- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Chi-Town Shakti
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
1343 W Devon Ave(between Glenwood Ave & Wayne Ave)
Chicago, IL 60660
Neighborhood: Edgewater
(773) 262-9256
- Nearest Transit:
-
Loyola (Red Line)
Granville (Red Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
12 reviews for Chi-Town Shakti
12 reviews in English
-
Review from Ellen G.
Chicago, IL
11/23/2011
I recently moved to Chicago from Boston and decided to revive my lapsed yoga practice. I used to have an advanced practice (2-3 times/week for about 5 years) and was dreading having to slog through the obligatory beginner classes to regain my strength for taking harder classes. I did a general search for yoga studios in my neighborhood, and Chi-Town popped up. Additionally, I noticed that they offered "Basics" classes, rather than "Beginner" classes.* These ended up being perfect for me! While the classes moved at a slow pace and emphasized lots of modifications with props, they were real yoga classes! They had flow, proper sequences of asanas, and all of the meditative benefits of a more advanced class.
I've been going to classes at Chi-Town as regularly as my schedule can allow, and I've moved up to taking the Vinyasa and Hatha 1-2 classes, and sometimes Bhakti's Vinyasa 2-3 class when I'm feeling daring. All of the classes are great. The instruction is consistent and body-friendly and I never feel like I'm being judged. The teachers leave room in their classes for you to move a little slower or a little faster, and they don't mind if you want to do your own modifications or variations on the poses. There are lots of different personalities in the teachers as well, so if you have a particular type of yoga teacher you like, you can definitely find someone that you jive with. My personal favorite teacher is Melissa, but I also really love Bhakti (studio co-owner) and Chelsea.
One of my favorite things about the studio as a whole is that they do not practice "hot yoga," which was practically inescapable in Boston. If you're like me and throw up (literally) during 100 degree yoga classes, don't worry, you will find sympathy and moderate temperatures here. The teachers always ask if the room is too hot or too cold during classes. They also all consistently ask whether people would prefer not to be adjusted, which I think is a nice bit of sensitivity for people's senses of personal space. The classes are also all about props (if you want them) and those are available to use during class at no additional cost.
The sense of community at this studio is palpable. The teachers remembered my name quickly and we soon began chatting about daily life and those physical quirks that come up during yoga classes. They offer lots of specialty workshops on weekends and around holidays which seem like a lot of fun. I wasn't able to get to their Halloween class, but I plan on going to the post-Thanksgiving detox!
*The studio does offer beginner classes, but I believe that they are registration-only sequences, rather than drop-ins. A good idea IMO. -
Review from Jennifer Q.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2012
I had the pleasure of finding this place -on Yelp, of course! I wanted something different for this past News Years Eve and they were holding a candlelight yoga class early in the evening. It was really cool! Not only did it give me much needed time to reflect and relax before the new year, but it was just such a pretty, quiet, positive and motivating experience.
I really liked our instructor -she explained the poses very clearly so that even a novice, like me, could follow easily. I also liked that the studio was comfortably warm and there were all sorts of props to use to aid in the poses (which was a new experience for me). I also liked that she had some unique twists in the class -starting off with an inspirational quote, ending with a poem. It was very thoughtful and clearly planned out.
Overall, great experience -I really liked this class and plan to check in when I'm in need of a little reflective centering. -
Review from Chitown D.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2011
After practicing at my gym for a while, I'm yearning for a true studio. Chi-Town is in my 'hood, so I checked it out.
The location is on Devon, so the traffic noise is pretty intense. The studio itself is toasty warm, due to a very loud heating system. If you're really centered, you may be able to block it out. Besides the noise, the studio is very relaxing and inviting, and they have lots of props available.
As for class itself, I took the Hatha class with Sara. She is just what you want from an instructor. There were only three of us in class, so she was really able to tune into all of us. I tried the Adho Muhka Svanasana (Feathered Peacock Pose) for the first time and felt pretty great about my practice. Sarah was very supportive and eager to talk after class and offer class suggestions.
I look forward to my next visit. -
Review from Kerry W.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
Full disclosure is that I've taken a total of only 4 classes at this studio, three of which were taught by the same (amazing!) instructor, Gita. But, since I am looking for something particular from a yoga studio, these classes have given me all the information I need, so here we go.
I'm a distance runner. I run lots of miles in all kinds of weather and, particularly in winter, my muscles get quite tight and need a little TLC to keep them limber and working properly. I've been looking for a good yoga class to help me get good stretch during the week and also to provide a little cross training and strength building, too. Chi-Town Shakti is nearby my house, but I hadn't tried it because when I've gone to smaller studios like this in the past, they've always been a bit lacking in the simple amenities that make larger studios more inviting. Smaller studios tend to have minuscule (if any) lobby areas, few props, and are sometimes one-trick-ponies. Not so here. Not so!
Shakti has a lovely, relaxing, welcoming lobby area where you can deposit shoes, jackets and bags before proceeding into the connected, but separate, practice studio. I really like that the lobby area is separate from the studio. It creates a little line that, when you walk over it, puts you into the yoga spirit, leaving your life outside behind. I realize this is a silly little thing, but it's something I really like.
The studio and equipment have always been well appointed and clean each time I've been to the studio. I realize this is part to do with the courteousness of the clientele, but it's nice to walk into a studio with all of the straps coiled, blocks, bolsters, and blankets stacked nicely and a clean, dirt-free floor. All of these things have been present each time I've gone to Shakti. Plus, although the HVAC system is decidedly loud (although in some ways provides a bit of white noise to overcome the street noise), it is effective and I've never gotten chilled practicing here - something that bugs me more than anything at other studios.
