Stopped in during a West Town business weekend. Liked the vibe and I am anxious to stop by and check out a yoga class. They have different forms of payment available but, I think they have a small cash discount for someone wanting to do a drop in for a yoga class. read more

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. read more

Big Shoulders Yoga - Yoga Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really like the welcoming atmosphere of this studio and have been visiting it for about two years. The teachers are clearly there because they enjoy it. The "consent to adjust" cards are good, but not always followed. I do wish that there was more focus on alignment. Many of us turn to yoga to try to fix our broken bodies, and yoga itself offers that, it's just not always done with fidelity. I taught yoga for six years in my twenties, so I am admittedly a purist. While Big Shoulders is definitely more attentive to the students than in a gym setting, it feels like there's not as much emphasis these days, both here and in other small studios on doing it safely. It used to be the norm to ask if anyone in the class needed accommodations due to injuries, but I've only encountered that a couple times in the dozens of times I've visited here. Other alignment supports, like breathing intentionally to make sure your ribcage isn't popping out, keeping your hips square instead of doing dramatic sideways twists in a lunge, emphasizing ears over shoulders over hips, holding the poses longer so that you can access the breath and let go of tension- all of these things really make a big difference. Many of the variations the teachers do to spice things up turn the poses into something else that's not quite yoga. This is my constructive criticism that I hope is taken with a grain of salt. I apologize for being a yoga snob- as a former teacher I'm probably wishing to change certain things and therefore very annoying to have as a student. Thanks to Big Shoulders for all of the things that it does well. read more

Mommy & me yoga with your little one, say no more! Marysia does an excellent job at incorporating mindful yoga while bonding with your baby!

Wow, this is the best yoga class I have been to. I tried the medium class for the first time with Nicolette Downs Thanksgiving morning to try and make more space for the big dinner later that day, and would not have asked for a better way to spend the morning. The class was small enough where we all had physical space, but flexibility to take the class in at our own level as well. The instructor was so kind and gentle, with poses I was comfortable with and providing challenges to go beyond my comfort zone without feeling defeat or failure. She remembered everyone's name and helped us through the poses, especially handstands. This is the type of yoga class I look for where I feel comfortable enough to challenge myself with guidance. Her dog also joined us for the most pleasant addition to the class! read more

This studio is a hidden gem! The space is very chill and relaxing. I felt welcomed by the teachers and students from the minute I walked in! I took the intro/basics class and it was one of the best I have been to! I loved the one-on-one attention from Nicolette, who taught the class. I felt challenged, but supported throughout. I left the studio feeling grounded and empowered, which are two of my main goals for my yoga practice. So grateful I found this place!! Check them out for a class or livestream! I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

I've been coming to this studio for about a year and it's WONDERFUL!! all the teachers are so kind and knowledgeable. This is definitely my safe haven especially during those stressful work days. Thank you BSY team- you're the best!! read more

I'd been wanting to try out this yoga studio as I live nearby. I did not know what Hatha yoga was before my first class. I don't think the ambiance of the studio is very inviting. No mirrors, not warm, harsh lighting, no music playing when you walk in. Not my style of yoga either. I like to work up a bit of a sweat (which is maybe just me) and their medium + spicy classes did not meet the mark. Definitely a place to experiment, everyone is doing difficult poses that I'd never tried before. Overall, not for me but glad I got a chance to try something different. read more

I love Big Shoulders Yoga! BSY is a women-owned, one-room studio gem in the West Town community. I've been going here for about 3 months and have enjoyed every class I've checked out. The studio feels very inclusive and the instructors are so welcoming. BSY is one of the only exclusively Hatha yoga studios and regardless of the level, they practice making all classes accessible. BYS also offers a sound bowl restorative class which is one of the most relaxing and healing classes I've ever participated in. BSY is on the ClassPass app, but they also offer affordable packages for new and returning students. Check them out! This spot is special. read more

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! read more

Big Shoulders is a great addition to the neighborhood with an easy to find location near Chicago and Ashland. I have found the classes to be challenging but fun. I have found the teachers to be respectful and helpful. Nicolette and her teaching staff run the business very efficiently but are always open suggestions as well. I would suggest that anyone wishing for an excellent yoga experience without an pretentiousness visit Big Shoulders Yoga. read more

