Chang Hae Choi

The best man n instructor I met in my life very sad to hear about his passing . My condolences to his family

Master Choi and his school deeply impacted my life as a young recent immigrant to Chicago in the 90's. I was given a resource for community, confidence, strength, discipline, character, and accomplishment. What an incredibly impact he has shared with us all through his life. Thank you. I am saddened by this loss and grateful for your presence.

We always think there is more time, another chance to say thank you and then it's too late. January 1970 was a low point in my life but then a friend took me to Mr. Choi's class. His dedication, patience, sense of humor and self confidence made a critical difference in my life. I can still hear his voice during warm up exercises, "Grabbing hard Sander!" and I would make the extra effort. Then over the years, driving long distances, I would remember and reaching over the wheel I would do those...

I am saddened to hear of Master Choi's passing. He was an incredible martial arts instructor. He and his school the Choi Karate Institute provided one on one instruction in Tae Kwon Do. The first time I saw him teach was in May of 1974 he was the most incredible martial artist I have ever seen. I still remember him sparring with one of his students. His technique was perfect. I realized I could never be that good, but I also realized I could learn a tremendous amount from his teaching. He...

Most people depart this earth, commemorated as esteemed family member.
Some special people are remembered as the "heart" of the neighborhood
block. Few others are recalled as the "soul" of the neighborhood. Master
Choi earned accolades beyond these "honors". Recall advanced Martial Art
military members returning to the states & seeking him out to continue
their training because of his skill & understanding. Watched as my...

It was both our pleasure and honor to have known "Choi" and to have been his friend for over 50 years. We cannot imagine the world without him. All the adjectives cannot fully express the impact he has had and will continue to have on those that had the blessing of knowing him. He was the most compassionate, thoughtful, empathic, etc. person we have ever had the pleasure and opportunity to have met. His mindset was unmatched...something we will always aspired to achieve.

Uncle Chang Chico was an amazing uncle to me. He was there in my life since I was as young as 3 months old when I first came to visit Chicago to meet everyone. We always stayed at his house and I loved visiting and playing near the pond that he landscaped himself in the backyard. The best memories were the times he would come with our family to Mexico and Hawaii and even did a little karate practice with me! He will be deeply missed.

If I say one thing about my brother-in-law, he was the most kind and generous person I've ever known, always cared for others more than himself with great empathy. His strong character, achievements, beliefs and love for others touched and inspired many around him. He will be greatly missed by everyone who came to known him, and I especially miss his big smile and laughter!

I , like so many others who knew Chang ( Johnny) have lost a special person. He was a teacher at heart but a true philosopher of life.
He lived life to the fullest. A true dreamer at heart. How else could a 10 year old growing up in a war torn country have the faith and dream to leave his country with a bag of magic rocks and take his dream to the US ?
No matter how successful Chang became , I always admired how he never forgot where he came from.
I first met him in...