2017

  • Fri
    23
    Dec
    2016
    Mon
    02
    Jan
    2017

    Winter Break - Christmas/New Years Holiday

    Karate classes will not be held at the Chicago, Oak Park or South dojos during Winter Break. Enjoy the holidays!
  • Fri
    27
    Jan
    2017

    Make-Up Exams

    Chicago dojo

    There is an extra $10 fee to take your exam on this alternative date if you can’t attend the regular exam. The make-up exam is only available to students who are currently purple belt or below.

    Register online
  • Sat
    04
    Mar
    2017

    Belt Exams - CANCELLED

     
  • Sat
    11
    Mar
    2017

    Windy City Traditional Karate Tournament

    Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018
    We hope everyone — youth and adults ages 4 and up — will consider joining us to represent Enso at this year’s Windy City Karate Tournament!
     
    Fee: $50 for 1 event, $90 for 2 events, $120 for 3 events, and $130 for 4 events 
    Note: Students are responsible for forming their own teams for team kata, though please ask if you would like some help getting a team together.

    Registration: Registration forms can be downloaded here.  

    Please submit your form and payment (check payable to “Joe Gonzalez”) to the front desk or Sensei Jay by February 11, 2017. Please note that this is a special deadline for Enso.  If you need help selecting events for you or your child(ren), please contact us.

    Hotel Reservation: Call (877) 337-5793 for room availability at The Crowne Plaza Hotel. Please mention The Windy City 24th Traditional Karate Tournament or Code Number K25 upon booking for special discount. 

    Download the full tournament packet for more details and information here.  

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@ensokarate.com.
  • Sat
    18
    Mar
    2017

    Focus Junior Karate Tournament

    Learn more
  • Mon
    20
    Mar
    2017
    Sun
    26
    Mar
    2017

    Spring Break

    No karate classes will be held at the Chicago or Oak Park locations during Spring Break. Enjoy!
  • Mon
    20
    Mar
    2017

    Tournament Training Session

    Chicago dojo
    Students participating in the 2017 Chicagoland Karate-do Challenge on March 26th are invited to participate in this special tournament-focused training session during Enso’s Spring Break, which runs the week before our tournament.
     
    The session will focus on tournament rules and etiquette as well as provide students with a training opportunity in the days leading up to the competition. We recommend that anyone who doesn’t compete regularly attend this free session.
    • 6-7 PM: Youth, All Ranks
    • 7-8 PM: Adults, All Ranks
  • Wed
    22
    Mar
    2017

    Tournament Training Session

    Chicago dojo
    Students participating in the 2017 Chicagoland Karate-do Challenge on March 26th are invited to participate in this special tournament-focused training session during Enso’s Spring Break, which runs the week before our tournament.
     
    The session will focus on tournament rules and etiquette as well as provide students with a training opportunity in the days leading up to the competition. We recommend that anyone who doesn’t compete regularly attend this free session.
    • 6-7 PM: Youth, All Ranks
    • 7-8 PM: Adults, All Ranks
  • Thu
    23
    Mar
    2017

    Open-Mat Training Session

    7-8:30pm

    Chicago dojo
     
    This “open mat time” is for adults (18+) preparing to compete in the 2017 Chicagoland Karate-do Challenge on March 26th. Some experienced competitors will be on hand to answer tournament-related questions, but this will not be an instructor-led class.
  • Sat
    25
    Mar
    2017
    Sun
    26
    Mar
    2017

    Chicagoland Karate-Do Challenge

    ckc2017_colorThe 2017 Chicagoland Karate-Do Challenge is an invitational karate tournament co-hosted by Enso Karate and Nisei Dojo.

    Registration is due by Friday, March 10th.  Detailed event information and registration forms can be found on the tournament website.
  • Sat
    29
    Apr
    2017

    Belt Exams

    9:00am

    Chicago dojo
    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility: See Eligibility List sent to students by email. Eligibility is determined by instructors, who consider Training Time Requirements, consistency of attendance, effort, performance, attitude, and ability to perform exam requirements. The most important factors are meeting the minimum required training times, and consistency and frequency of training. 
     
