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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 World Wide Way of energy cultivation, self refinement, and meditation through taiji, you're welcome to join us by observing a class anytime, taking a free intro class on January 11 or 12, or by enrolling in our 12 week Beginner Series. The next Beginner Series runs January 19 - April 12. Join by February 2.

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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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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.

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Free Intro Classes
January 11 and 12

RSVP to take one or both

to experience how we train

12 Week Beginner Series

The Beginner Series:
  • Attend up to 5 classes per week for 12 weeks at two locations

  • Tuition is $430

  • Payment plans available

  • Tuition can be pro-rated for up to two weeks 

  • Credit for future classes and workshops will be issued in lieu of refunds

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The series is taught by Nathan Paulus and Mia Park

Beginner Series
January 19 - April 12

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. 

 

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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The next free intro classes are January 11 and 12. You must RSVP to attend. The next Beginner Series is January 19 - April 12. Join by February 2.

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Class Schedule

You must either complete or be enrolled in the 12 week Beginner Series to participate in these classes. There are no drop-in classes. You're welcome to observe class in person, free of charge, by RSVP-ing here.

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Our classes accommodate both experienced students and the Beginner Series.

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Sunday:          11:30 am-1 pm
Monday:         6-7:15 pm*

Tuesday:         6-7:15 pm

Wednesday:   6-7:15 pm

Saturday:        10-11:15 am

* Starting December 16: Long Form Class for students 1 year+​
 

Locations:

 

CLASS PRICES:

$20 single class / $25 beginning 2025 

$150 monthly unlimited

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Observe a Class for Free:

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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Beginner Series​​​​​​:

The next Beginner Series runs January 19 - April 12. Join by February 2.

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Monthly Taiji Workshops

Nathan Paulus is our lead instructor and offers workshops for students of all levels who are already practicing in our school. The workshops are generally on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 2-5 PM for $50 at Five Point Holistic Health.

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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.

 

What to expect:

  • Refinement of basic taiji principles in loosening exercises, short form, and tuisho (push hand patterns).

  • Increased understanding of 5 phases of movement.

  • Accuracy and inches in short form.

  • Coordination of 5 phases, plus focus on connection, yeilding, and nuetralizing in 8 tuisho patterns.

  • Working with intention.

  • Applications to help student develop pressure through body.

  • Meditation practice.

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Payment plans are available, email us

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Guest Teachers in 2025

We are honored and excited to bring deeply experienced taiji teachers to Chicago. These instructors have practiced intelligently for decades and have made long time contact with our highly developed teacher, Patrick Kelly.

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We expect Christine Schneider to lead a workshop in March or April, and Heribert Greiner to teach in September. Details to come. 

Wondering how to get started right away? 

Books

Our teacher Patrick Kelly has written several helpful books, available in Chicago and online. Read more about his books here.

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We recommend "Infinite Dao" which is available in Chicago for $45. Order here. Some books are also available as Ebooks on his website.

Seek a broad balance of life experience while balancing action, feeling and thought.

  • Harm no one – help those near to you.

  • Respond positively – don't react.

  • Understand others – change yourself.

c/o Five Point Health

2866 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Chicago, IL 60647

The student registration and waiver form can be found here.
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