I’ve been practicing here for about 2 ½ years, and I’ve always really enjoyed it. The people are nice and really and honestly friendly, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Monthly fees are reasonable, and there are morning and two evening week-day classes and some well-timed weekend classes. I’m not sure what Anpan’s deal is– she seems to have some issues all of her own, which is really not fare to lay out in public. I do agree that finding a good dojo is hard to do, but I liked this one from the first day I walked in. They celebrate people passing tests with pizza and a party, what’s not to love about that? And yes, it’s correct name is Midwest Aikido Center.
George I.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Angeles, CA
I visited this dojo while I was in Chicago for a week and found it to be very welcoming with a very reasonable mat fee($ 10). The facility is quite impressive and the classes I attended were great. Since I was not there particularly long, I cannot comment too much on the dojo culture, but everyone I met there was very kind and helpful.
Anpan W.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Chicago, IL
If you are new to aikido, you can probably join this dojo and have a great experience. However, if you are not new, you likely want to sit in on a few classes and talk with instructors and students. Finding a dojo can be a bit like finding a Jewish community, all have their similarities, but all have their own cultures. The culture here is one of mourning the dead founder married with a lot of bad blood between those he left behind. It is too bad, because as Mr. M noted, it is a beautiful facility.