Aikido In Chicago

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3717 N Ravenswood, #113 » Chicago, IL 60613 » 773.472.3290 » info@shinjinkai.org

Shinjinkai, The Japanese Martial Arts Society, is a community united by a common purpose: intensive study of classical and modern martial systems arising from Japan's warrior tradition. Our mission: to make the practice of shugyo (deep mind/body training) available to all through the vehicle of authentic martial arts and Zen.

Our headquarters is the Shinjinkan, founded in the mid 1980's and now a beautiful traditional dojo on Chicago's north side. We also oversee programs at other locations in the Chicago area including Mt. Prospect, Chicago Public Schools, Northwestern University in Evanston, and the Chicago Police Academy. We conduct training seminars internationally.

AIKIDO: Adult classes in this dynamic martial art are conducted seven days a week at several locations. A four-week Introductory Course is offered to give beginners a solid foundation for regular study (though this course is not required to join our regular program). Youth classes are conducted twice a week. Shinjinkai conducts an intensive residential (uchideshi) training program, and participates in an International Exchange program with other Aikido dojo throughout the world. Shinjinkai's Aikido program is affiliated with Aikikai Hombu Dojo (the Aikido World Headquarters) in Tokyo, through Birankai North America under the direction of T.K. Chiba Shihan.

IAIDO: Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo is an Edo-period style of close-quarters, unarmored swordsmanship founded in 1693. Shinjinkai maintains the Chicago branch of the United States Federation of Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo, affiliated with the Meisha-ha Mugai Ryu headquarters in Tokyo. Training is offered three times a week.

SHINBUKAN KURODA RYU-GI: The Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo was founded in 1848 to instruct the martial arts handed down within the Kuroda family: Komagawa Kaishin Ryu Kenjutsu, Shishin Takuma ryu Jujutsu, Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu, and Tsubaki Kotengu Ryu Bojutsu. The Shinbukan headmaster in the present generation is the renowned Tetzuzan Kuroda Sensei, who resides near Tokyo. Our facility is home to the Shinbukan Chicago Keikokai, one of the few Shinbukan study groups authorized by Kuroda Sensei outside of Japan.

ZEN MEDITATION: The mind-body discipline of Zen has been handed down from teacher to student for 2500 years. Shinjinkai members have the opportunity to learn zazen, or meditation. Persons wishing to enter the formal study of Rinzai Zen under the guidance of a Roshi (Zen master) also do so here.

INTERNAL TRAINING: Internal training methods, which involve the cultivation of ki energy and its circulation throughout the body, are offered to Shinjinkai members in a dedicated class once per week. These methods are excellent not only for realizing the deepest goals of martial training, but also for maintaining general health and well-being.

THE SHINJINKAI NIHONTO [JAPANESE SWORD] STUDY GROUP: Through textual study and hands-on examination of Japanese blades, Sword Study Group members explore the amazing technical and artistic achievements of Japanese smiths, ancient and modern.

We welcome your interest and inquiries. Please contact us for more information, or to make an appointment to visit, view or try a class:

Shinjinkai dedicates its efforts to the memory of our dojo's founder, the late Aikido and Zen master Tenzan Gensho Rokoji (Fumio Toyoda Sensei, 1947-2001):

"Budo [the martial Way] means to live and to die fully: with full awareness, with sharpness, with intensity, with compassion. It's a good path, and it's open for anyone. So let's walk together."

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