Japanese Culture Center — Attraction in Lake View Township

The Japanese Culture Center (JCC) is a true institution, iconic, and beloved part of Chicago’s Lakeview community. Family-owned and deeply rooted in tradition, it embodies the spirit and values of Japanese culture.

I randomly wandered in back in 2018 and have been a part of the community ever since. It’s hard making real connections and friends as an adult but people were incredibly welcoming and supportive. That warmth isn’t unique to the Aikido group—most people I’ve met through the center have been genuinely kind and caring.

The variety of classes offered is remarkable, from Ikebana (flower arrangement), Origami, Japanese Calligraphy, Capoeira (A Brazilian Martial Art but see what I mean about the range) , Sound Baths (meditation), Iaido (swordsmanship) and so much more there’s something for everyone and anyone.

Although the location may have changed, the heart and soul of the JCC remain the same. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with an interest in culture, martial arts, or simply building community to stop by, get involved, and experience it...

There are many excellent things offered in the Japanese Culture Center--including a variety of martial arts, cultural programs, and language studies; while I can say from the outside that all of these that I have seen (tea ceremony and flower arrangement demonstrations, Kendo, Iaido, and more) appear to be truly high-caliber programs with skilled instructors, I have personally only trained there extensively in Aikido. The Japanese Culture Center is the headquarters for the Aikido Association of America and the Aikido Association International--as one could expect, the caliber of Aikido instruction and training is therefore quite high. The instructors themselves are frequently high ranked individuals with years of teaching experience, and many of the classes are taught by the Chief Instructor for the associations, himself. If you train in Aikido or have ever considered training in Aikido, I would highly recommend visiting and taking a...

The best place to go to learn Aikido in Chicago. The instructors are passionate and patient. The students are lively and willing to learn. The outside of the building is unassuming but the inside is very unique. I feel comforted everytime I step in the door. The staff is usually helpful, as well. With close ties to the Japanese Counsulate, their arts ring with authenticity. Definitely worth checking out, but even more...