Japanese Culture Center
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About
Japanese Culture Center — a quiet japanese spot in Lakeview with a growing reputation. Nothing about this place is trying to impress you, and that's the point.
Experience Breakdown
Brandon Nimz
15 reviews
“There are many excellent things offered in the Japanese Culture Center--including a variety of martial arts, cultural programs, and language studies; while I can say from the outside that all of these that I have seen (tea ceremony and flower arrangement demonstrations, Kendo, Iaido, and more) appear to be truly high-caliber programs with skilled instructors, I have personally only trained there extensively in Aikido”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
The Japanese Culture Center (JCC) is a true institution, iconic, and beloved part of Chicago’s Lakeview community.
Really enjoyed my first Capoeira class with Brucutu!
I have been coming for the last few years. The arts practiced here are excellent, marital or otherwise.
Great iaido program. The people here are super great and friendly.
Some noted
I was in vacation and was looking up places to visit, that I had been to.
Location
2940 N Lincoln Ave #2, Chicago, IL 60657
What 27+ diners say about Japanese Culture Center
“The Japanese Culture Center (JCC) is a true institution, iconic, and beloved part of Chicago’s Lakeview community.”
The Japanese Culture Center (JCC) is a true institution, iconic, and beloved part of Chicago’s Lakeview community. Family-owned and deeply rooted in tradition, it embodies the spirit and values of Japanese culture. I randomly wandered in back in 2018 and have been a part of the community ever since. It’s hard making real connections and friends as an adult but people were incredibly welcoming and supportive. That warmth isn’t unique to the Aikido group—most people I’ve met through the center have been genuinely kind and caring. The variety of classes offered is remarkable, from Ikebana (flower arrangement), Origami, Japanese Calligraphy, Capoeira (A Brazilian Martial Art but see what I mean about the range) , Sound Baths (meditation), Iaido (swordsmanship) and so much more there’s something for everyone and anyone. Although the location may have changed, the heart and soul of the JCC remain the same. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with an interest in culture, martial arts, or simply building community to stop by, get involved, and experience it for yourself!
Esther Sosa
Aug 2025
“Really enjoyed my first Capoeira class with Brucutu!”
Really enjoyed my first Capoeira class with Brucutu!! They brought loads of energy and assurance and it was a beautiful space.
shel
Nov 2024
“I have been coming for the last few years.”
I have been coming for the last few years. The arts practiced here are excellent, marital or otherwise. If you are looking to get your kids into something, they also have kids classes for aikido. You can often find them in community events and have a fantastic yearly kimono show. Definitely check out the website or their social media, this is a great place to be part of something or learn things about Japanese culture.
Jared Day
Aug 2022
“Great iaido program.”
Great iaido program! The people here are super great and friendly! Would recommend if you want to learn a different type of swordsmanship from the classic European fencing
Emerson
Apr 2022
“Been going here for 5 years.”
Been going here for 5 years. Experienced instructors. Know there material. Recommend this to everyone. Good for self defense. Also subscribe to my YouTube channel DJIceman28
Taras Melychuk
Jun 2021
“Iaido, Aikido, language, you name it, they have it.”
Mohamed Zaher
May 2020
“It is a place you can feel safe.”
It is a place you can feel safe. A true spirit of Japan is in that building. Highly recommend anyone to check out events that they have throughout the week.
Ahura
Nov 2019
“The best place to feel and know the japanese culture in Chicago.”
Aikisur AAI España
Sep 2019
“One of my favorite places on earth!”
William Ross
Jul 2019
“Great place to learn Shotokan karate and other martial arts.Class for Black belts or colored belts.”
Great place to learn Shotokan karate and other martial arts.Class for Black belts or colored belts. You can practice all the katas, Kihon, Kuminte and a lot of other stuff. You also get to meet people at the dojo and make friends. For kids or adults.There are small classes of not to many people so sansae can help you more. Love this place!
Gabriel Laurens Renner
Jun 2018
“The best place to go to learn Aikido in Chicago.”
The best place to go to learn Aikido in Chicago. The instructors are passionate and patient. The students are lively and willing to learn. The outside of the building is unassuming but the inside is very unique. I feel comforted everytime I step in the door. The staff is usually helpful, as well. With close ties to the Japanese Counsulate, their arts ring with authenticity. Definitely worth checking out, but even more worth staying.
Kevin T
Feb 2018
“Aikido classes are always the highlight of my week!”
Abby Dryer
Apr 2017
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