2021

  • Wed
    23
    Dec
    2020
    Sat
    02
    Jan
    2021

    Winter Break

    There will be no karate classes during Winter Break. Enjoy the holidays!
  • Sat
    02
    Jan
    2021

    Kangeiko!

    8:00 AM

    Barrie Park in Oak Park

    Kangeiko is a Japanese term meaning “cold training” or “winter training.” The purpose of this tradition is to go into the New Year with a high level of effort, renewed excitement and spirit, and a commitment to carry on for the rest of the year!!

    Here’s our plan:
    8:00 AM – Meet at Barrie Park in Oak Park (corner of Lombard and Garfield)
    8:15-9:00 AM – Outdoor Group Training!
    9:00-10:00 AM – Coffee / Hot Chocolate
     
     
    All ages and ranks are welcome. If you are training with multiple family members, please submit one RSVP per person.
     
    What to Wear / Bring 
    • Warm clothes and shoes/sneakers appropriate for cold/wet weather – no karate uniform
    • Mask
    • Extra Masks
    • Water Bottle
    In Case of Extreme Weather
    In case of extreme weather (e.g., very rainy or icy), we’ll move the event to Zoom using the regular class link starting at 8:00 AM. We won’t have all the cold elements in place, but the intention will be the same! We will make a call on the weather by 6:30 AM on Saturday and will post to Facebook and our website homepage.
  • Sun
    10
    Jan
    2021

    Competition Prep Classes (white-purple)

    2:00-2:45 PM

    Zoom
    We are not sure when the 2021 competition season will start, or what it will look like when it does. But we want to be sure we’re ready when it happens!
     
    We’re inviting students of all ranks and all ages to join us for these pre-season competition readiness trainings, which will be held at no extra cost. These trainings are designed for both experienced athletes as well as those new to competition. Please pre-register so we know to expect you!
     
  • Sun
    10
    Jan
    2021

    Competition Prep Classes (brown-black)

    3:00-3:45 PM

    Zoom
    We are not sure when the 2021 competition season will start, or what it will look like when it does. But we want to be sure we’re ready when it happens!
     
    We’re inviting students of all ranks and all ages to join us for these pre-season competition readiness trainings, which will be held at no extra cost. These trainings are designed for both experienced athletes as well as those new to competition. Please pre-register so we know to expect you!
     
  • Mon
    18
    Jan
    2021

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Holiday

    No karate classes will be held over the long weekend. 
  • Thu
    21
    Jan
    2021

    Pop-Up Sensei!

    6:00-7:00 PM

    Zoom
     
    We are excited to bring back our popular Pop-Up Sensei series, where we welcome guest instructors from across the nation and the world. We’ll continue to give you hints about the pop-up sensei’s identity throughout January!
     
    These events are only for currently enrolled Enso students, and we strongly encourage you to attend. Normally, training with these instructors would likely require travel and greater expense. The $15 fee per session will help us reimburse our guest instructors, who are highly credentialed athletes, coaches, and instructors.
     
     
    Reminders for students attending the event
    • Use the regular class Zoom link
    • Be on time! Arrive by 5:55 PM the latest.
    • Wear your uniform.
    • Practice good etiquette by bowing when appropriate, responding respectfully, and showing excellent effort during instruction. If you have a question, raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged.
  • Sun
    24
    Jan
    2021

    Competition Prep Classes (white-purple)

    2:00-2:45 PM

    Zoom
    We are not sure when the 2021 competition season will start, or what it will look like when it does. But we want to be sure we’re ready when it happens!
     
    We’re inviting students of all ranks and all ages to join us for these pre-season competition readiness trainings, which will be held at no extra cost. These trainings are designed for both experienced athletes as well as those new to competition. Please pre-register so we know to expect you!
     
  • Sun
    24
    Jan
    2021

    Competition Prep Classes (brown-black)

    3:00-3:45 PM

    Zoom
    We are not sure when the 2021 competition season will start, or what it will look like when it does. But we want to be sure we’re ready when it happens!
     
    We’re inviting students of all ranks and all ages to join us for these pre-season competition readiness trainings, which will be held at no extra cost. These trainings are designed for both experienced athletes as well as those new to competition. Please pre-register so we know to expect you!
     
  • Sun
    07
    Feb
    2021

    Competition Prep Session

    2:00-4:00 PM (specific timeslots TBA)

    Zoom

    AAU Karate recently announced plans for its 2021 Central District Championships, which will be held Saturday, March 13th and hosted online and LIVE (no pre-recorded video submissions)! Learn more about this new form of competition on AAU Karate’s website.

    If you are interested in competing on March 13th, we very strongly recommend that you to attend at least one of the two competition readiness trainings we are hosting at no extra cost. These trainings are designed for both experienced athletes as well as those new to competition.

    Sessions will be held on Sunday, February 7th & 21st between 2-4 PM. We will announce specific timeslots for specific students once we see who registers.

