Zhang Tai Ji Wellness Center

One month ago, I came online looking for a place to learn tai chi. I chose the Zhang Tai Ji Wellness Center at Western & Wilson and I’m so glad I did!
The tai chi movements contain many subtleties, and to get the promised health benefits, you have to do them correctly. But as a beginner, how can we know if a particular teacher is good?
My solution was to research first, and after several hours of investigating, I chose to study with Grandmaster Zhang. China-​trained by some of the most skilled martial artists alive, Master Zhang is an 8^th-​duan grandmaster. There are only 9 levels in the Chinese martial arts, and apparently not many people rise to the level of 8^th duan. In addition, Master Zhang is a certified doctor of Chinese medicine, which lends a unique understanding to his practice of tai chi. For these reasons, Zhang Tai Ji Wellness center is arguably the best place to learn tai chi (AKA taiji) in Chicago! And you can get a jump on serious health conditions by purchasing a few private sessions with Master Zhang.
The Tai Ji Wellness Center is located at the Chinese Gong Fu Institute. You may have noticed the building – it’s right next to the Western stop of the CTA brown line and has two stone dragons in front.
I took up tai chi to recover from a health condition, and also with the hope it would help me reduce my daily stress level. I wasn’t disappointed! I’ve been attending 2 – 3 classes a week, and I’m already feeling the benefits. After a month with Master Zhang (pronounced «jong,» like «long»), my balance has improved tremendously and I’m amazed at the effect this seems to be having on my mental state. I feel more «grounded» going about my daily life, with less anxiety and more of a feeling of quiet confidence. And while I have sometimes found exercising to be a chore, the tai chi movements are so enjoyable, I find myself looking for opportunities each day to practice them!
Master Zhang teaches all of his classes personally with a section of each class devoted to working one-​on-​one with students. The other students are a helpful, friendly bunch, and his top student – a woman named Molly – is positively inspiring to watch! After 20 years studying tai chi with Master Zhang, she is the embodiment of strength, flexibility and grace.
In short, anyone can wave their hands around in a slow-​motion dance, but my time is valuable to me and with the solid tai chi instruction I’m receiving at Zhang Tai Ji, I can have confidence the proven benefits of correct tai chi practice – health, strength, peace of mind and flexibility – will soon be mine.
We’re lucky to have Master Zhang here in Chicago, as teachers with his training, lineage, and artistry are increasingly rare. Learn tai chi with him now, while you can. Someday he’ll retire and you’ll have missed your chance!
–Jennifer
P. S. Once in a while, Master Zhang gives us a special treat and plays the zither while we do our warmups. Zither is the horizontal string instrument you hear in traditional Chinese music. It’s like something out of a martial arts movie! Quite beautiful, and it imbues our tai chi sessions with a soothing vibe.