Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois

### Context Profile for Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (AACCIL) aims to empower Asian American businesses through advocacy, networking, and educational opportunities. Their mission focuses on promoting the growth and development of Asian American entrepreneurs and businesses, fostering economic development within the community, and advocating for policies that benefit their members.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Workshops and Events**: AACCIL organizes various workshops like the "TEA TALKS WORKSHOP: KICKBOXING & Mental Health," which combines physical fitness with mental well-being.
   - **Networking Opportunities**: They provide platforms for Asian American business owners to connect and collaborate.
   - **Advocacy**: The organization actively engages in advocacy efforts to represent the interests of Asian American businesses at local and state levels.
   - **Educational Programs**: They offer resources and training to help members improve their business skills and knowledge.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   The tone of the AACCIL's communication is friendly, supportive, and encouraging. The language used is accessible and engaging, aiming to inspire and motivate community members to participate in events and initiatives. The use of phrases like "discover the powerful connection" and "turn your workout into a mental recharge" reflects an uplifting and positive approach.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   The organization uses emojis sparingly but effectively in their communications. For example, in email campaigns, they incorporate emojis like 📍 to highlight locations, which adds a friendly touch to their messages. The frequency is low, primarily used to enhance clarity and engagement without overwhelming the text.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details were not found on the website, but the organization is established and active in Illinois.
   - **Scale**: AACCIL has conducted several events, including at least 4 forms and 7 email campaigns, indicating a proactive approach to community engagement.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics were not detailed on the website, the organization emphasizes community involvement and support for local businesses, suggesting a focus on measurable outcomes in terms of member growth and engagement.
   - **Volunteer Info**: Information on volunteer opportunities was not explicitly stated, but the organization likely encourages community participation through its events and programs.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a conversational and approachable style that reflects the friendly tone of the organization.
   - **Clarity**: Ensure that messages are clear and concise, focusing on the benefits of participation in events and programs.
   - **Engagement**: Incorporate motivational language that encourages community involvement and highlights the positive impacts of the organization’s initiatives.
   - **Visuals**: Use images and emojis judiciously to enhance communication without detracting from the message.

This context profile should serve as a foundation for creating personalized and effective content for the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, aligning with their mission and values.

LXCL:Includes workshop and a delicious bento meal.