    PRE-REGISTER (it’s free!)
  • Thu
    11
    Feb
    2021

    Pop-Up Sensei & Special Discussion

    7:00-8:15 PM

    Zoom

    This event is part of our popular Pop-Up Sensei series, where we welcome guest instructors from across the nation and the world. These events are only for currently enrolled Enso students, and we strongly encourage you to attend. Normally, training with these instructors would likely require travel and greater expense. The $15 fee per session will help us reimburse our guest instructors, who are highly credentialed athletes, coaches, and instructors.

    This month we welcome Sensei Cheryl Murphy, who’s accolades include:

    • 17x National Team
    • 2x Bronze WKF Womens Team
    • Bronze Pan Am Games
    • Bronze World Games
    • Silver & Bronze World Combat Games
    • 5x Pan American Championships

    Sensei Cheryl is also behind the organization Karate for Change, which looks at social justice issues in and outside of the world of karate. After our training session, Sensei Cheryl will stick around for a special discussion about social justice in karate. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with Karate for Change and watch the following episodes of their podcast on YouTube:

    REGISTER
  • Sat
    13
    Feb
    2021

    AAU Karate's Live-Online 2021 Central District Championships

    Zoom

    Classes will still run as scheduled!
  • Wed
    17
    Feb
    2021

    Open House! Wednesday Night Kumite Class

    7:00 - 7:45 PM

    Zoom

    Sensei Saul will host a special class for curious students to check out the Wednesday night Kumite class. Activities include fun kumite combinations, conditioning challenges, self-defense applications, and more. If you’ve never tried this class, here is your invitation to try it out! This open house event will not count as one of your official paid sessions for the week.

    (Ages 14+, Ranks Orange+)
  • Sun
    21
    Feb
    2021

    Competition Prep Session

    2:00-4:00 PM (specific timeslots TBA)

    Zoom

    AAU Karate recently announced plans for its 2021 Central District Championships, which will be held Saturday, March 13th and hosted online and LIVE (no pre-recorded video submissions)! Learn more about this new form of competition on AAU Karate’s website.

    If you are interested in competing on March 13th, we very strongly recommend that you to attend at least one of the two competition readiness trainings we are hosting at no extra cost. These trainings are designed for both experienced athletes as well as those new to competition.

    Sessions will be held on Sunday, February 7th & 21st between 2-4 PM. We will announce specific timeslots for specific students once we see who registers.

    PRE-REGISTER (it’s free!)
  • Thu
    25
    Feb
    2021

    Pop-Up Sensei

    6:00 - 7:00 PM

    Zoom

    This event is part of our popular Pop-Up Sensei series, where we welcome guest instructors from across the nation and the world. These events are only for currently enrolled Enso students, and we strongly encourage you to attend. Normally, training with these instructors would likely require travel and greater expense. The $15 fee per session will help us reimburse our guest instructors, who are highly credentialed athletes, coaches, and instructors.

    This month we welcome Sensei Dwight Holley, 8th dan, who is the Chairman of the Karate of Japan Federation International and the author of the book Hidden Secrets of Karate-Do. 

    REGISTER
  • Tue
    02
    Mar
    2021

    Additional Training Opportunities (all ranks, all ages)

    6-8 PM Zoom

    We are scheduling a few extra classes this month to make sure everyone has plenty of opportunities to train because of our Spring Break.

    • 6-6:45 PM = white-purple belts
    • 7-7:45 PM = brown-black belts
  • Sun
    07
    Mar
    2021

    Tournament Training

    2-4 PM

    Zoom

    AAU Karate’s 2021 Central District Championships will be a live virtual tournament on Saturday, March 13th. Learn more about this new form of competition on AAU Karate’s website.

     

    ENSO DEADLINE

    If you plan to compete, you must inform Sensei Jay no later than Saturday, February 27th. This is an internal deadline that will allow us time to gather all necessary information for registration, which Enso will handle for all our students.

     

    TOURNAMENT SPACE

    We will have a space available for our students to compete in on the day of the tournament (details will be shared with students who express interest). If students prefer to compete at home or at another location, Sensei Jay will need to approve of the space in advance of the tournament to ensure it meets all rules and guidelines for this new form of competition.

     

    PREP SESSION

    Enso has hosted a series of free sessions to help prepare students for this form of competition. Our last prep session will be held on Sunday, March 7th (2-3PM for white-purple belts; 3-4PM for brown-black belts). 
  • Sun
    14
    Mar
    2021

    Outdoor Training & Fun

    2-4 PM

    Barrie Park in Oak Park
  • Tue
    16
    Mar
    2021

    Additional Training Opportunities (all ranks, all ages)

    6-8 PM

    Zoom

    We are scheduling a few extra classes this month to make sure everyone has plenty of opportunities to train because of our Spring Break.

