The Buddhist Temple of Chicago

BTC is a diverse Buddhist temple in the historic Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Visit Sundays at 11 am for weekly English service (newcomer guide), explore our educational classes, meditate on Thursdays & Sundays, and drop in on our many cultural offerings and events. Check our Facebook page for the most recent updates. Everyone is welcome. Directions and parking info are at the bottom of the page.

Retirement Luncheon for Rev. Patti Nakai

We are celebrating Reverend Nakai’s retirement after her final 11 a.m. service

October 1^st

at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago

Rev. Patti Nakai is internationally known and respected within Jodo Shinshu and has been an admired teacher at BTC as well as in other settings. She is a sought-after speaker and writer. Rev. Patti has been among the pioneers for women in Buddhist ministry in North America. She has been a social justice leader working with other spiritual institutions on the north side of Chicago with particular attention to violence against Asian Americans, ending discrimination towards LGBTQ persons and others including Black Lives Matter. Her leadership gave BTC a strong voice in a variety of public settings. During the height of the pandemic, she hosted many online classes on Zoom and services on Facebook Live. During this time Rev. Patti has always asked everyone to join her as fellow students along the path of learning Jodo Shinshu. We have all received the gift of her Dharma talks and many of us have benefited from her classes. Rev. Patti has been and continues to be dedicated to the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and the Buddhist Temple of Chicago.

Video: Memorial Service for the Late Rev. Yukei Ashikaga

The BTC Sangha and family, friends and colleagues in Japan honored Rev. Ashikaga’s 54 years of service to the Temple and community on Saturday June 3 at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago. For those who missed the service we have posted a video stream of the memorial gathering. Click the link below. Thanks to Jason Wong of the Los Angeles Higashi Temple for the recording.

June 3, 2023 Memorial Service for Rev Yukei Ashikaga

COVID 19 Update

The temple is open for Sunday service. Masks are available and optional. However, we ask that participants respect individual decisions to wear or not wear a mask. We also have hand sanitizer readily accessible. Our modern HVAC system circulates the air by taking in outside air and expelling inside air. The walls to our main hall (the Hondo) are open allowing more space. We encourage attendees to socially distance themselves whether there are few or many people. These measures can improve safety for all attendees.

Live Streaming & Service Books

For those unable to attend as well as our friends across the country and internationally we will continue to stream select Sunday services on Facebook Live and ZOOM.

A full service book will help you follow the full service order (sutras, Dhammapada, gathas). Updated in 2009, the service book contains general explanations of the service form, elements of the service, core Sutras (chants), and gathas (songs) used during the service. Books can be ordered online here.

2023 Memberships!

Join online here, send the paper form through snail mail, or come in person to join or renew your membership*.

Our membership dues for 2023 underwent some changes. Rising expenses, and the potential costs of a new minister, necessitated an increase in the membership dues. However, two new lower price memberships now exist. These lower dues apply to individuals under the age of 30 and any first time new member. It is the hope of the board that these lower rates will encourage those who may otherwise be hesitant to join as members.

Your support is gratefully received, and allows us to keep the temple open. Thank you!