Proof of vaccination will be required for all students and teachers attending in-studio classes. Yoga Circle has been offering authentic tradition yoga in Chicago's River North for 37 years. We boast a skillful staff of instructors and a well equipped facility. Hybrid classes offer the choice of in-person instruction or online learning.
Our schedule includes introductory classes for those new to yoga, a wide range of public classes for more experienced students, and programs that target specific issues/students. Open daily, our practice rooms are fully equipped with all the facilities to ensure a safe and uplifting experience. Or, login from home.
Our schedule includes introductory classes for those new to yoga, a wide range of public classes for more experienced students, and programs that target specific issues/students. Open daily, our practice rooms are fully equipped with all the facilities to ensure a safe and uplifting experience. Or, login from home.
Services
Yoga Circle has been offering authentic tradition yoga in Chicago's River North for 34 years. We offer yoga classes that accommodate all ages and abilities and we welcome every BODY. Our highly skilled instructors include Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers CIYTs, Certified Yoga Therapists C-IYATs, and Yoga for Scoliosis Trainers.
Proof of vaccination will be required for all students and teachers attending in-studio classes. At least for the time being, we will offer in-person classes only for students who provide proof of vaccination. For those interested in attending in-person classes, please send an email to info@yogacircle.com that has "Proof of Vaccination" in the subject line and that attaches a copy of your proof of vaccination.
Will the studio reopen? Yes. Most classes will continue to be available only online. We will then experiment with some "hybrid" classes that fully vaccinated students may choose to attend in-studio and that all students will have the option of taking online. How do I register for a class? Once you have a Wellness Living account with the studio, click "REGISTER" on Classes page to register for class.
Reviews (21)
Aron D.
Mar 05, 2020
Report
Great Iyengar yoga--which means very precise directions from attentive teachers who have been rigorously trained. Poses are held for what may seem like a long time if you are coming from another tradition, esp. the flow-oriented classes that are popular now. Iyengar is perfect if you are interested in the anatomy behind the poses and the more subtle, internal, adjustments. The studio space is quite nice and light and the vibe is friendly.
Ellie L.
Dec 23, 2019
Report
Leah N.
Sep 04, 2018
Report
I attended an extended class with Bob and Todd on Sunday. It was my 2nd visit, as I was visiting Chicago from out of town. From the moment I arrived they were friendly and welcoming. As a longtime Iyengar Yoga student/teacher, I've attended more classes than I can count. During this class, each posture was presented clearly and with specific instruction. Bob and Todd were able to teach to the entire group, while still attending to the needs of each student. I was impressed by the way they encouraged each student to work to their capacity, and pointing out how to practice the important parts
Cynthia P.
Feb 21, 2018
Report
I was so looking forward to going to this studio as an out-of-towner. I was searching for an Iyengar yoga studio, as I practice Iyengar yoga 5 days @week in-studio & have a home practice, now for 6 years. I practice every day.
I went to Natasha's class believing she was a certified Iyengar teacher. NOT.
I wanted to leave the class so bad, because it was hard to tolerate. I did not, & now regret that I did not. It was harder to stay.
I went to Natasha's class believing she was a certified Iyengar teacher. NOT.
I wanted to leave the class so bad, because it was hard to tolerate. I did not, & now regret that I did not. It was harder to stay.
Nancy K.
Jul 11, 2017
Report
Bob is an amazing teacher! His demonstrations and instructions of poses are easy to understand and follow. His is very clear and articulate in his visual and verbal direction. Bob is great at breaking down each part of the pose bit by bit. He is encouraging, comforting, and reassuring, which is much appreciated as I'm new to the practice. He has great energy and a kind, friendly spirit. I feel the passion he has for yoga. I look forward to continuing my practice with him and Todd.
Sarah N.
Nov 04, 2016
Report
This is a fantastic place!! I was visiting Chicago and went to a class with Gabriel. From the moment I walked in the door I was welcomed, helped and shown where everything was located. The person helping me was a fellow student who took time in class to make sure I found all of the props I needed and wall space. Gabriel is a unique and fabulous teacher (senior iyengar certified) whose wisdom about both emotional and physical wellbeing came through with his teachings, singing, stories and chosen asanas. I highly recommend yoga circle!
Paulina L.
Nov 09, 2015
Report
Jenina M.
