Aikido is a Japanese martial art that combines movement, balance, coordination and self-defense with personal development. Whether you’re new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner, our classes provide an opportunity to build strength, improve mobility and develop greater awareness and confidence.

What is Aikido? Aikido is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint-locking, striking and pinning techniques, coupled with training in traditional Japanese weapons such as the sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto). Founded by Morihei Ueshiba early in the twentieth century following his own extensive study of various armed and unarmed martial systems, Aikido represents a potent distillation of centuries of Japanese martial knowledge. It is one of the most widely practiced Budo, martial ways, in the world.

Move Better & Feel Stronger

Together, we celebrate achievements, overcome challenges, and inspire each other to reach new heights. We have fun training together and form lasting connections and friendships that extend beyond the training.

Aikido is for everyone! Develop balance and body awareness through dynamic, purposeful movements. Build confidence in how you move and carry that feeling into everyday life. 

Strength & Mobility

We aim for you to grasp both the ‘why and how’ in your training. Understanding the ‘why’ behind a technique develops a more instinctive reflex and becomes a natural part of you, instead of just memorizing it. We are dedicated to guiding and supporting you every step of the way, resulting in profound changes that will enrich every facet of your life.

Build Strength

Improve Flexibility

Boost Energy

Connect

guarantees professional instruction of the highest caliber. North Shore Aikido is a clean, beautiful and spacious 4,000 sq. ft. dojo. We prioritize the health and safety of our members by maintaining a pristine environment through diligent cleaning and sanitizing. Hand sanitizing stations are also conveniently located. Beyond the physical space, North Shore Aikido embraces a set of core values that transcends mere training. We’re not just a dojo; we’re a family of members who together support and encourage each other on our individual paths of training.

Lasting Friendships

Support & Encouragement

Personal Growth

Our Dojo

We aim for you to grasp both the ‘why and how’ in your training. Understanding the ‘why’ behind a technique develops a more instinctive reflex and becomes a natural part of you, instead of just memorizing it. We are dedicated to guiding and supporting you every step of the way, resulting in profound changes that will enrich every facet of your life.

Safe & Welcoming Environment

Respect & Community

Professional Instruction

Traditional Weapons

Together, we celebrate achievements, overcome challenges, and inspire each other to reach new heights. We have fun training together and form lasting connections and friendships that extend beyond the training.

Jo • Bokken • Tanto

Movement & Timing

Awareness & Distance

Membership That Works for You

guarantees professional instruction of the highest caliber. North Shore Aikido is a clean, beautiful and spacious 4,000 sq. ft. dojo. We prioritize the health and safety of our members by maintaining a pristine environment through diligent cleaning and sanitizing. Hand sanitizing stations are also conveniently located. Beyond the physical space, North Shore Aikido embraces a set of core values that transcends mere training. We’re not just a dojo; we’re a family of members who together support and encourage each other on our individual paths of training.

No Contracts

Cancel Anytime

Unlimited Training

Schedule

Monday 6:30 – 7:30 pm 7:45 – 8:45 pm
Wednesday 6:30 – 7:30 pm 7:45 – 8:45 pm
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 am 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Sunday 10:00 – 11:00 am 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Our Dojo
Our Members
Adults

Reviews

Rana Jaber
Rana Jaber
★★★★★
It doesn't "matter how big your attacker is, with Aikido you learn to use their momentum and force against them.

That's one of the things that sold me on trying out Aikido as my first martial art. As a petite woman, I wasn't going to be out muscling anybody...

That said, I was pleasantly surprised with how both physically & mentally stimulating the class was. Sensei Brooks is remarkably.

good at explaining and showing the proper technique I love that he explains both what right looks like and what incorrect looks like as well as what happens when you do things incorrectly. All while casually inserting humor where it fits.

Over the last almost 2 years at this dojo, I've found myself physically fitter, my posture is better than it ever was, and I've seen a significant increase in my core strength. This training works out your whole body at once.

When 6 pm rolls around and I'm practically itching to unleash some pent up energy after being stuck at my desk job all day.

That said, there are surprising life lessons that come to mind from Aikido as well. I am always thinking about how to carry that presence during any type of conflict and you really can use this to become the best version of yourself in multiple facets of your life. I love that I can see that not only in myself but in many members of the dojo as well.

So, if you are looking for self defense, self growth, physical fitness, or just a community of people to work out with, I can't recommend it enough!

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Keith Galbut
Keith Galbut
★★★★★
Tremendous instruction and membership. I highly recommend this dojo if your are interested in Aikido. North Shore Aikido is welcoming and encouraging. Couldn't imagine it being any better.
Edward Baker
Edward Baker
★★★★★
I've had the distinct opportunity to know Instructor Josh Weiser both personally and professionally for over 15 years.

When called-upon, Glenn has provided 'Personal Protection' and 'Personal Affairs Management' for my VIP Clients, some of whom are recognized as international icons in their field...

