikeda Sensei slowed things down for focused study of connecting one’s center to their partner and breaking their balance. Clips may be viewed on the dojo’s YouTube channel.

The seminar also provided Chicago Aikikai with the opportunity to celebrate Ikeda Sensei’s recent promotion to 8th dan by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo). Saturday night after class, Chicago Aikikai had Japanese food brought in from Torino Ramen restaurant in Wilmette, which included a customized celebratory cake.

Congratulations and thank you so much, Ikeda Sensei!

 

 

 

2025 Seminars at Chicago Aikikai

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Please come join us for our last three seminars in our current space

June 6-8

Tres Hofmeister Sensei

7th dan, Senior Instructor at Boulder Aikikai, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)

Classses: Friday (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm), Saturday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm), Sunday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Register for full weekend or per class here.

 

September 12-14

Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan

8th dan, Founder and Chief Instructor of Boulder Aikikai, Aikido Shimbokukai

Classses: Friday (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm), Saturday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm), Sunday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Register for full weekend or per class here.

October 3-5

Mitsugi Saotome Shihan

Uchi deshi of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, Founder and Chief Instructor of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)

Seminar will also feature classes taught by ASU Senior Instructors TBA

Part of a year-long celebration of Saotome Sensei’s 50th years of teaching in the United States.

Classses: Friday (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm), Saturday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm), Sunday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Register for full weekend or per class here. Non-training guests attending Saturday dinner must also register as a “Celebration guest”.

Please note that due to anticipated demand, registration will be closed Friday, September 19.

Financial support to attend available via the ASU grant program.

 

 

Seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (池田裕師範)

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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)

2023 Midwest Aikido Bridge Seminar

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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

Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan at Chicago Aikikai September 16-18, 2022

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Registration is open for Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan’s seminar September 16-18. The seminar is hosted by Chicago Aikikai and Aikido Shimbokukai, and will be Ikeda Shihan’s first 3 day solo seminar in the Midwest since 2019. Aikido practitioners of any style and affiliation are welcome! It is a great opportunity to train with, or observe, an Aikido master without the need to travel.

Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan

Ikeda Shihan began Aikido at Kokugakuin University Aikido Club, of which Mitsugi Saotome Shihan was the chief instructor. After graduation he trained regularly at Aikido World Headquarters and in Saotome Shihan’s Reimeijuku Dojo in Tokyo. He established Boulder Aikikai in 1980 for the study of the Japanese martial art of Aikido.The dojo is affiliated with the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, through the Aikido Shimbokukai. Ikeda Shihan is well-known for his effective technique, and travels extensively around the world teaching. He is a member of the Grading Committee and Vice-President of Aikido Shimbokukai.

Seminar Registration is Open and Limited

Registration will be limited to 40 people and to individuals who are vaccinated for Covid-19. Registration fee is $160. Please use this link to register, and email your proof of vaccination here. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis and will not be complete until proof of vaccination is verified.

Check out the event flyer—maybe you want to share it (electronically or in print)???

Seminar at Chicago Aikikai, September 16-18

The seminar will be held September 16-18, 2022, at the Chicago Aikikai, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL.

Class times are:
Friday September 16 6:30-8:30 pm
Saturday September 17 10:00 am-12:00 pm & 3:00-5:00 pm
Sunday September 18 10:00 am-12:00 pm

We look forward to seeing you on the mat!