★ 5

Fun, welcoming community-based yoga!

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful studio with great teachers, class varieties and a calming atmosphere. best part of class has to be the lavender towel at the end!!! the mild classes have harder peak poses than I would expect, but there is no judgement if you are unable to get into the pose

Source: Google

★ 5

I recently attended a yoga class at this studio. the instructor was amazing. She was very supportive, helpful, and guided us throughout the session. I took an intermediate class which was pretty challenging. I should have taken a beginners class but I would definitely recommend this studio.

Source: Google

★ 5

Gaby and Kate are amazing. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Picked up the 45$ unlimited 2 week intro on a whim, not having ever done in person yoga classes. Showed up to my first class and the teacher was an old friend of mine, which was neat. While it is unlikely we all know someone who teaches there I would recommend the studio on its other merits.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this studio. It’s exactly what I was looking for!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Big Shoulders Yoga! The background music isn't loud, the yoga isn't aerobic so your body has enough time to settle into the pose or stretch, the sessions are themed with a focus (i.e., hip openers, back bends, etc.) but are also designed to challenge the entire body. The class length is just right, and Suvasana is just the right duration.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very kind and sweet instructors ! such a great vibe in this studio ! They help and attend to all the students.

Source: Google

★ 5

The instructors are great and very welcoming. So far I've been to both the basics class and the relaxation class and I highly recommend both. This is exactly the studio I was looking for.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

Yoga class had wonderful instruction and correction. I felt welcomed and encouraged during my first class. I will be back!

Source: Google

★ 4

Peaceful space, thoughtful instructors, variety in classes and wonderful lavender towels for end of class.

Source: Google

★ 4

Basic is very full on with many poses, not so beginner, and not so spiritual, but still good!

Source: Google

★ 1

This studio is not welcoming. I recently attended Big Shoulders Yoga for the first time, and unfortunately, my experience was deeply unsettling. As I was leaving, I noticed multiple pro-Palestine flags displayed prominently within the studio. As a Jewish person, seeing these flags immediately made me feel unwelcome and unsafe in a space I had hoped would be inclusive and peaceful. Yoga should be a practice of unity and acceptance for all, but instead, I felt marginalized. I believe in the importance of creating environments where people from all backgrounds feel respected and supported. Sadly, I no longer feel that this studio offers that for Jewish individuals. It’s important for businesses, especially those in wellness and community, to be mindful of how their displays and actions can impact others. I won’t be returning and cannot recommend this studio to others who might feel similarly.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been twice now to the "mild" level morning glasses and they are great! The perfect amount of relaxing and workout. It's a perfect way to start the day and all the instructors have been wonderful!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My favorite yoga studio I’ve been to in Chicago. The studio clearly cares about their students and prioritizes creating an inclusive and supportive environment. All the teachers I’ve taken classes with have been great and they all are willing to work with students individually during classes to help us advance our practice.

Source: Google

★ 5

Really love the flow of the classes, the kind teachers, and the cool lavender towel to end class!

Source: Google

★ 5

As someone new to yoga, I love that Big Shoulders has several options at the beginning level: restorative, basics, and mild. The two-week trial package was also great for trying out the studio--highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this studio! The owner, Nicolette, is so kind and welcoming, and every instructor I've had has been wonderful. Practicing yoga here has helped my back pain immensely!

Source: Google

★ 5

The instructors at Big Shoulders are the best at what they do! They take great care in designing accessible, yet challenging classes that leave me feeling awesome.

Source: Google

★ 5

Recently moved nearby and got the urge to take a yoga class. I really enjoyed my class! It wasn’t traditional but more of a core heavy and areal focused yoga class. Great to switch things up!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this place! I've been to three classes so far with three different instructors (Kristan, Claire, and Jonathan) and they were all superb. The space is very low-key and welcoming, which is great for someone like me who loves yoga but still isn't very good at it. I especially love that they give you a little card to put next to your mat that lets them know if you're ok with them touching you too correct your posture, etc or if you'd rather not!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this studio - schedule has bunch of different classes and time options are perfect. All the teachers are amazing and very helpful, but if you prefer no adjustments you can turn little sign and they will know. The studio is spacious and warm. They have options from beginners to more experienced users and restorative yoga to help you reset. Perfect place to carve out time for yourself and get body and mind moving.

Source: Google

★ 5

Favorite studio in west town!

Source: Google

★ 5

This was a beautiful space. I did a hip focused yoga class and it was challenging but amazing. The instructor was very nice and I felt no pressure to do the poses I couldn't do. I would go again if I lived in Chicago.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The Restorative classes are perfect to start the week!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Nice place, very clean and friendly. I look forward to going back.