Additionally, in my work with the 'US Department of Defense (DOD)' I've enlisted Glenn's team at AoS to prepare me personally in the area of martial arts for tactical operations in hostile zones throughout the world.

Personally, Glenn has become a true friend and mentor of which I cannot imagine facing any situation, personal or professional, without him at my side.

Onward, Upward, Always, Together with Josh Weiser and North Shore Aikido!

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David Shipper
David Shipper
★★★★★
This is a great school and I recommend this to anyone looking to learn a martial art. Biggest surprises were from the significant increase in core strength, flexibility and balance.
Mike Jones
Mike Jones
★★★★★
I have been to many Aikido schools and this is without a doubt the best school I have attended. Brooks Shihan is a 7th Degree Black Belt with over 40 years of experience in the art. His classes are both serious and fun, and he has the ability to make the more difficult aspects of Aikido accessible to the new learner. The students and teachers are friendly and welcoming, and I look forward to training every time I go there.
Wendy Rusch Kopka
Wendy Rusch Kopka
★★★★★
A wonderful group of people practicing energetic aikido in an aesthetically pleasing dojo. Although I live in Chicago, I try to travel here every spring to train with this genki, welcoming group. Brooks Shihan is a skilled and encouraging teacher with decades of experience.
Hala S.
Hala S.
★★★★★
My cousin has been coming here for over a year and I've observed several classes. Everyone is super friendly, welcoming, and are very happy to take the time to help beginners and cater to all skill and fitness levels. The atmosphere is one of respect, compassion, hard work, and friendly humor.

They've really helped my cousin build her confidence, and her skills and strength have improved exponentially in a short period of time. They have you work on different techniques against several partners in each lesson, so there's never a shortage of variation and action. There is also no shortage of passionate and knowledgeable people with whom to connect, learn, and practice.

Seeing my cousin's experience there, her deep love for it and her happiness with herself, I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in taking up Aikido or any traditional martial arts.

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Bluepen Software
Bluepen Software
★★★★★
I really appreciate Aikido Dojo Sen Sai for allowing my cousin and I watch a session and get familiar with Dojo and style of teaching that is happening with North Shore Aikido. One aspect of the teaching strikes me the most is how serious and fun sessions are. Mid and Advanced Students help entry level students. Dojo is very welcoming and a lot of techniques make emphasis on precision and detail. I would recommend anyone who would like to improve their well being and different aspects of their lives.
Jordan Peel
Jordan Peel
★★★★★
North Shore Aikido is an excellent dojo. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the Sensei has decades of martial arts experience, which is displayed through his simple yet effective teaching methodology. I highly recommend for anyone interested in developing themselves physically and mentally and/or experiencing the art of Aikido.
j wolf
j wolf
★★★★★
Very warm and welcoming Dojo. Excellent new Aikido Dojo. Chief Instructor has decades of Teaching and training experience and it shows in how he conducts class.

Positive Professionalism
Paul Ciolak
Paul Ciolak
★★★★★
Great place with great instructor and students.
CRS
CRS
★★★★★
North Shore Aikido has a supportive and nurturing environment for all levels of students. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced Aikidoka you will find the instruction here is top-notch. The sensei is highly advanced, patient and passionate about Aikido. The classes are well-structured, challenging and always interesting.

Fellow students are friendly, encouraging and respectful, so you will look forward to your next class. The dojo has regular seminars and special events with guest instructors which are further opportunities to learn and grow. North Shore Aikido is not just a martial arts school but a place to develop body, mind and spirit. It is a truly outstanding dojo to advance in a beautiful art of Aikido.

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Gary Walton
Gary Walton
★★★★★
This is a great place to train!
Vincent Buss
Vincent Buss
★★★★★
Weiser Sensei is a fabulous teacher! The students are always friendly and inviting. I look forward to every opportunity that I have to train at that dojo!
Ken Altamore
Ken Altamore
★★★★★
Involved with aikido for over 20 years ,North Shore Aikido is a great dojo to train,terrific instructor and clean, aikido is for all
Tony B
Tony B
★★★★★
Excellent teacher. Explains and demonstrates technique so it can be understood and followed. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn Aikido.

Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Anthony Banaszewski
Anthony Banaszewski
★★★★★
Excellent instructor, provides constructive feedback to help you improve your skills.

Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
David Diomede
David Diomede
★★★★★
Josh is a great Sensei. I have always enjoyed working with him. Very patient and explains things very well.

Positive Communication, Professionalism
Leon Roth
Leon Roth
★★★★★
Excellent instructor who takes the time to educate and help his students understand the multiple dimensions of Aikido.

Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Marie Lazzara
Marie Lazzara
★★★★★
I'm a student at Torashinkan Dojo and enjoy taking classes there. Weiser Sensei is an excellent instructor and takes the utmost care in implementing safety measures to make sure that everyone enjoys learning Aikido.

Positive Communication, Quality

Contact Us

Phone

847-361-9714

Address

3390 Commercial Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062


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