I'm a new student, how do I start?

New students are always welcome to come and observe a practice to learn more and see if kendo is right for you. Please email us at chicagokendo@hotmail.com or visit our contact page and we will provide you with the necessary information to get started.

When and where is practice?

Chicago Kendo Dojo welcomes all new and current members to practice!

Tuesdays and Fridays 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Prairie Lakes - Des Plaines Park District
515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines, IL 60016

What do I wear?

For beginners just starting, you will need to purchase a shinai (bamboo sword); no uniform or special attire is necessary—comfortable exercise clothes (sweatpants, t-shirt/sweatshirt) are fine. Once a beginner has participated in an appropriate number of practices, you will be given permission to purchase and wear the keikogi (uniform top), hakama (uniform bottom), and then after some time eventually bogu (protective armor).

What usually happens during
a practice?

Generally, practice is organized as follows:

• Beginners and newer members should arrive early to help prepare the dojo

• Warm-up exercises

• Kata practice

• Fundamental "uchi-komi" practice

• Ji-geiko