Source: Google

★ 5

BSY is a really nice yoga community. I’ve had the privilege to be a student, undergo their YTT program, and to teach here. As a student, you truly get to grow your practice here. The BSY teachers all work to create wonderful sequences that are challenging and fun. I’ve been a part of two YTT programs- the first program was at another yoga studio and, comparatively, BSY’s program was much more informative. Not only will you learn how to lead a yoga class successfully but also BSY’s program will help you understand your own yoga practice better. As an instructor at BSY, everything is straight forward and there are no surprises; communication is clear and all is fair. Most importantly, the students are GREAT bunch. I highly recommend this yoga studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

No where else in Chicago can you get great Hatha classes with hands on adjustments. Classes are small, yet not intimidating. You’ll actually get to “perfect” poses with proper guidance instead of just flowing out of them. Lots of practice dedicated to inversions once during each class and you are offered multiple options depending on your skill level. I recommend to all my friends

Source: Google

★ 5

I have attended a few restorative and mild yoga sessions with different instructors at BSY over the past couple of weeks and am really happy with my experience so far. The instructors are very flexible and accommodating to people at different skill levels and the studio itself has a very grounded and calming feel. Would highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

So friendly, down to earth and always new poses and challenges to work on. Definitely not run of the mill yoga studio ♥️

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful studio. Very chill, easy going atmosphere, great classes and sequences. I just discovered it moving to this area, and I go almost every day. Good for all levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this studio! Super beginner friendly and approachable. You can store your mat there and usually parking right out front in Chicago. I wish there was a super early morning class around 6 am- I would go!

Source: Google

★ 5

This studio is magic. The teachers give great direction and modifications, the studio is very clean and the vibes are positive. Glad I can practice with all the wonderful beings in Big Shoulders :)

Source: Google

★ 5

This was my first in person class in 2 years and I thought it was great! Annie was helpful in pose corrections without being overbearing. I enjoyed it!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Big Shoulders Yoga! Great studio, friendly instructors, fun classes.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

A non-judgmental, welcoming and encouraging studio. The classes are great and the people are too - both instructors and practitioners. There’s something for everyone in terms of class offerings and the schedule. Love practicing here!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Big Shoulders yoga studio!
I felt very comfortable immediately, received good, caring and helpful instruction. Friendly, welcoming staff and other clientele. Will be getting a membership after my 2 week trial period.

Source: Google

★ 5

Instructors are awesome, and the classes are great. Pretty well priced for the area too!

Source: Google

★ 5

So grateful there’s a nice little yoga studio nearby that teaches Hatha yoga. I really like the structure of the classes and the instructors are really good.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Went for the first time and was very happy and can't wait to go back. Aryanna did an excellent job definitely hit up the Saturday morning and you'll be glad you did!

Source: Google

★ 5

Three practices so far and three amazing instructors. Inclusive and knowledgeable. I enjoy learning something key from various instructors and I did each time.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I LOVE Big Shoulders! I've never like group yoga classes/a studio before I came here. I love how the classes are fun, relaxing, and the instructors are so helpful and personable. They give really helpful adjustments (when it is safe to do so) and have really helped me progress in my yoga practice. They are well educated and explain what muscles should actually be doing what in different poses. All the class participants are so nice and have such a positive energy. I've been to other group yoga classes where it feel like the participants are competing against each other and are judgey. I've never felt judged at Big Shoulders. I feel welcomed and part of a community. Their online classes were such a big help during lockdown. I can't wait until this pandemic is over and we can go back to having a big, fun group class without masks!

Source: Google

★ 5

Big Shoulders Yoga is amazing! Studio is super welcoming and it is a great community of yogis. Everyone is friendly, and enjoys challenging their practice. All of the teachers are experienced, and they put together interesting progressive hatha sequences that allow you to get deeper into the poses. No two sequences are alike! Classes are definitely challenging, but there is something for everybody to work on, with inversion (wall) work toward the end of each class. During the pandemic, they’ve been really good about having everybody wear masks and being safe. Normally they offer adjustments but during the pandemic obviously use verbal cuing instead. Nicolette, the owner, is passionate about yoga, the students, the teachers, and the community. Definitely check this studio out!

Source: Google

★ 5

BSY is an incredible small studio in West Town and some of the best yoga in the city! The vibe is down-to-earth and welcoming. It's easy to get to know other students. The studio also has changing spaces, lockers, mat storage, and a few spaces to hang out before/after class during normal operations.