    Fee: $35 for students who are currently white through purple belts; $50 for students who are currently 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts). Any outstanding fees must be paid before taking the exam.
     
     
  • Fri
    26
    May
    2017
    Mon
    29
    May
    2017

    Memorial Day Holiday

    No karate classes will be held at the Chicago, Oak Park or South dojos over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Enjoy!
  • Tue
    27
    Jun
    2017
    Tue
    04
    Jul
    2017

    Summer Break I - Independence Day Holiday

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago or Oak Park dojos during Summer Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Tue
    27
    Jun
    2017
    Sat
    01
    Jul
    2017

    AAU National Karate Championships

    Raleigh, NC

    Members of the Enso Elite Karate Team will compete at the AAU National Karate Championships. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates!
  • Fri
    14
    Jul
    2017

    Friday Fun Night

    7-9 p.m.

    Chicago Dojo

    This popular event for youth students is back this summer!

    Parents: Drop off your child while they have a blast at the dojo. Students can bring friends along too.

    Date: Friday, July 14, 2017  

    Time: 7:15-9:15pm

    Drop off at 7:00 pm. Pick up no later than 9:15 pm.

    Location: Enso Chicago Dojo. 412 S. Wells, Chicago, IL 60607  

    Ages: Ages 6 and up. Feel free to invite your friends to register with you.

    Fee: $20 per child, which includes pizza. 

    What to Bring 

    • Nerf guns and ammo (Enso will not provide this.) 
    • Comfortable clothing
    • Safety eyewear/goggles

    Register 

    Register for Friday Fun Night online. Space is limited. 
  • Sat
    15
    Jul
    2017

    Belt Exams

    9:00am

    Chicago dojo
    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility: See Eligibility List sent to students by email. Eligibility is determined by instructors, who consider Training Time Requirements, consistency of attendance, effort, performance, attitude, and ability to perform exam requirements. The most important factors are meeting the minimum required training times, and consistency and frequency of training. 
     
    Fee: $35 for students who are currently white through purple belts; $50 for students who are currently 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts). Any outstanding fees must be paid before taking the exam.
     
     
  • Sat
    29
    Jul
    2017

    Black Belt Exam and Seminars!

    Chicago dojo


    Enso Karate will host a packed day of activities for our dojo community. For the students who will be testing for a black belt rank, this will be their opportunity to demonstrate their progress in front of judges, peers, family, and friends. We hope you will take part in the events of the day!

    Special Schedule on Saturday, July 29, 2017
    Because of this one-a-year special event, regular karate classes will not be held on Saturday, July 29th. Instead of regular classes, please consider attending our karate seminars featuring our guest instructor. 

     
    9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Karate Seminars
    We will host two special karate classes in the morning with our special guest instructors. There is no additional fee to attend these classes. These classes are a lot of fun and great way to learn something new!
     
    Heian Kata and Applications
    9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
    Open to: Ages 6 and up, All ranks
     
    Advanced Kata
    10:30 – 11:30 p.m.
    Open to brown and black belts only
     
    11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch Break
    Following the morning seminars, we will take a break for lunch (on your own).
    12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Black Belt Test
    The exam will begin at 12:45pm. Enso karate students, friends, and family are invited to watch. 
    5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Black Belt Celebration Dinner

    All students and families are welcome to enjoy a meal in celebration together at MingHin restaurant in Chinatown (2168 S. Archer Ave. Chicago, IL). Results of the exam will given at the dinner. The cost for dinner for each person is $20. You can pay at the dojo or purchase online here. Payments must be received by Monday July 24, 2017.
  • Fri
    11
    Aug
    2017

    Make-Up Belt Exams

    Chicago dojo

    A make-up exam will be held on Friday, August 11, 2017. We ask students to make their best efforts to take the regular exam, and only take the make-up exam if absolutely necessary. An extra $10 fee is assessed to make-up exams. Brown belts must take the Saturday exam. Register for the make-up exam online. 
  • Sat
    12
    Aug
    2017

    Beach Training 2017

    9:30 am

    31st Street Beach
    Instead of our regularly scheduled Saturday classes, Enso students of all ages and ranks are invited to train at the 31st Street Beach starting at 9:30 a.m. Bring your families and friends along!
     
