Reviews of Chicago Aikido Club

Chicago Aikido Club was exactly what I was looking for, a great way to start learning Aikido as an adult with no martial arts experience. As a beginner without any other dojo experience, I will speak to the intangibles which impressed me. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, the instruction is clear and varied. The people are passionate about sharing the art and work hard to make it enjoyable. I particularly enjoy that the instruction is led by different senior members on a rotating basis. This gives diverse methods for learning, and gives you multiple paths to follow to your own understanding. Chicago Aikido Club presents a wonderful experience, and one I would recommend to anybody who expressed interest in joining the Aikido community.

A wonderful group of Aikidoka practice at the Japanese American Service Committee facilities. This is the Chicago Aikido Club. Committed to a harmonious method of dealing with physical adversity, the practice goes much further than personal security and physical fitness. The group is friendly and encouraging, more like family than a school of martial dominance. They are part of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, under the direction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan, and thus directly connected to Aikido World Headquarters in Japan. The facilites are clean and the mat space is wonderful and comfortable for both hard falls and easy rolls. Being in close proximity to the Tohkon Judo Academy and the Japanese American Service Committee brings much cultural discourse and provides opportunities to participate in other community wide events such as Kagami Buraki (New Year's celebration) and others. Dues and fees are very reasonable, mainly due to the "not for profit" perspective of the club's leadership. A great organization, with great facilities.

The people are nice, they are very well informed, , and my biggest thing is someone is always sharing their knowledge with me in the spirit of Aikido, ( I have been to a few dojos where that is not the case). I enjoy the schools loose structure because it their I have found literal and philosophical growth. Every night is different, some nights pure sword training, others internal, always a surprise!

At Chicago Aikido Club, we train;

Ai (Unifiying) - Ki (Spirit) - Do (Of practicing the way)