We have a new playlist on our YouTube channel featuring short video clips from classes at Chicago Aikikai’s seminar with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and senior ASU instructors, held October 3-5, 2025. Our last seminar at Chicago Aikikai’s 1444 West Chicago Avenue location.
Click on the clip below to start the playlist, or go to the link here to see the entire playlist contents.
Japanese
Mitsugi Saotome Shihan Seminar Highlights Video
We have a new video up on the Chicago Aikikai YouTube channel featuring highlights from our recent seminar with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and senior ASU instructors.
Thank you Tres Hofmeister Sensei
Great seminar this past weekend with Tres Hofmeister Sensei (7th dan, Boulder Aikikai). Terrific turnout from many of our fellow dojo and everything went smoothly thanks to all the Chicago Aikikai members who worked on the event.
Congratulations also to Chicago Aikikai members who took their dan tests this past week at the seminar: Satoko Bourdaughs (shodan), Rob Brose (nidan), and Eric Sirota (shodan).
We also celebrated Tres Hofmeister Sensei’s recent recognition as a Shihan by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) with a cake after dinner on Saturday of the seminar.
Also, special shoutout to Chicago Aikikai member Joe Guerrier (below left, pictured in a 2024 publicity shot) who injured his leg earlier in the week and was unable to train at the Tres Hofmeister seminar, but was there everyday going the extra mile working registration, T-shirt sales, food prep and cleanup.
2025 Seminars at Chicago Aikikai
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.
Furoshiki workshop is back on!
Chicago Aikikai has rescheduled its furoshiki Japanese wrapping workshop and dojo fundraiser originally set for September 22 to take place on Sunday, November 10 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Dojo member Satoko Bourdaghs will lead instruction in how to make your own furoshiki, and participants will get to take home their work and enjoy Japanese tea and snacks. To register, please go to our Eventbrite page here.
Chicago Aikikai at Anime Magic
Chicago Aikikai will be at this year’s Anime Magic anime convention, August 30 – September 1 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare & Donald E Stephens Convention Center. The dojo will have an info booth and performing onsite demos throughout the weekend. More details to come!