International Encounter 2026
September 10-13, 2026 | Chicago, IL
Join us for our biggest event of 2026, an International Capoeira Encounter celebrating the dedication and growth of our students, alongside the return of our Essence of Brasil performance. The weekend is filled with music, movement, tradition, and community as students celebrate progress and earn new cords alongside guests from across the world. Axe!
What to Expect
- Dynamic capoeira workshops for all skill levels, led by world-renowned Mestres and Professores.
- Workshops in music and Afro-Brazilian dance.
- A street roda on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
- The return of our theater performance, Essence of Brasil, after a five-year hiatus.
- Our traditional Batizado and Troca de Corda ceremony, where students receive their new cords.
Guests of Honor
- Mestre Barrao – Founder and President of Grupo Axe Capoeira Worldwide
- Mestre Pequines – Founder of Grupo Capoeira Nago
Headline this year’s encounter alongside a growing list of special guests from across the Axe Capoeira and Capoeira Nago family.
Schedule at a Glance
Thursday, Sept 10 through Sunday, Sept 13: activities take place across our Chicago and Rolling Meadows academies, the Drucker Center, a street roda on Michigan Avenue, and a closing performance at the Josephine Louis Theater in Evanston. Full day-by-day schedule details are posted on the registration page below.