diff --git a/bin/muse-chat-api.py b/bin/muse-chat-api.py
index 9ae3ca1..91c2eca 100755
--- a/bin/muse-chat-api.py
+++ b/bin/muse-chat-api.py
@@ -269,23 +269,9 @@ def cmd_sidechat_create(ws):
     Fixed 2026-10-04: sidebar is actually the chat panel, toggled by Ctrl+J.
     """
     import time as _time
-    import json as _json
-    # Ensure chat panel is open via Ctrl+J (CDP Input.dispatchKeyEvent,
-    # same proven method as cmd_sidechat_main).
-    # The panel contains Main chat, Side chats, and the + button.
-    ws.send(_json.dumps({
-        "id": 20, "method": "Input.dispatchKeyEvent",
-        "params": {"type": "keyDown", "key": "j", "code": "KeyJ",
-                   "ctrlKey": True, "modifiers": 2}
-    }))
-    _json.loads(ws.recv())
-    ws.send(_json.dumps({
-        "id": 21, "method": "Input.dispatchKeyEvent",
-        "params": {"type": "keyUp", "key": "j", "code": "KeyJ",
-                   "ctrlKey": True, "modifiers": 2}
-    }))
-    _json.loads(ws.recv())
-    _time.sleep(2)
+    # Chat panel is always open in the React app - no toggle needed.
+    # Ctrl+J would CLOSE it (it's a toggle). Just proceed to find + button.
+    # Fixed 2026-10-04: removed Ctrl+J, it was closing the always-open panel.
     # The + button sits next to the "Side chats" header (see screenshot 2026-10-04).
     # It's not labeled "New side chat" - find it by proximity to the header text.
     result = ev(ws, """(() => {