Our mission
Chinese Yo-yo School was created to provide a resource for self-driven individuals to learn how to use the Chinese yo-yo. As the cultural presence of Chinese yo-yo is slowly fading in modern society, the availability of Chinese yo-yo instructors is becoming more scarce. Chinese Yo-yo School exists today to bridge this gap and continue educating those interested in mastering an ancient Chinese art form.
School founder
Ryan Shi started learning Chinese yo-yo in 1996 at Monmouth Chinese School in New Jersey. After training throughout middle school and high school, he joined the House of Flying Yo-yos at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005.
In 2006, Ryan became director of the Chinese yo-yo team and re-branded the group to TASC Special Ops. Leading his vision of the team, TASC Special Ops quickly became known for mixing traditional aspects of Chinese yo-yo with a modern, urban feel for their shows. The team continued their legacy at UIUC as Ryan branched out performing in other areas after college.
Ryan Shi now trains Chinese yo-yo students in the Chicago area and holds Chinese yo-yo workshops and performances at various events.
The Future
Chinese Yo-yo School brings this ancient art form directly to the public through interactive event booths, workshops, and performances. Ryan offers private lessons to a limited number of students in the Chicago area, and our team of performers is available for demonstrations and showcases at cultural events.
Our goal and vision is to provide and preserve a comprehensive, reliable resource of the Chinese yo-yo art form.