General Admission

TEA TALK on Aikido &amp; Mental HealthThe Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois invites you to explore the transformative power of the Japanese martial art of Aikido &mdash; a practice that cultivates centeredness under pressure, grounded confidence, and mindful engagement with ourselves and others. More than just movement:&nbsp;Aikido blends centuries-old throwing, pinning, and weapons techniques from Japan&rsquo;s feudal past with a deeply rooted philosophy of nonresistance, harmony, and presence, helping you meet stress with steadiness rather than tension. Through gentle movements, breath awareness, and partner interaction, Aikido nurtures mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of belonging. Whether you&rsquo;re new to martial arts or revisiting from years past, this session welcomes people of all ages and physical abilities.&nbsp; Delicious bento lunch will be provided by <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.tanoshiiandersonville.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Tanoshii Sushi</a>. Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin promptly at 1:00 PM. &nbsp;Wear comfortable attire. <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOgVEls-Mrg" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Watch a 1969 NBC segment &nbsp;on Chicago Aikikai (formerly known as the Illinois Aikido Club)</a>.<br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Biographies:&nbsp; Ken Kikuchi, PsyD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and a PSYPACT member. He holds a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) and serves as the Clinical Director of <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.kenkointerventions.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Kenko Interventions</a>, where he provides culturally sensitive and affirming mental health services. In addition to his clinical work, Ken is an award-winning, tenured professor in higher education. He is deeply committed to community service and finds his volunteer and pro bono work with AANHPI and BIPOC populations to be among the most meaningful aspects of his professional life. Bohao Zhang is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Chicago, Illinois. He holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Indiana University and began his career in the pharmaceutical industry. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a profound shift, which inspired a career transition into the counseling field to address the emotional and psychological societal impacts.Currently in private practice, Bohao specializes in providing a space for his clients to be heard and supported while they work towards success in their daily life, particularly those within the male and Asian-American communities. Bohao specializes in navigating life transitions, managing anxiety and depression, understanding self and others, and exploring immigrant/second-generation identities. He is committed to fostering resilience, healing, and authentic connection through his therapeutic work.<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important; width: 522.797px; margin-inline: 0px !important; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-decoration: none;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; width: 522.797px; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-inline: 0px !important; margin: 0in;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(39, 93, 14); font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(39, 93, 14); font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Dwight Sora (yondan, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.chicagoaikikai.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Chicago Aikikai</a>) has been studying Aikido for 33 years. He began in 1993 while on an exchange program from the University of Chicago to Waseda University in Tokyo, training with Waseda University Aikido Club, which met on campus and at Hombu Dojo under Hiroshi Tada Shihan. Returning home, he trained with the late Don Levine Sensei at the University of Chicago Aikido Club until graduating with a B.A. In East Asian Languages &amp; Civilizations in 1995. Levine Sensei introduced Dwight to Chicago Aikikai, which has been his Aikido home ever since, excluding two short breaks, one to manage an Aikido Club at the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC). He credits his approach to Aikido to Marsha Turner Sensei (Chief Instructor, Chicago Aikikai), Joe Takehara Sensei (founding member, Illinois Aikido Club/Chicago Aikikai), and the late Kevin Choate Sensei (Chief Instructor, Chicago Aikikai, 1981-2011). Outside of Aikido, Dwight works as a freelance Japanese translator and actor, and has applied his Aikido training as an actor-combatant, fight choreographer, and cultural consultant for theater/film.<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important; width: 522.797px; margin-inline: 0px !important; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-decoration: none;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; width: 522.797px; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-inline: 0px !important; margin: 0in;"> Qin Coe (郑琴), Ph.D. holds the rank of Nidan, second-degree black belt in Aikido. A solid C student in PE, she gained confidence training in Aikido starting 2002 while pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Chicago. Qin derives tremendous joy from her Aikido training. She draws inspiration from her background in rock climbing, cycling, yoga, meditation, and energy medicine. As an Executive and Leadership coach, she partners with executives, founders, and leaders from Fortune 100 companies, start-ups, to non-profit organizations to help clients make better decisions from a centered and balanced presence. She most recently held the role as Head of Customer Success in a SaaS company and has served clients in Finance and Technology in various capacities, including customer success, sales, product management, and operations. Location and Parking: Chicago Aikikai is located above the Beauty Bar at:1444 W. Chicago Avenue, 2nd FloorChicago, Illinois 60642 *There is unfortunately no elevator available in the building* DrivingFree parking is available along the North and southbound streets, and in the diagonal spots behind Golder Prep. Public TransportationThe dojo is located near the Chicago &amp; Greenview stop for the Westbound #66 CTA bus, and the Chicago &amp; Bishop stop for the Eastbound #66 bus.It is also an 11-minute walk from the Chicago Avenue CTA Blue Line station.

<span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; -webkit-user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, You are registered for the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois TEATALK on Aikido &amp; Mental Health on 07 February 2026 from 1:00 PM &nbsp;to 3:00 PM at Chicago Aikikai, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642. &nbsp;The dojo is located on the second floor (above the Beauty Bar) and there is unfortunately no elevator in the building. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Please wear comfortable clothing and arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin promptly at 1:00 PM. &nbsp; Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting Asian American-owned businesses. Warm wishes, The AACCIL Team