I've taken three candlelight yoga + meditation classes and a restorative class. I really really enjoy the yoga and meditation classes which are gentle (Sunday mores than Friday) without being useless (excellent stretching and easy transitions) followed by interesting, varied meditation experiences. I really love this class and it's a perfect way to bookend your weekend with a Friday evening class and a Sunday evening class. Tonight I did restorative yoga with Gita and although the class was a little less movement than I usually like (lots of seated, forward folds held for extended periods of time), it was perfect for tonight.
I like the easy-going and completely non-competitive feeling of this studio, too. There are NO MIRRORS. I absolutely hate it when I get distracted during my yoga classes looking at some other girl's new lululemon pants or maybe actually wondering if her butt looks better in down dog than mine, so the lack of mirrors is a huge plus for me. I'm also loving the easy-going atmosphere and how welcoming it's been. I've seen women (and men!) of every variety in classes so far and am glad for it. Yoga to me is a place to go inside yourself and examine your own desires, abilities and limits and not someplace where you should feel badly because your down dog isn't perfect or because your chair pose isn't as deep as the guy next to you. If that's what you're looking for (but still want to go to a cute, comfortable studio with the necessary amenities), Chi-Town Shakti is great! -
Review from Heather N.
Chicago, IL
8/18/2011
I just took a thoroughly uninspiring yoga class at my gym, and was reminded of why I love Chi-Town Shakti. This studio changed the way I think about yoga. For 10 years or so, I'd been occasionally trying yoga at the gym or from a video, and every time it seemed like a scripted sequence of awkward movements that left me thinking things like: what the hell are 'open hips' and why do I need them?
Enter Chi-Town Shakti. (Actually I entered it, har har.) During my first class something clicked. I can't quite articulate what, but I left on a bliss cloud. That's pretty much how it goes every time. Sometimes I stay blissed out for a long time afterward. I don't quite get it, but I think this is how yoga is supposed to be.
The instruction at this studio is excellent. Truly. And the vibe during classes is the perfect mix of lighthearted and extremely earnest. Love it! -
Review from Ayako M.
11/11/2008
I took the intro to Yoga workshop, three classes over three weeks (1.15 mins each) teaching the basics in poses, breath work and a little history/background on yoga in general.
It was taught by Akram who is super nice and patient. The cost was $60 but during the three weeks you can take any of the Basic yoga classes...unfortunately I couldn't fit any of them into my schedule, but for someone else this might be a huge bonus!
Overall, I was happy with the classes, though I think incorporating more of a fluid mini-yoga class would have been nice, it was very stop and go so I didn't feel "yoga-fulfilled" at the end.
I would love to see some classes earlier in the morning (6am) or later in the evening, but perhaps they will expand their schedule as they increase members.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from Nicole C.
Denton, TX
3/1/2010
I was looking for a Sunday evening class and decided to check out Chi-Town Shakti. Total gem of studio! The candlelight yoga/meditation class was just what I needed to unwind and prepare myself for the week ahead. The class was team taught by husband and wife founders Bhakti and Akaram. They were both very down to earth and had a lot of insight into ways to subtley adjust your posture depending on your capabilities.
For the meditation part we actually did some chanting, complemented by Bhakti playing on a harmonium, a new and energizing musical experience for me.
FYI your first yoga class at Chi-Town Shakti is just $6. Definitely worth checking out.Listed in: Yoga-a-go-go
-
Review from Laura S.
Chicago, IL
6/15/2011
I've only been to 3 classes so far, but I love it. Gita's restorative yoga class is easily the most relaxed I've been since having children!!! I like the meditative aspect of the classes I've attended - this is the studio I've been looking for.
-
Review from Christopher D.
Chicago, IL
5/30/2010
Chi-Town Shakti opened the gates of yoga to me and a yogi was born.
I am tall, heavy-ish and not particularly coordinated--far from what most peole think of when they think, "yogi." Before I came to Chi-Town Shakti, I actually made a yoga teacher sigh and roll her eyes at me in my health club's BEGINNERS yoga class, which I can laugh about now but which I found extremely demoralizing at the time.
One of my friends recommended Bhakti, who showed me that yoga really is FOR EVERYONE and helped me establish a truly meaningful yoga practice. I have taken classes from most of the teachers, including Bhakti, Akaram, Gita and Shauna. Every one of them is a well-trained professional who genuinely loves yoga and wants to share their expertise in a nurturing, gentle way. They have all made me feel warmly welcomed and have tailored classes to my personal needs and stretched my practice. The experience of practicing in this yoga studio is so much more profound than the yoga classes I have had at my gym, which tend to be sandwiched inbetween spinning and salsa aerobics.
If you have ever felt intimidated by a "beginners" yoga class elsewhere, try Chi-Town Shakti to feel all that yoga really has to offer. I can't praise them highly enough. -
Review from Jocelyn S.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2009
I've tried out a few yoga studios around town, and I've never felt as welcome as I have at Chi-Town Shakti. Everyone I have met there has been extremely friendly, professional and I truly appreciate that. I like to feel at ease in a class, and am not a big fan of the super serious classes where you don't feel right even breathing loudly. I'm excited for the new summer schedule, and I think if you like diversity in class type and easy going teachers who are not afraid to laugh with you and also give you good instruction, then give this place a try.
-
Review from Connie W.
Saint Louis, MO
9/5/2010
Just attended an amazingly relaxing and restorative "Basics" class with Gita and feel like I've just been massaged for the last hour and a half. Wonderful!
-
Review from Larisa S.
Chicago, IL
5/7/2009
Thank you, thank you, thank you for opening a Shambhava center in Chicago! I really enjoyed visiting Shoshoni in Colorado and am looking forward to continuing my practice at Chi-Town Shakti. These are people genuinely living the yogic life. If it's right for you, there's no other place quite like it.
