Shinjinkai

What a wonderful community of practice!
Having taken five classes, I can honestly say that each experience at Shinjinkai has gotten better and better. The students are warm, welcoming and deeply committed to their practice. Jason is an encouraging, thoughtful, patient sensei. I really like that classes are drop-​in and that parking is free and convenient. Whether you’re brand new to Aikido like me or advanced, you’ll love being a part of this community.

I’ve been coming here to Shinjinkai for a little over a month now. I’m learning Mugai Ryu taught by Brian Pettett sensei. I had never taken a martial arts class before so all of this is pretty new to me. The way that he teaches is excellent and he displays great patience and a desire to see his students excel. The camaraderie among my peers is outstanding. Shinjinkai feels more like a second home.
The parking situation is excellent and there’s always been plenty of parking. It’s also in a convenient location since it’s right by the Addison Brown Line stop and easily to get to by bus.

Shinjinkai is an ideal place for serious Japanese martial arts training. I trained in a mixture of Japanese MA 2 decades ago and I did not receive good foundational basic training that I am getting at Shinjinkai. I got a Groupon to use to try out Shinjinkai. Murray sensei is a former marine, and he constantly reminds us not to be timid in training since we may someday have to deal with force multipliers (weapons) in the real world. I particularly liked the weapons training because it forces you to react even faster and take it quite seriously. In less than a month, I felt it has helped reawaken the warrior spirit within me.

Four years ago I was looking to immerse into Aikido. I tried a few dojos in Chicago before discovering Shinjinkai. I love it!
Shinjinkai is very traditional — in its martial spirit and the manner of teaching. On the other hand, thanks to Moore Sensei, Aikido at Shinjinkai is taught in a way that makes it very practical in its application, if that’s what you are looking for. You can go to classes almost every day, in the morning too!
Another thing I especially appreciate is that beginners are practicing together with more advanced folks in a way that truly benefits everyone.
Shinjinkai has plenty other cool programs going on almost daily (like ZEN).
You have to try it yourself to truly appreciate all the goodness Shinjinkai offers!

I have never taken any Martial Arts classes, but attended a Self Defense Seminar here. I was truly impressed and thankful for what I learned. Sensei enlightened and empowered everyone in the group. Fun and relaxed atmosphere.

I’ve been studying iaido at Shinjinkai under Brian Pettett Sensei for seven years now. It’s a great dojo space and a great martial arts community, almost like a second family now. Highly recommended for any budo-​ka!

Shinjinkai is a great place to learn a martial art. Its instructors are very knowledgeable and invested in the dojo’s students, and it’s a great community. Shinjinkai is one of those rare places where everyone can train to their full potential within a welcoming environment.
You’ll be given the instruction and opportunity to excel at Shinjinkai, as well as within the wider Midwest region, as Shinjinkai is part of a larger organization that is populated with great instructors.
If you want to learn a martial art in both its physical and traditional aspects, then I highly recommend this place.

I happened upon Shinjinkai based on an offhand remark by a neighbor over 7 years ago. I was hooked after my first class. As has been said, instructors and students alike are welcoming, patient and extremely knowledgeable. I start my days there two mornings a week (there are also evening classes almost every day) — definitely has a positive impact on the day. I really value the hours I spend training as well as the people I train with, really great community.

I’ve been training in aikido at Shinjinkai for over three years now. I feel instantly welcome every time I walk in the door, starting with the first time I trained there. The instructors are highly skilled and dedicated, and I’m grateful to be part of this community as it’s had an incredibly positive impact on my life.