Every pose is broken down step-by-step so each student has something to work on, no matter the class. The teachers are highly knowledgable about each pose and are always ready to offer alternatives and answer questions. Many of the teachers have taught and practiced together for years, so there's cohesion in how every class at BSY class is structured but it's never stale stale or repetitive. Adjustments in class (when they're allowed) are gentle and the absolute best. The individualized attention is beyond feel-good.

I appreciate that BSY offers live classes online for those that still prefer practicing from home. In person, the studio enforces social distancing and additional cleaning to keep students safe.

Source: Google

★ 5

By far the best yoga studio in the city! The attention to detail by the teachers, the hands on adjustments, as well as difficulty level and creative sequencing are all amazing. I would never leave if they didn't close. If you want a fun and challenging class where you'll learn something new get to Big Shoulders!

Source: Google

★ 5

I attended a handful of in-person classes before the pandemic began, but have been doing Zoom classes a couple times a week since.

The instructors and clientele are friendly and non-judgemental, which made my first ever yoga classes an anxiety-free experience. They skillfully break down the poses to make them accessible for anyone regardless of experience level. They are also attentive and very helpful with adjustments. The classes also give an amazing workout, and have an excellent focus on strength and stability.

If you are nervous, try out a Zoom class and you'll be hooked!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going here since it opened and practicing with some of the teachers for much longer (~4 years). It's next level -- I've improved here faster than any other yoga studio I've ever attended.
The style is challenging, fun, and interesting and you end up wanting to come back multiple times a week and keep trying the postures.
The studio itself is peaceful, cute and very clean and the all of the instructors are friendly and encouraging. There is always an option to modify a pose to be more or less spicy :)
They have done a really solid job adjusting to the pandemic -- classes were very distanced and everyone wore masks properly at all times which made me feel safe -- I know they're also streamed on Zoom.
I've done both unlimited monthly and class packs and am happy with the flexibility.
Overall coming here is definitely a highlight of my day and I always leave feeling ten times better.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great yoga studio! They are doing zoom classes daily and in person classes with masks and social distancing. The teachers are awesome, great at adjustments, and will challenge your practice. I look forward to coming every week.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been attending Big Shoulders Yoga since it opened, and I have enjoyed every class I have attended, so much as that I decided to teach there. All of the instructors breakdown difficult poses and the community is warm and welcoming. They also have zoom classes everyday so you can practice at home. I recommend them to everyone!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started going to Big Shoulders Yoga for the teachers! You will not find better teachers at any studio in Chicago, supportive and friendly. You also will not find a better style of yoga than what is offered at BSY, it's not vinyasa, but more like a hatha style where you hold the postures longer to get deeper into your poses, major plus for me. I found the classes to be challenging but a lot of fun where you can try more advanced poses, but you actually get to take your time to figure out a pose, with the teacher guiding you and giving individual cues if needed. I really appreciate this as it feels like a lot of places move too quickly through poses, especially more complicated ones. BSY also does guided inversions at the end of most classes, which are always a lot of fun to try! And now the studio is offering zoom classes of all levels! I definitely recommend this studio for it's welcoming and friendly atmosphere, even remotely and you'll finish your class feeling refreshed and accomplished!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the best yoga studio I've ever been to and I've been to A LOT of yoga studios across the world. It is a wonderful studio with incredible and experienced instructions. They are able to meet people where they at, at every level - providing excellent adjustments and instruction.

They have also adapted extremely well during the pandemic. I feel really safe in the studio - masks are worn at all times and social distancing is enforced. If you don't feel comfortable with even that, they offer daily online (Zoom) classes.

I couldn't recommend this studio enough. I don't usually write reviews...but I know how hard it is sometimes to find a good yoga studio - and this is the BEST.

Source: Google

★ 5

Beautiful studio with challenging classes! Thoughtful sequencing by this wonderful group of teachers makes even difficult poses accessible to all practitioners.

Source: Google

★ 5

Big shoulder is a vibrant studio with experienced instructors who truly love the practice and it shows in which they care for their students.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been practicing with many of the teachers at this studio since I first moved to Chicago almost 4 years ago and they are really amazing! The classes are definitely challenging but not in a competitive way. Instead I am always amazed that my body can do something it couldn’t do before in their classes.

I personally prefer the hatha style yoga they practice here, so if very fast paced flow yoga is your thing, this may be a supplement rather than your home base. They are great at helping you deepen and improve in even basic postures and give excellent hands on adjustments.

I’ve taken multiple levels with them and take away something valuable from their beginners to advanced classes. I encourage all of my friends to try out Big Shoulders Yoga!

