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Chicago Tao and the Fut Sao Wing Chun Association
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Chicago, Illinois
Certified instruction — reviews and the studio's own info point to a recognized tai chi program or lineage (think Tai Chi for Health / Dr. Paul Lam, the Taoist Tai Chi Society, or a named family-style teacher). If credentials matter to you, ask which program the instructor is certified in and which style they teach.
Plan your first class
- Great for seniors welcoming to older adults, with slow, low-impact movement for balance, mobility and fall prevention
- Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
- Qigong & breathing qigong and breathing practice — gentle "moving meditation" — taught alongside the tai chi form
- Free / donation / in the park free, donation-based, or outdoor park classes — a low-cost way to try tai chi; confirm times on their site
- Class prices classes from $20 — check their schedule for drop-in, class-pass and membership options
- Website & schedule chicagotao.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (773) 727-0550
The classes they run
“I've seen Fut Sao fit men, women, tall people, short people, young people, old people, beginners and more experienced martial artists.”
“The senior students are also great at instructing and leading the class when necessary.”
“I would recommend that anyone, young older of any gender come and take the free class which is always offered or come sit in and observe!”
What students say
“There are two reasons I have trained these last two decades with Sifu: he is an excellent martial artist and a professional teacher.”
“I've seen Fut Sao fit men, women, tall people, short people, young people, old people, beginners and more experienced martial artists.”
“I joined at a time in my life/ career when I had no balance and bad habits had taken a hold over my time leading to a very unhealthy quality of life.”
“I joined at a time in my life/ career when I had no balance and bad habits had taken a hold over my time leading to a very unhealthy quality of life.”
“The distinguishing factor between this martial community and others I have been involved with is the community that Sifu Kennedy has fostered and created.”
“Sifu Chuck Kennedy has that rare ability to clearly transmit his expertise in Kung Fu; he creates a personalized Individual Training Program for every student to great effect.”
From the reviews
I've taken just about every martial art in the last 20 years: kung fu, karate, hapkido, boxing, MMA, etc. What I've found is that the best art scales itself to fit you, not the other way around. Fut Sao fits the fighter I am now at 48 years old, and would have fit me if I had found the art when I was in my 20s.
I am 53 years old, I have two ruptured discs an 4 bulged discs. I spent most of my adult life looking for a system that would give me the ability to strengthen my body and mind without being thrown around as a dummy for the black belts in the class.
A great school to learn from if you are interested in learning Fut Sao Wing Chun. My biggest satisfaction comes from the fact that they don't ask for contracts, just effort in and outside of class.
Awesome place to train & learn Wing Chun. Sifu Kennedy is the best!!!! The training is very well structured,and the school has a great level of camaraderie. Would highly recommend.
New to tai chi? Start at Chicago Tao and the Fut Sao Wing Chun Association
Chicago Tao and the Fut Sao Wing Chun Association comes up as a beginner-friendly studio, going by its listing and students' reviews. If you've never tried tai chi, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first session. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — the movements are slow and gentle, you set your own pace, and many can be done seated if standing is hard. Second, there's nothing to buy and nothing to keep up with — wear comfortable clothes and flat, flexible shoes, and simply follow along. Third, all ages and abilities really are welcome — ask whether there's a dedicated beginners or all-levels class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most studios are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first tai chi class at Chicago Tao and the Fut Sao Wing Chun Association
Nervous about walking into a tai chi class for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a gentle warm-up, then learning a few slow movements of the form, step by step — no pressure to get it perfect, and you can rest or sit whenever you need to. What to wear: loose, comfortable clothing you can move in, and flat, flexible shoes (some studios practice in socks or bare feet). What to bring: water, and that's about it — there's no equipment to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to say hello to the instructor and mention it's your first class. It comes together faster than you'd think — most people feel far more at ease by their second or third visit.
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