Photo bySteven LibralononUnsplash

In the land of cornfields and skyscrapers, where the mighty Mississippi River slushes and the Windy City whistles, lies the mystic state of Illinois. Known for its chocolate pizzas and monstrous skyscrapers, the kids of Illinois are the most adventurous of the lot, who love to twist, twirl, and spin, not in a tornado but in an ancient dance named Tai Chi. Have you ever seen a gang of giggling geese trying to balance on one leg? Well, that's how our Illinois kids look when they gather in the dawn, on the banks of Lake Michigan, or in the shadow of the Sears Tower, to practice Tai Chi. They mimic the movements of the mystical "Chu-Chu," a hilarious, imaginary character who's half-cloud, half-kangaroo, and all magic. Chu-Chu, the fluffy, bouncy creature hails from a hidden land in the clouds. He descends to earth every day, riding a laugh-inducing rainbow slide and lands in Illinois. Chu-Chu, with his chubby cheeks and thunderous laugh, is a Tai Chi master. He's the one who introduced this magical exercise to the kids of Illinois to help them become stronger, more focused, and spread giggles around. Chu-Chu's Tai Chi moves are filled with fun and laughter. He wobbles like a jelly, flips like a pancake, and hops like a bunny, all while maintaining his fluffy cloud shape. The Illinois kids follow, their laughter echoing off the skyscrapers, their movements as graceful as a gentle breeze, or as boisterous as a popcorn pop. So, in Illinois, amidst the golden cornfields and sparkling skyscrapers, the day begins with a Tai Chi giggle. And that's why Illinois kids are the most cheerful, energetic, and unique kids on the planet.