    We recommend planning to get there at 9:00 am or earlier so you have plenty of time to find parking, find the group, and roll up your gi pants! Paid parking is available near the beach.
     
    We will hold a group class for about one hour, then take some pictures. Stick around for as long as you like afterwards for fun at the beach! Please bring your own drinks and snacks.
     
    Beach training has been a great opportunity for us to enjoy the beautiful, summer weather without sacrificing time to practice karate. Plus, it’s a really cool photo-op! 
     
    In the case of thunderstorms, classes will be held as usual in the downtown Chicago dojo. Please check our website and Facebook page by 8:30am. 
  • Mon
    14
    Aug
    2017
    Fri
    18
    Aug
    2017

    Summer Camp 2017

    Chicago Dojo

    Kids ages 5-12 will love our fun-filled camp which will be held this year from August 14-18, 2017.  Open to current karate students as well as kids new to martial arts, this camp involves learning new skills; practicing basics, kata, and kumite; fitness games; and more.

    Sensei Jay and his amazing team of instructors will keep all campers moving in a positive, social setting.  The highlight is the “Camp Show” and Pizza Party on Friday to showcase their camp experience!

    Learn more and register.
  • Mon
    28
    Aug
    2017
    Mon
    04
    Sep
    2017

    Summer Break II

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago or Oak Park dojos during Summer Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Tue
    05
    Sep
    2017

    Fall Session/Intro A Begins

  • Sun
    10
    Sep
    2017

    Enso Elite Informational Meeting

    2-3pm

    Chicago dojo

    Interested in joining our tournament team? Parents and athletes are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn about expectations, goals/benefits, tournament calendar, and special fees. This meeting will be held at Chicago dojo from 2-3pm. RSVP here.
  • Fri
    15
    Sep
    2017
    Sun
    17
    Sep
    2017

    3rd Annual Enso Karate Retreat Weekend

    George Williams College, Williams Bay, WI

    (Approximately 90 miles from Chicago, near Lake Geneva.)

     

    COST

    $140 retreat fee includes:

    • 3 meals (breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, lunch on Saturday)
    • 4 hours of training in private room
    • Teaching seminar (optional)
    • Campfires and games on Friday and Saturday nights

    Lodging is not included in the retreat fee. 

    Early bird rate! Register by August 15 and pay only $115 for the retreat fee.

    ROOM RESERVATIONS

    Rooms are being held for Enso’s Retreat until August 15th. Rooms may still be available after that date. For $149/night (including all taxes and fees), you can get either one king/queen bed at Lakefront Cottages or two double beds at Winston Paul Lodge. To reserve a room, call (262) 245-8520.

    TRANSPORTATION

    If you do not have a car and need a ride to and from the retreat, there will be a sign-up list at the dojo for people looking for rides and willing to give a ride.

    TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

    Friday

    4PM check-in time

    Dinner on your own

    7PM campfire and games

    Saturday

    • 7:30-8:30AM: Breakfast buffet
    • 8:30-9:30AM: Warm-up/Kihon with Sensei Jay
    • 9:30-10:30AM: Self-defense/Heian kata bunkai with Sensei Saul
    • 30-minute break
    • 11:00AM-NOON: Self-defense/Heian kata bunkai, continued
    • 12:00-1:30PM: Lunch
    • 1:30-5:00PM: Fun and games! TBD, but likely to include activities such as kickball, steal the bacon, tag football, treasure hunt, etc. Suggestions welcome!
    • 7:00PM: Dinner at local restaurant TBD
    • 9:00PM: Bonfire

    Sunday

    • 7:30-9:00AM: Breakfast buffet
    • 9:00-10:00AM: Kata training
    • 10:00-11:30AM: Teacher training  – Optional seminar for students interested in leading or assisting classes with Sensei Denise
    • NOON: Check-out time
    • Optional lunch together in Lake Geneva and/or golf on the way home
  • Sun
    01
    Oct
    2017

    Tournament Training Session

    1-2pm

    Chicago dojo
    Students participating in the Fall 2017 Chicagoland Karate-do Challenge on October 29th are invited to participate in this special tournament-focused training session.
     
