JASC is also home to other organizations. We are very happy to have longstanding relationships with our many and varied partners.

Chicago Aikido Club

The Chicago Aikido Club is dedicated to the free and creative exploration of Aikido in all its aspects – martial, physical and spiritual. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the martial art of Aikido, open to students of all styles, ranks and levels of experience.

Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago

Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago was formed in early 1935 in order to purchase a substantial number of cemetery plots for Japanese Americans and to help with burial fees for those who died unable to pay.  Some 75 years later, it seems almost unthinkable that the rise of anti-Japanese sentiment in the early 20^th century would accompany an increase in the number of Japanese Americans rejected by established cemeteries in Chicago.  Montrose Cemetery on Chicago’s far Northwest side, in partnership with the Japanese Mutual Aid Society, has become the final resting place of over 2,000 families and individuals representing four generations.

JMAS continues to serve the community through an annual Memorial Day service supported by virtually all Japanese and Japanese American community groups, temples and churches; the construction of a community mausoleum and monument to Japanese Americans who served in the military; and the continued sales and maintenance of plots at Montrose Cemetery.

Nisei Post 1183

Nisei Post 1183 of the American Legion was formed to honor the veterans of the 100^th Infantry Battalion/442^nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II, units consisting solely of Japanese Americans. Thousands of young Japanese American men joined the U.S. Army to defend the country that had denied them and their families of their Constitutional Rights, becoming the most highly decorated unit in American military history.  In 1946, President Harry Truman gave the highest stamp of approval of Nisei loyalty, stating, “You fought the enemy abroad and prejudice at home and you won.”

The Nisei Post, as it is called, has garnered numerous awards on the district, county, departmental and national levels. The Post currently has over 200 members residing throughout the U.S. Their record of service spans World War II, the Korean conflict, Viet Nam, and other actions to date. The Post is active in veterans’ affairs and lends its support to a number of community and national projects.

Northside Friends

Northside Friends are members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), meeting for religious services on Sundays at 10 a.m. The Northside Friends support a children’s religious education program and provide childcare. A fellowship potluck luncheon is followed by a business meeting on the first Sunday of each month.
For more information, please email them at: Northside.Friends.Meeting@gmail.com
All are welcome.

Stir Friday Night!

Stir Friday Night! Is Chicago’s premier Asian American sketch comedy and improv troupe performing all original material.  Since 1995, Stir Friday Night! gives Asian American artists an opportunity to create original works that educate and entertain a broad spectrum of audiences on the Asian American experience. SFN believes that humor is an effective tool for dispelling stereotypes and bridging understanding between social, racial and generational groups in the community, particularly those whose views have been limited to that which they see on TV and in film.

Stir Friday Night! Has successfully produced fifteen original shows in Chicago and Los Angeles, and has toured nationally, performing at more than 50 colleges, universities and special events. SFN! Performs free improvisational shows at JASC and engages in many other outreach activities.  For more information, call 773-973-4533 or go to www.stirfridaynight.org.

Tohkon Judo Academy

Led by Olympian Doug Tono, Tohkon Judo Academy is one of the foremost judo clubs in the US. Classes are available for children and adults, from novice to advanced, at JASC.