Intro to Aikido

Event Date: Any Sunday from September 20 to December 20, 2026 (10AM)

Chicago Aikikai welcomes anyone interested to try the Japanese martial art of Aikido for free any Sunday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Unit 100, 3900 N. Elston (Also home of Choyokan Kendo Dojo).

Newcomers may observe or join in our regular All Levels class with a focus on basics. Aikido is a non-competitive form of gendai budo (modern martial art) founded in the mid-20th century based on traditional grappling/throwing and weapons work traced back to the samurai, combined with a non-aggressive philosophy.

While some practice it for self-defense, most practice is for relaxation, centering, focus or cultural appreciation. Chicago Aikikai is the oldest (known) public dojo in the Midwest for Aikido, originally founded as Illinois Aikido Club on Clark Street (Unofficial Japan Town) in 1963 by a group of Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans).

Class will be led by Dwight Sora (4th degree black belt) and a rotating set of senior instructors.

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