May 17, 2015
Report
I was a student at The Yoga Circle 20 years ago when I still lived and worked in Chicago. I had the great good fortune to find myself in Chicago recently, and took advantage of this visit to do a drop in class during my trip. My assessment of this place is just as it was 20 years ago--there are very few yoga studios like The Yoga Circle. This place is unique and really maintains this integrity of practice and teaching due to Gabriel Halpern's leadership and dedication. Here are my reasons for saying this:
* The principles of Iyengar yoga help the student along a path of wrestling with
* The principles of Iyengar yoga help the student along a path of wrestling with
Mihir G.
Jan 29, 2015
Report
Gabriel Halpern is the real deal. A student of BKS Iyengar, he teaches yoga therapeutics to individuals of all physical capabilities and range of motion. I am happy to apprentice at this studio and deepen my knowledge of anatomy, spinal movement, and manual adjustments. An authentic studio that is a Chicago urban escape
Susan K.
Nov 15, 2014
Report
If you have never studied Iyengar Yoga, then come to The Yoga Circle, leave your ego at the door, take the intro class series, regardless of how much other yoga you have had in your life and more than likely you will fall in love. If you want the "everybody is great and gets a trophy" yoga experience, this is not the place for you. You WILL be constantly corrected, not always individually, and compliments do not come easily here. The rigor of the Iyengar system produces exceptional teachers at all levels. The instructors are all human, as someone else here pointed out, they each have
Matt R.
Mar 31, 2014
Report
Yoga circle is a unique style of yoga - it is based on Iyengar's practices. See http://www.bksiyengar.com/ for some basic information about Iyengar.
This is not hatha, this is not power yoga, this is not the easy stuff when people say they can do yoga. This is the kind of yoga for people who are somewhere in the journey of exploring not only yoga itself, but proper technique behind it. When people say "I can do yoga", they probably have no idea what Iyengar is.
The emphasis at yoga circle is on getting your pose exactly correct as the pose intends for you to be. In a lot of yoga
This is not hatha, this is not power yoga, this is not the easy stuff when people say they can do yoga. This is the kind of yoga for people who are somewhere in the journey of exploring not only yoga itself, but proper technique behind it. When people say "I can do yoga", they probably have no idea what Iyengar is.
The emphasis at yoga circle is on getting your pose exactly correct as the pose intends for you to be. In a lot of yoga
Clara J.
Mar 14, 2014
Report
I've practiced here for over a year now. I drive for an hour each way to go to classes at Yoga Circle when there are dozen of studios around where I live. So you can imagine how serious I am with this place. I've learned so much and my practice has changed for the better. The teachers are very helpful but they do correct you. They are not there to pamper and make you feel good (that's a spa, actually). They are there to teach students and if a person goes in with an ego, thinking they know everything then this might not be a place for you.
Ruth Lipman
Jan 27, 2014
Report
Yoga Circle is the place to go if you are really intent on learning about proper alignment and the integration of yoga into life. They have an incredible array of props to use so that asana practice is accessible to everyone; and similarly - you can let go and really feel where the postures can take you for lengthening, strengthening, and broadening your horizons.
Alex H.
Sep 18, 2013
Report
This was my second time at Yoga Circle. The first time was over a year ago. I forgot why I didn't return after my first class, but now I know why.
I took Todd's class both times. First, he is extremely unwelcoming and has no patience. I skipped straight into the 1-2 level class as I didn't feel I needed to be introduced to the poses ( I have been practicing for 10 years). However, I could feel Todd's frustration with me when I could not immediately follow the sanskrit translation of the poses. He never attempted to be helpful or aid me. He was kind of huff and puff when I took
I took Todd's class both times. First, he is extremely unwelcoming and has no patience. I skipped straight into the 1-2 level class as I didn't feel I needed to be introduced to the poses ( I have been practicing for 10 years). However, I could feel Todd's frustration with me when I could not immediately follow the sanskrit translation of the poses. He never attempted to be helpful or aid me. He was kind of huff and puff when I took
Tonia O.
Oct 22, 2010
Report
This is a really good place to go for beginners. Jess taught my evening intro yoga class and her calm enthusiasm and motivation for making sure we are doing the best possible yoga poses correctly really helped me feel welcome.
The best thing I love about this place is that they really take the whole person into account. If you have any ailments or concerns, instructors want to know about it. Another thing is that this place is super flexible with your scheduling, which I love.
I highly recommend this to newbies. Anything that is outside of our comfort zone at first seems scary, but this place
The best thing I love about this place is that they really take the whole person into account. If you have any ailments or concerns, instructors want to know about it. Another thing is that this place is super flexible with your scheduling, which I love.