Source: Google

★ 5

I could not be happier with this studio! I’m a beginner, who has tried yoga classes at other places in the past, but this is the first studio I’ve wanted to keep coming back to. Each class challenges me, but also makes me feel confident. The teachers are patient, attentive, and very supportive (special shout-out to Soren during those early Tues/Thurs classes). Highly recommend you try this place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm very excited about this new studio in West Town! It's primarily staffed by teachers who worked under The Lab's old management. All of the teachers offer smart sequences, appropriate and quality adjustments, and teach more of a hatha style (meaning slower than a vinyasa class but quite physically challenging for those seeking it). I'm looking forward to going to class here because I can come to milder classes when I'm feeling tired and need to feel restored, and also attend spicier classes when I want to attempt more challenging poses and transitions. The "vibe" of the studio is really nice too! There is minimal hokey new age vibes, and really just feels like a good community of people coming together to practice and teach yoga! The studio is stocked with free mats and props, there is some free neighborhood street parking and ample pay to park, the cork floors in the studio are super soft , pricing is pretty standard for yoga and you can always reach out to the owner (Nicolette) about current deals/discounts. I highly recommend checking out BSY, you may find your new yoga home :)

Source: Google

★ 5

Great neighborhood place. I'm a beginner and have committed to stick with it one time per week as an addition to my current fitness routine. Restorative class was fantastic! Very warm and welcoming studio in general. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

such a lovely group of people who teach and run this studio! welcoming to all levels :)

Source: Google

★ 5

First time at this studio and it radiates warmth! I loved the Medium Hatha class with Claire - it was fun and challenging without being intimidating.Will definitely return!

Source: Google

★ 5

I was delighted when Big Shoulders opened in my neighborhood. I've struggled to find a yoga "home" since moving to Chicago 5 years ago and Big Shoulders feels like it might be it! The "Medium" class was just the right mix of a strong foundation practice with some peak poses (inversions and arm balances with modifications offered) for me - I felt grounded and challenged, but I think even a beginner would be fine with modifications in this class - very accessible. The teachers are helpful and considerate and I felt very comfortable and supported in my practice. The studio itself is very comfortable - the heater is loud when it's running, but the temperature is just right - warm without being hot/overly sweaty. Class schedule is pretty standard though I'd love either some earlier morning options on the weekdays and weekends or a late afternoon/evening class that ends before daycare pickup on weekdays - hopefully the schedule continues to grow over time. The atmosphere seems welcoming (we've all been to intimidating studios - I didn't get that vibe) and it seems clear that the owners are intent on building a great community here. I'm looking forward to being part of it!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been practicing with these wonderful yogis for a couple years now. I started off at practically no experience and lack of flexibility (I’m talking stiff as a board from sitting all day at work at an office job), but with their helpful adjustments and modifications I’ve become more flexible (and stronger). I strongly suggest checking them out, you won’t be disappointed!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Everything I want out of a yoga class -- always thoughtful and challenging sequencing, amazing adjustments, wonderful and welcoming teachers that make me feel like I'm practicing with friends.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this new West Town studio. Very community minded, friendly, accessible and comfortable. The restorative classes are amazing and I never realized how the hatha style of yoga compliments vinyasa. This spot is just what I needed to spice up my routine.

Source: Google

★ 5

My first time at Big Shoulders was a great experience! Everyone was very supportive and had a great attitude. The teacher, Nicolette Downs, was actively engaged in the learning process and extremely encouraging. Definitely looking forward to my next visit!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome studio with fun and challenging sequences that build up to some peak poses and inversions. Instructors are all super friendly, nice, and very experienced. The adjustments I've received in class have been gentle and helpful (you can also opt to not receive hands-on adjustments by using the yes/no cards at the front desk.)

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great group of instructors that are super welcoming to students of all skill levels. Get ready to try some crazy stuff here because they throw in a lot of advanced poses. But what I love about it here is that for those who are like me who can't do everything, they provide great modifications and options that are still challenging but approachable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best aspect of Big Shoulders is that the business owner Nicolette and all of the instructors are really good people. They’re kind, talented, intelligent, and super passionate about delivering a fun and challenging yoga experience. I’m learning SO much and I leave the studio feeling relaxed and uplifted every time I go. The studio is a phenomenal addition to the neighborhood. You MUST check it out. Your body deserves it ☺️

Source: Google

★ 5

Great new neighborhood yoga studio. All the instructors are great. Love all the hands on adjustments they offer, and they are always encouraging me to try new things. Very happy I found this studio :)

Source: Google

★ 5

Best group of yoga teachers I have been to. Great at progressing you towards/getting you get into difficult posses you never thought you could do. Would highly recommend this studio, super happy I discovered it.

Source: Google