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合気道 Aikido

The Way of
Harmonious Spirit

Sycamore, Illinois

Try a Free Class What is Aikido?

The Art

Aikido is unlike
any martial art you know

一

和の道

The Way of Harmony

Aikido does not rely on brute strength. Instead, it redirects an attacker's own energy — turning force away rather than meeting it head on. Practitioners of any size or age can train effectively.

二

生涯武道

A Lifelong Practice

There are no competitions in Aikido. The goal is not to defeat an opponent, but to improve yourself. Students regularly train together into their 60s, 70s, and beyond.

三

心体気

Mind, Body & Spirit

Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is a complete Budo — a path of character development. Regular practice builds confidence, calmness, and physical conditioning simultaneously.

Students practicing at Prairie Aikikai
40+ Years of Practice

Prairie Aikikai

A dojo built from
decades of dedication

Jeff Hecht began his Aikido journey in 1984, Leslie in 1986. Jeff started teaching at the University of California in Riverside in 1987. They moved to Bloomington, Illinois in 1990 and both taught at Illinois State University for 10 years, founding Prairie Aikikai in 1996.

When the Hechts relocated to Sycamore, Illinois in 2000, they were able to imagine a dedicated Aikido training space. The Sycamore dojo opened for regular training in 2002, and has been a home for students ever since.

  • Small classes of 6–10 (typically) students — everyone gets personal attention
  • New students may observe anytime and try up to two classes completely free
  • Multiple class days each week, including a dedicated weapons class
  • Special seminars with nationally recognized guest instructors
  • Internationally recognized rank through Aikido Shimbokukai
Meet Your Instructors →

Join Us

Regular Training Schedule

New to Aikido? Your first two classes are always free — come and see for yourself.

Your Instructors

Decades of training,
dedicated to teaching

Jeffrey B. Hecht

Dojocho (Head Instructor)
Rokudan (6th Dan)

Jeffrey B. Hecht, Ph.D.

Retired professor and Associate Dean from NIU's College of Education. Training in Aikido continuously since 1984, Jeff has taught at UC Riverside, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University. He founded Prairie Aikikai in Bloomington in 1996 and has led the Sycamore dojo since 2002.

Leslie B. Hecht

Shidoin (Instructor)
Godan (5th Dan)

Leslie B. Hecht, Ph.D.

Retired Academic Adviser from NIU's College of Education. Studying Aikido since 1986, Leslie has been a constant, guiding presence through every chapter of Prairie Aikikai — from the original Bloomington dojo to the Sycamore mat today.

Gracia Watson

Fukushidoin (Asst Instructor)
Nidan (2nd Dan)

Gracia Watson

Engineering student at NIU and an Aikido practitioner since 2009. Gracia brings a student's perspective to her teaching, making her especially effective with those just starting their Aikido journey.

Affiliated with Aikido Shimbokukai

Prairie Aikikai is a proud member of Aikido Shimbokukai (Lisa Tomoleoni, Director) — an Officially Recognized Organization of the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. Your rank promotion is recognized worldwide.

Prairie Aikikai
道

Follow Along

Stay connected
with the dojo

Get a feel for life at Prairie Aikikai before you ever set foot on the mat. Our online presence gives you a window into what we do and who we are — from day-to-day practice to special events and seminars.

Facebook — Prairie Aikikai Sycamore YouTube — Prairie Aikikai

Ready to step on the mat?

Visitors are always welcome. Come watch a class — no appointment needed.

Contact Us
(815) 981-8998 Sensei@PrairieAikikai.com