Attendees of Chicago Aikikai’s Oct 3-5, 2025 seminar with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and senior ASU instructors (Jim Alvarez, Robert Deppe, Don Ellingsworth, Eugene Lee, Kamenna Lee, Kay Sandacz, Marsha Turner). Seated in front of the shomen designed and built by Saotome Sensei in 1983.
Second group photo in front of the calligraphy of “Bushin” (武神) by Saotome Sensei given to the dojo in 1983 and featured on the commemorative seminar T-shirt. In back, Chicago Aikikai members hold the old exterior sign that was used when the dojo first moved to its Lincoln Avenue location in the mid-90s.
Group photo of Chicago Aikikai members with Saotome Sensei.
Photos of Chicago Aikikai Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho Marsha Turner with Saotome Sensei, and guest instructors Eugene Lee Sensei and Kamenna Lee Sensei, including one with Turner Sensei receiving a dogi from Saotome Sensei branded for senior leader instructors.
Pre-and post-class time at the Oct 3-5, 2025 seminar with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and senior ASU instructors.
Seminar dinner celebration on Saturday, October 4.
Torino Ramen restaurant in Wilmette provided a great spread for the Saturday night seminar dinner. It included this elaborate sashimi platter that was both delicious and inspired some hijinks (Qin Coe gets an unexpected surprise from Dwight Sora while receiving a post-training massage from Rob Brose).