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 anytime or by enrolling in our 12 week Beginner Series, April 21 - July 13, 2024. You may join by May 5.
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: 7-8:15 pm
Wednesday: 6-7:15 pm
Saturday: 10-11:15 am
* Long Form: ( Students of 1 year +)​
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 and follow signs for Uptown Rhythm.
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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 Zelle: hello@taijiinchicago.com​
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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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Warriors Path Scholarships:
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.
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Scholarships are awarded in the 1st week of each quarter.
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They cover full tuition for 3 months.
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Applications due 2 weeks before the start of each quarter.
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If you're an existing student, you may apply for scholarships here
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Beginner Series​​​​​​:
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The next series is April 21 - July 13, 2024
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You may enroll by May 5th 2024
Please read about the Beginner Series, below.
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12 Week Beginner Series
​April 21 - July 13, 2024
You may enroll by May 5, 2024
The Beginner Series:
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Attend up to 5 classes per week for 12 weeks at two locations.
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Tuition is $430.
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Payment plans are available.
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If you enroll after the first week, tuition will be pro-rated.
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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.
April, 2024
Beginners Series:
April 21 - July 13, 2024
You may enroll by May 5, 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.
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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Special Taiji Workshop
on the Five Elements
with Crista Fuentes
July 13, 2024. Time TBA
Save the date to practice with our special guest instructor Crista Fuentes. Crista has practiced and taught at Patrick Kelly's 9Clouds studio in Shanghai, China and currently runs a taiji school in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
She'll be leading a workshop on the Five Elements and how they correspond with our taiji practice. You won't want to miss this one. More details coming soon.
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 on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 2-4:30 PM for $45 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.
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, email us.
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