    We recommend that anyone who doesn’t compete regularly attend this  session that will cover basic etiquette, procedures, and rules for tournaments. The session is $10 and will be held at the Chicago dojo. Another session will be held October 15th.
     
  • Sun
    01
    Oct
    2017

    CKC Volunteer Training

    2-4pm

    Chicago dojo

    Successful tournaments require many lending hands! We are looking for volunteers to help set-up, check-in participants, keep score, keep time, and many other tasks that will help this special event run smoothly. No experience is necessary, and we will provide training! Sign-up to volunteer.
  • Sun
    15
    Oct
    2017

    Tournament Training Session

    1-2pm

    Chicago dojo
     
    Students participating in the Fall 2017 Chicagoland Karate-do Challenge on October 29th are invited to participate in this special tournament-focused training session.
     
    We recommend that anyone who doesn’t compete regularly attend this  session that will cover basic etiquette, procedures, and rules for tournaments. The session is $10 and will be held at the Chicago dojo.
     
  • Sun
    15
    Oct
    2017

    CKC Volunteer Training

    2-4pm

    Chicago dojo

    Successful tournaments require many lending hands! We are looking for volunteers to help set-up, check-in participants, keep score, keep time, and many other tasks that will help this special event run smoothly. No experience is necessary, and we will provide training! Sign-up to volunteer.
  • Sun
    29
    Oct
    2017

    Chicagoland Karate-Do Challenge

    Chicago, IL

    We are excited to announce that the Chicagoland Karate-Do Challenge will be moving to the fall season! Save the date Sunday October 29, 2017.

    Details and registration available on our tournament site!

    Be sure to check the CKC Facebook Page for updates, too.
  • Tue
    31
    Oct
    2017

    No classes on Halloween

    No classes will be held on Halloween to allow students and their families to trick-or-treat and enjoy the sugary holiday. Have a fun, safe, and warm night!
  • Fri
    10
    Nov
    2017
    Sun
    12
    Nov
    2017

    Tai Chi Event (No Karate Classes)

    Friday-Sunday. November 10-12: Chicago Tai Chi Event/Veteran’s Day Weekend. No Karate classes will be held. Chicago Tai Chi will be hosting a major Tai Chi event at the dojo, Heaven & Earth – Qigong and Tai Chi Circling Hands. We are happy to help Enso’s Tai Chi program bring such an important master of Tai Chi to the midwest that is expected to be very well attended.
  • Wed
    22
    Nov
    2017
    Sun
    26
    Nov
    2017

    Fall Break - Thanksgiving Holiday

    There will be no karate classes at the Chicago or Oak Park dojos during Fall Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Thu
    23
    Nov
    2017

    Winter Tuition Due/Auto-Renew Payments

  • Mon
    27
    Nov
    2017

    Winter Session begins

  • Sat
    09
    Dec
    2017

    Belt Exams

    9:00am

    Chicago dojo
    (The belt exam originally scheduled for October 21 will be held instead on December 9.)
     
    Regular classes will not be held due to this event. 
     
    Eligibility: See Eligibility List sent to students by email. Eligibility is determined by instructors, who consider Training Time Requirements, consistency of attendance, effort, performance, attitude, and ability to perform exam requirements. The most important factors are meeting the minimum required training times, and consistency and frequency of training. 
     
    Fee: $35 for students who are currently white through purple belts; $50 for students who are currently 3rd and 2nd kyu (brown belts). Any outstanding fees must be paid before taking the exam.
     
     
  • Fri
    22
    Dec
    2017
    Mon
    01
    Jan
    2018

    Winter Break (No Karate Classes)

Unless otherwise noted, Enso’s events are for current students only.