I'm looking for a place to learn Aikido in the Chicago land area.

Question

I'm 15, my parents can drop me off and pick me up, I'm a little over weight.

Answer 1

Check these places:

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=+Aikido...

Answer 2

Chicago Aikikai

Kevin Choate Sensei is amazing - I've trained with him before as well as been to seminars he's instructed.

Folded his hakama after a seminar once as well (its traditional to do so if you are student of the host dojo for a visiting instructor - a small thanks)

If you want Aikido, that it should certainly be on the list of potential dojos.

http://www.asu.org/chicago/

This dojo is on the short list of dojo run by first generation students of Mitsugi Saotome Sensei:

Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan  (http://boulderaikikai.org/)

Kevin Choate Sensei  (http://www.asu.org/chicago/)

Robin Cooper Sensei  (http://www.aikidoofmadison.com)

William Gleason Sensei  (http://www.shobu.org/)

Paul Kang Sensei - RIP (http://www.bondstreet.org)

George Leonard Sensei  (http://www.tam-aikido.org)

John Messores Sensei  (http://theaikidodojo.com/)

John Stone Sensei  (http://www.aikidoofmadison.com)

Wendy Whited Sensei  (http://www.inakadojo.org/)

This list may mean nothing to you at this point if you are just starting to investigate, but still, these names have weight and excellent reputation...  However, in the Chicago Land area, If you were in Boulder, CO, it would be Ikeda...  Largo Florida, Then Mesorres, etc.,...  Choate Sensei is in Chicago.  Also note that these are only a few of Saotome Sensei's students.

Something to consider in your choice though there are also other options...   In the end, take all the thoughts you get and distill them down to a choice that works for you personally.

No matter what - regardless my suggestions, if you are interested in the martial arts, then start training - no matter the style or affiliation.

If the school is good, so will be your training.

A little over weight...  what's the significance of that to your question?