TEA TALK on Aikido &amp; Mental HealthThe Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois invites you to explore the transformative power of the Japanese martial art of Aikido — a practice that cultivates centeredness under pressure, grounded confidence, and mindful engagement with ourselves and others. More than just movement: Aikido blends centuries-old throwing, pinning, and weapons techniques from Japan’s feudal past with a deeply rooted philosophy of nonresistance, harmony, and presence, helping you meet stress with steadiness rather than tension. Through gentle movements, breath awareness, and partner interaction, Aikido nurtures mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re new to martial arts or revisiting from years past, this session welcomes people of all ages and physical abilities.  Delicious bento lunch will be provided by <a href="https://www.tanoshiiandersonville.com" target="_blank">Tanoshii Sushi</a>. Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin promptly at 1:00 PM.  Wear comfortable attire. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOgVEls-Mrg" target="_blank">Watch a 1969 NBC segment  on Chicago Aikikai (formerly known as the Illinois Aikido Club)</a>. Biographies:  Ken Kikuchi, PsyD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and a PSYPACT member. He holds a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) and serves as the Clinical Director of <a href="https://www.kenkointerventions.com" target="_blank">Kenko Interventions</a>, where he provides culturally sensitive and affirming mental health services. In addition to his clinical work, Ken is an award-winning, tenured professor in higher education. He is deeply committed to community service and finds his volunteer and pro bono work with AANHPI and BIPOC populations to be among the most meaningful aspects of his professional life. Bohao Zhang is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Chicago, Illinois. He holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Indiana University and began his career in the pharmaceutical industry. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a profound shift, which inspired a career transition into the counseling field to address the emotional and psychological societal impacts.Currently in private practice, Bohao specializes in providing a space for his clients to be heard and supported while they work towards success in their daily life, particularly those within the male and Asian-American communities. Bohao specializes in navigating life transitions, managing anxiety and depression, understanding self and others, and exploring immigrant/second-generation identities. He is committed to fostering resilience, healing, and authentic connection through his therapeutic work.<p style="box-sizing:inherit;width:522.797px;line-height:normal;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-decoration:none;margin-inline:0px !important;margin:0in;max-width:100%"> Dwight Sora (yondan, <a href="https://www.chicagoaikikai.org" target="_blank">Chicago Aikikai</a>) has been studying Aikido for 33 years. He began in 1993 while on an exchange program from the University of Chicago to Waseda University in Tokyo, training with Waseda University Aikido Club, which met on campus and at Hombu Dojo under Hiroshi Tada Shihan. Returning home, he trained with the late Don Levine Sensei at the University of Chicago Aikido Club until graduating with a B.A. In East Asian Languages &amp; Civilizations in 1995. Levine Sensei introduced Dwight to Chicago Aikikai, which has been his Aikido home ever since, excluding two short breaks, one to manage an Aikido Club at the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC). He credits his approach to Aikido to Marsha Turner Sensei (Chief Instructor, Chicago Aikikai), Joe Takehara Sensei (founding member, Illinois Aikido Club/Chicago Aikikai), and the late Kevin Choate Sensei (Chief Instructor, Chicago Aikikai, 1981-2011). Outside of Aikido, Dwight works as a freelance Japanese translator and actor, and has applied his Aikido training as an actor-combatant, fight choreographer, and cultural consultant for theater/film.<p style="box-sizing:inherit;width:522.797px;line-height:normal;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-decoration:none;margin-inline:0px !important;margin:0in;max-width:100%"> Qin Coe (郑琴), Ph.D. holds the rank of Nidan, second-degree black belt in Aikido. A solid C student in PE, she gained confidence training in Aikido starting 2002 while pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Chicago. Qin derives tremendous joy from her Aikido training. She draws inspiration from her background in rock climbing, cycling, yoga, meditation, and energy medicine. As an Executive and Leadership coach, she partners with executives, founders, and leaders from Fortune 100 companies, start-ups, to non-profit organizations to help clients make better decisions from a centered and balanced presence. She most recently held the role as Head of Customer Success in a SaaS company and has served clients in Finance and Technology in various capacities, including customer success, sales, product management, and operations. Location and Parking: Chicago Aikikai is located above the Beauty Bar at:1444 W. Chicago Avenue, 2nd FloorChicago, Illinois 60642 *There is unfortunately no elevator available in the building* DrivingFree parking is available along the North and southbound streets, and in the diagonal spots behind Golder Prep. Public TransportationThe dojo is located near the Chicago &amp; Greenview stop for the Westbound #66 CTA bus, and the Chicago &amp; Bishop stop for the Eastbound #66 bus.It is also an 11-minute walk from the Chicago Avenue CTA Blue Line station.

Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois

TEA TALKS WORKSHOP: Aikido & Mental Health

Chicago Aikikai

General Admission

$20

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