Taiji In Chicago
Daoist Principles in Practice
We are a taiji (tai chi) school in Chicago, IL practicing and teaching the system taught by Patrick Kelly. This taiji system is an intelligent synthesis of the three great esoteric streams of Daoism/Buddhism, Gnosticism/Sufism, and Yogic internal work as studied by Patrick for over 50 years and synthesized with the approval of his teachers.
We believe that the great purpose of taiji is the great purpose of life itself – internal evolution.
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If you're interested in learning more about the WorldWideWay
of energy cultivation, self refinement, and meditation through taiji, you're welcome to join us by observing a class in person, taking a free intro class January 7-13, 2024, or by enrolling in our 12 week Beginner Series, January 14-April 6, 2024.
Learn more about our lineage and what to expect from practicing taiji on The Practice page and watch videos on the Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? of our taiji system on the Media page.
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Twice a year, we bring in highly experienced teachers from Europe and Asia to train with us, and our local teachers travel internationally to practice. We are dedicated to supporting a sincere practice that is in a lineage of real teachings.
Class Schedule
You must either complete or be enrolled in the 12 week Beginner Series, or have agreement from the instructor to participate in these classes. There are no drop-in classes. You're welcome to observe any class in person, free of charge, by RSVP-ing here.
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The below classes accommodate both experienced students and the Beginner Series.
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Sunday: 11:30 am-1 pm
Monday: 6-7:15 pm
Monday: 7:30-9 pm*
Tuesday: 10-11:15 am (until Dec 26)
Wednesday: 6-7:15 pm
Saturday: 10-11:15 am
* Long Form: ( Students of 1 year +)
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Starting Jan 2, 2024:
Tuesday: 7:15-8:30 pm
Locations:
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Sun, Mon, Wed: Five Point Holistic Health, 2866 N. Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square. ​
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Tue, Sat: 4809 N. Ravenswood Ave, Ste 118, Ravenwood. Dial 118 at the front door.
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Check here for your best route on public transportation.
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Instructors: Nathan Paulus in Logan Square and Mia Park in Ravenswood.
CLASS PRICES:
$20 single class
$150 monthly unlimited
Payable on site, or via Zelle: hello@taijiinchicago.com​
Free intro classes January 7-13, 2024. RSVP here.
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Thanks to the generous support from Warrior’s Path Buddhist Academy, we are able to grant scholarships intended for sincere learners who commit to practicing at least twice a week and who have long-term intentions to practice. You may apply for a one-time or monthly scholarship here.
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RSVP to observe a class in person, anytime. As schedules occasionally change, please contact us to make sure class is confirmed.
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The Beginner Series​​​​​​
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The next series is January 14-April 6, 2024
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Scholarships available
Please read about the Beginner Series, below.
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12 Week Beginner Series
January 14 - April 6, 2024
Join by January 28, 2024
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The Beginner Series includes up to 5 classes per week for 12 weeks in two locations. Tuition is $430. Payment plans and scholarships are available. Once you've observed a class and are ready to enroll, payment info will be provided. If you enroll after the first week, tuition will be pro-rated. Credit for future classes and workshops will be issued in lieu of refunds.
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Thanks to the support from Warrior’s Path Buddhist Academy, scholarships are available. Apply here.
The series is taught by Nathan Paulus and Mia Park.
January, 2024
Beginners Series:
January 14 - April 6, 2024
Join by January 28, 2024
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We accept new taiji beginners every 3-4 months. We ask that you commit to taking at least 2 classes per week at either location.
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Before beginning your taiji practice with us, we first ask that you observe a class, anytime, or take free introductory classes, January 7-13, 2024. RSVP here.
This way, you can see exactly what we do and we can answer any questions you may have. Learn more about our practice and what to expect on The Practice page.
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Taiji is safe for every body to practice, from mature young people to elders and more.
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Taiji Workshops
Nathan Paulus is our lead instructor and offers workshops on the first Sunday of each month from 2-4:30 PM for $45 at Five Point Holistic Health. RSVP for the workshops here.
These workshops are intended to help committed students grow in their taiji practice and internal work. This format offers more time for questions and practice of the taiji principles emphasized within our system.
Students should be familiar with the short form and all 8 tuisho patterns to attend.
What to expect:
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Refinement of basic taiji principles in loosening exercises, short form, and tuisho (push hand patterns).
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Increased understanding of 5 phases of movement.
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Accuracy and inches in short form.
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Coordination of 5 phases, plus focus on connection, yeilding, and nuetralizing in 8 tuisho patterns.
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Working with intention.
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Applications to help student develop pressure through body.
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Meditation practice.
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Payment plans are available, apply here.
Scholarships are available, apply here. Thanks to Warrior’s Path Buddhist Academy for their generous support.
Wondering how to get started right away?
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Observe any class in person, free of charge
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Read thoroughly PatrickKellyTaiji.com and WorldWideWay.org
Seek a broad balance of life experience while balancing action, feeling and thought.
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Harm no one – help those near to you.
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Respond positively – don't react.
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Understand others – change yourself.
c/o Five Point Health
2866 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647