Chicago Aikikai aikido dojo

An inclusive community for exploring the Japanese martial art of aikido

Tres Hofmeister

Thank you Tres Hofmeister Sensei

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to New ASU Shihan

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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.

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.

 

 

June 2023 Nanadan Seminar Pictures

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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.