Chicago Tai Chi

I had been looking into tai chi lessons for several years and of the centers I researched, I found Chicago Tai Chi (CTC) to be the best fit for me. Chris Cinnamon, director and primary teacher at CTC, is knowledgeable, welcoming, and above all, patient in his teachings, introducing and shepherding our beginning class through this fascinating journey. An ancient Chinese art form, tai chi movements reflect the foundation of martial arts, and Chris skillfully transforms the explosive power of martial arts into the slow grace and peace of tai chi. Physically and mentally challenging to the mind and body, Chris articulately and methodically breaks down each move, enabling us to develop strength, balance, confidence and satisfaction. Also, CTC’s facilities are very conducive to learning and practicing tai chi: Well-​located in the Financial District, its clean, light filled, spacious studio has hardwood floors and changing/​restroom accommodations. I highly recommend CTC — hope to see you there!

I highly recommend Chicago Tai Chi (formerly known as Enso Tai Chi). I have trained there for more than a year, after training in several different martial arts for many years. Chris Cinnamon is a uncommonly good instructor. His technique is excellent, his explanations are clear and he demonstrates technique effectively. In addition to these «technical» teaching skills, Chris is a thoughtful and patient instructor who takes a personal interest in each student. He motivates without pushing hard. It is rare to find an instructor with top marks in technical skills, communication skills, and people skills. The atmosphere at Chicago Tai Chi reflects Chris’s friendly, up-​beat attitude: the students are welcoming and supportive. Everyone – beginners and experienced students alike – can identify many ways in which the classes have improved their health and sense of well being.

Enrolling at Enso Tai Chi is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself! After beating up my joints dancing for hours every week for several years, I followed my doctor’s advice and began attending Chris’ classes to learn Dragon and Tiger qigong in order to support the healing of my body. My doctor had learned this form of qigong from Chris years ago and highly recommended his instruction. I also happen to be an MD who does functional medicine and have heard for years about the innumerable benefits of qigong and decided I should do more of what I recommend to my patients!
I was particularly interested in the Dragon and Tiger form of qigong, as I’d read in a book by Chris’ instructor, the high-​level master Bruce Frantzis, that this set is easy to learn compared with the complex systems which require an enormous expenditure of time and effort to master. Frantzis had written that Dragon and Tiger was the most effective medical qigong system he found that was not only easily learned but also provided all the main health benefits associated generally with qigong, such as strengthening the immune system, decreasing stress, and ameliorating the effects of chronic disease. As a typically overextended American, I was eager to reap some of the benefits of qigong as quickly as possible without having to first practice for hours, days, weeks, and months! Of course, as Chris emphasizes in class and in his newsletters, a little regular practice is key in enabling us to increasingly cultivate the energy connections between the hands and the body, however!
I dove right in at the beginning of the year and have now taken quite a few of Chris’ tai chi and qigong classes in the large, light-​filled space conveniently located walking distance from my office in the Loop. I also took several weekend Dragon and Tiger workshops in order to speed up my pace of learning a bit.
I’ve found that Chris is really expert in explaining and teaching the movements and forms so that his students are continually deepening their understanding of the practice, no matter what level of experience they have. He’s incredibly patient, calming, observant, and humorous as he instructs. He comes around to each student and makes helpful comments and adjustments so that we protect our joints and align our bodies to allow more optimal flow of qi. And just watching the beautiful way he executes the moves makes me instantly relax and feel peaceful! He does it so well you can almost see and feel the way he moves energy around with his hands. He’s also generous with his time, which I appreciate as he must be very busy with the rest of his life and with being a lawyer when he’s not helping us learn ancient healing and health maintenance techniques!
Clearly, Chris enjoys imparting his considerable knowledge about qigong and tai chi to us, and I have to say I feel very privileged in having access to his instruction.
As a bonus, I’m taking unlimited classes for 3 months at $ 225 ($ 250 if not auto-​renewing with credit card), which works out for me to be less than $ 5 a class! After a few months, perhaps I may be able to add the more advanced class on Friday afternoons, which would mean I’d be paying only $ 3.75 a class, which is really an incredible deal. No doubt I’d be happy to pay much more to be in these classes!

Attending weekly classes at Enso Tai Chi is an absolute treat. Instructor Chris nurtures a calm and productive environment. He has a remarkable ability to convey the subtlest intricacies of the tai chi sequence with patience and precision. Highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoy my Tai Chi class with Chris at Enso! He is a great teacher and Tai Chi has helped my life, physically, mentally and spiritually! Marge