Welcome to Chicago Aikikai

The first dojo in the Midwest dedicated to Aikido, Chicago Aikikai offers a warm community and a tranquil environment for the study of the traditional Japanese “martial art of peace.”

Marsha Turner Sensei, Chief Instructor, is a sixth dan and student of Mitsugi Saotome Sensei and Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei, but began her studies under Chicago Aikikai’s former dojo-cho Kevin Choate Sensei (seventh dan) in 1986. After Choate Sensei’s passing in December 2012, Saotome Sensei appointed Turner Sensei as chief instructor and dojo-cho for Chicago Aikikai. Turner Sensei is known for her exceptional weapons skills having earned a shodan rank in Iaido, and being a former student of Western-style fencing.

New to Chicago Aikikai? Please join us for a free introductory Aikido class any Sunday morning at 11 a.m. or you can contact us to make separate arrangements. We also welcome visiting aikidoka from any style for a small mat fee.