    • 6-6:45 PM = white-purple belts
    • 7-7:45 PM = brown-black belts
  • Mon
    22
    Mar
    2021
    Sun
    28
    Mar
    2021

    Spring Break

    There will be no karate classes or 1:1 sessions during Spring Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Tue
    30
    Mar
    2021

    Kinder Karate Make-Up Class

    4:30-5:15 PM

    Zoom

    We are scheduling a few extra classes this month to make sure everyone has plenty of opportunities to train because of our Spring Break. This class makes up for the session missed on March 26th.
  • Tue
    30
    Mar
    2021

    Spirit Training

    5:30-6:30 PM Zoom

    Let’s see how many students we can get online at once!!!
  • Sun
    11
    Apr
    2021

    Outdoor Training

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    Buckingham Fountain (Chicago)

    Please see our Outdoor Training Guidelines.
  • Sat
    24
    Apr
    2021

    Kyu Belt Exams

    9:30 AM

    Zoom
    Check your email for eligibility.
     
    Please visit our dedicated webpage to review our expectations for the online exam, including our testing guidelines, how to prepare your space, and how to register your guests!
     
    Regularly scheduled classes will not be held. 
  • Sun
    25
    Apr
    2021

    Outdoor Training

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    Barrie Park (Oak Park)

    Please see our Outdoor Training Guidelines.
  • Thu
    29
    Apr
    2021

    Make-Up Belt Exams

    6:00 PM

    Zoom
    Check your email for eligibility.
     
    Please visit our dedicated webpage to review our expectations for the online exam, including our testing guidelines, how to prepare your space, and how to register your guests!
  • Wed
    12
    May
    2021

    Belt Pick-Up

    6-7 PM

    Buckingham Fountain
  • Fri
    28
    May
    2021
    Mon
    31
    May
    2021

    Memorial Day Holiday

    No karate classes will be held over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Enjoy!
  • Tue
    29
    Jun
    2021
    Tue
    06
    Jul
    2021

    Summer Break

    There will be no karate classes during Summer Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Sat
    10
    Jul
    2021

    Outdoor Training and Popsicle Social

    2-3:30 PM

    Buckingham Fountain
  • Sun
    18
    Jul
    2021

    Six Flags / Hurricane Harbor Outing

    Outing. Adults, youth, and families are invited to enjoy a day at the amusement park together! Purchase ticket(s) on your own. Youth age 15 and below must be accompanied by an adult. If you plan to go, please complete this form so we know who will join our group.
  • Sat
    21
    Aug
    2021

    Kyu Belt Exams

    9:30 AM
  • Sat
    28
    Aug
    2021

    Beach Training 2021

    9:30 am

    Margaret T. Burroughs Beach
    Instead of our regularly scheduled Saturday classes, Enso students of all ages and ranks are invited to train at the Margaret T. Burroughs Beach (aka 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. Please check our website and Facebook page by 8:30am. 
  • Fri
    03
    Sep
    2021
    Mon
    06
    Sep
    2021

    Labor Day Holiday

    There will be no karate classes during Labor Day Break. Enjoy the holiday!
  • Sat
    04
    Dec
    2021

    Moving Day!

    601 S. LaSalle, 3rd floor
    Based on the current pace of construction on our new dojo, we feel confident we’ll be able to move in by this date, and we’ve reserved movers to help us get the job done! Because of the move, no regularly scheduled classes will be held.
  • Mon
    06
    Dec
    2021

    First Day of Class in the New Dojo!

    5:30-8:30 PM

    601 S. LaSalle, 3rd floor

    We’re so excited to get back to a regular schedule of in-person classes at our new home in the South Loop. Check out the schedule for full details, and please do join us on Monday for one of these classes:

    5:30-6:30 PM – Youth & Adults: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue & Purple Belts
    6:30-7:30 PM – Youth & Adults: Brown & Black Belts
    7:30-8:30 PM – Adults: All Levels
  • Tue
    07
    Dec
    2021

    We're back in Oak Park on Tuesdays!!

    6:30-7:30 PM

    Oak Park dojo
    We’re back to twice a week in Oak Park! You can always reference our schedule for details.
  • Sat
    18
    Dec
    2021

    Welcome Back Event!

    2:00-5:00 PM

    601 S. LaSalle, 3rd floor

    We invite all students and their families to celebrate, socialize, check out the new space, and get first dibs on some new Enso gear (perfect for a holiday gift!).
  • Fri
    24
    Dec
    2021
    Sun
    02
    Jan
    2022

    Winter Break

    No classes will be held.
  • Sun
    26
    Dec
    2021

    Tournament Prep Session

    1:00-2:00 PM

    601 S. LaSalle, 3rd floor
    If you’re new to competition, we encourage you to attend this session to help you prepare for the Enso-hosted tournament on Jan. 16. Sign-up for the free prep session.
  • Mon
    27
    Dec
    2021

    Kids-Only Holiday Games at the Dojo

    1:00-3:00 PM

    601 S. LaSalle, 3rd floor

    Youth students (and their siblings) are invited to hang out at the dojo for fun games and activities led by Sensei Jay. This is a free event.
  • Wed
    29
    Dec
    2021

    Adults Night Out (21+)

    TBD TBD

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