I highly recommend this to newbies. Anything that is outside of our comfort zone at first seems scary, but this place
Joyce C.
Apr 22, 2009
Report
I've taken 3 classes here and hope to again. This class is for people who seriously want to do yoga. It doesn't move too slow or too fast. And the instructors aren't just gym instructors who signed up to teach this class along with a bunch of others. The instructors are very passionate and knowledgeable about yoga.
What I love about it the most is the attention to detail. They get down to hiw every toe and finger should point. It's more than you could ever get out of a DVD, book or gym class.
Fav experience: walking into one of my classes to see the instructor with an orange
What I love about it the most is the attention to detail. They get down to hiw every toe and finger should point. It's more than you could ever get out of a DVD, book or gym class.
Fav experience: walking into one of my classes to see the instructor with an orange
David H.
Feb 17, 2009
Report
I am new to Yoga and this experience has been great.
I joined the class for people with injuries due to some neck problems. I feel tremendous improvement there and in general well being.
Now I am in Alison's Tuesday afternoon class and it is a good way to be introduced to Yoga. I am taking it for the third time.
I joined the class for people with injuries due to some neck problems. I feel tremendous improvement there and in general well being.
Now I am in Alison's Tuesday afternoon class and it is a good way to be introduced to Yoga. I am taking it for the third time.
Tony S.
Oct 05, 2008
Report
When I started going to Yoga Circle a year ago now it was on the recommendation of a Yelp! reviewer. Boy am I glad I went. I've lost 15 pounds and am in much better overall health as a result. My body can do things now that it simply couldn't when I started.
I'll be honest, I didn't know that there were several forms of yoga when I started. This one (Iyengar) works great for me because there are props should one not be able to get into the classic pose right away. Also the teachers have gone through years of apprenticeship and training before being allowed to teach. I
I'll be honest, I didn't know that there were several forms of yoga when I started. This one (Iyengar) works great for me because there are props should one not be able to get into the classic pose right away. Also the teachers have gone through years of apprenticeship and training before being allowed to teach. I
Tom A.
Jan 19, 2008
Report
Hands down the best yoga studio in town.
Beautiful space, great people, EXCEEDINGLY qualified and knowledgeable and caring teachers.
Gabriel is everything you hear-- a legend.
What is great about the Iyengar system is that they TEACH. Sometimes it seems things are going slowly, because they often talk about poses for minutes, demonstrating and being very meticulous. But in the end, you actually learn yoga-- you learn how to practice, you know what to look for, and in then end you end up "better" than if you went to the arobiyoga class and jumped around for 90 minutes.
By comparison
Beautiful space, great people, EXCEEDINGLY qualified and knowledgeable and caring teachers.
Gabriel is everything you hear-- a legend.
What is great about the Iyengar system is that they TEACH. Sometimes it seems things are going slowly, because they often talk about poses for minutes, demonstrating and being very meticulous. But in the end, you actually learn yoga-- you learn how to practice, you know what to look for, and in then end you end up "better" than if you went to the arobiyoga class and jumped around for 90 minutes.
By comparison
Kimberly C.
Apr 11, 2007
Report
Thought I would expand my yoga knowledge with an Iyengar class at Yoga Circle. I didn't know too much about the practice, but why not give it a shot. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to take a class with Gabriel, but I still had an excellent instructor in the beginner class.
The class was great for those just starting a yoga practice, for recovery from injuries, or for those looking to start an exercise regime. It's also great for that refresher for the more experienced practicioners. The environment was completely welcoming and friendly. Although not my usual speed, I will
The class was great for those just starting a yoga practice, for recovery from injuries, or for those looking to start an exercise regime. It's also great for that refresher for the more experienced practicioners. The environment was completely welcoming and friendly. Although not my usual speed, I will
Emily C.
Feb 09, 2007
Report
I have heard people get down on Gabriel for his brusk manner, but after attending workshops with him you can see that he is all business, and for a reason. He is a man on a mission to help you heal. His studio is something to aspire to and emulate, you can't even tell it is located in the city it is so peaceful and serene.
I have taken a decent amount of classes with various teachers and can tell you - don't sacrifice - go for the best when it is available, and this place is it.
I have taken a decent amount of classes with various teachers and can tell you - don't sacrifice - go for the best when it is available, and this place is it.