I can't say enough great things about this studio. I was already sold back in February when I first started attending (their studio is lovely, the classes are challenging yet accessible, and all of the instructors are incredibly friendly, engaging, and knowledgable), but I have been continually impressed by their ability to navigate classes during the pandemic. I have appreciated all of the efforts they have made to make sure their clients didn't have to miss a beat - from offering classes on Instagram in the interim to adjusting their class packages to allow for in person/online flexibility, I felt like the customer experience was always kept top of mind. Highly recommend! read more

When I heard my favorite teachers were opening their own studio, and it happened to be in my neighborhood, I was stoked. Nicolette, Emma, Claire and all the teachers here are fabulous instructors who know how to pace, sequence and guide a wide variety of students simultaneously - which is no easy feat. I have been taking their classes for years, from my fittest days to 39 weeks pregnant, and they're always challenging in the right way. read more

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. read more

I absolutely love this studio! Not only are the instructors extremely knowledgeable, they are also very approachable and compassionate. The restorative classes are mellow and relaxing and sometimes even include singing bowls. At the end of the mild classes there's always an inversion which I find uniquely challenging. This place is what you wished all other yoga studios were. Shout out to Claire for the private, outdoor birthday sesh too;) read more

Great space with daily online Zoom classes! Masks are worn at all times and a lot of attention and care towards social distancing. Teachers are warm and welcoming and give options for all levels as well as explanations and suggestions for how to et into poses. read more

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! read more

Big Shoulders Yoga is such a wonderful, welcoming community that offers yoga to all levels. Classes here are thoughtfully sequenced and executed. Teachers are informed and make things really approachable by breaking down key components of each pose. I suggest trying a few classes; you will notice a difference in such a short period of time. read more

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 :) read more

Love this place so much! I saw a crazy amount of improvement after going here consistently. Finally landed my forearm stand (no wall!). They've been great during the pandemic with a super clean studio, distanced classes and masks worn correctly the entire time. This is head and shoulders my top recommendation for yoga in the entire city. read more

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. read more

I had been taking vinyasa/flow/power yoga classes for several years, and those were fine but felt more like a workout class than yoga, and I felt I wasn't growing much in terms of my alignment and balance. Then Big Shoulders opened up by my place and their style of hatha yoga felt like a breath of fresh air. I've been going 2-3x/week since they opened in September. The classes are at an accessible pace - there's enough time for you to explore each pose and get feedback if you want it - while offering modifications for folks at all levels. The community and teachers are super welcoming, encouraging, and supportive, and for someone who stalled in their yoga practice for years, this environment has helped me grow a ton in a short period of time (from being terrified of and not even trying to be upside down to easily being able to do a shoulder stand). The space is clean and comfortable, and sometimes there are snacks available which is nice. The heater can be a touch loud, which can make it harder to hear in the back, so sit closer to the front if that might be an issue for you. Overall A+! read more

This studio is so great! Everyone is helpful and friendly, and the classes are a perfect mix of challenging but doable. Additionally, there are several levels depending on the type of class you are looking for - from beginning/"mild" to more advanced. The sequencing is thoughtful and original, usually focusing on preparation to reach a peak pose by the end of class. After each class, I feel that I worked hard while being protected against injury through smart sequencing, and that I was inspired physically and mentally! I have been taking classes from these teachers for years, starting back at The Lab, and couldn't be more thrilled about Big Shoulders opening! read more

So excited that a yoga studio of this caliber opened up in my neighborhood! After taking my first class here I was reminded why I started yoga in the first place. The classes are challenging and rewarding. The studio is clean and inviting and he teachers are wonderful. I also love that the classes are labeled mild, medium, and spicy. If you have never tried this style of yoga I highly suggest checking it out! read more

Tried my first class with the studio a few months back under a recommendation from a friend. Fell in love with yoga ever since. Big shoulders is located in a great location, there's transportation & the I-90 is not too far. The studio is very clean, the instructors are professional & supportive. All levels are welcome here at big shoulders. Whether you're just starting out or you're a yogi. All around good vibes here read more