Photo: Chicago Tribune
It's not uncommon to find a donation or community class on the schedule at yoga studios throughout the city, but Yogaview Division is like nothing else in Chicago.
Located in Wicker Park, Yogaview Division is the first donation only studio in the city. That's right, you pay what you can and it couldn't have come at a better time.
It all started when the Ruby Room contacted Yogaview to ask them to honor preexisting class cards for their soon-to-be-shuttered yoga space. Realizing that the beautiful yoga room was now empty, Yogaview co-owner Quinn Kearney approached them about leasing the studio and the wheels were set in motion for a new Wicker Park yoga studio. But it was at the suggestion of instructor Claire Mark that the seed for a donation only studio was planted. "At first I thought, this is a crazy idea, there's no way we can do it," says Kearney. "But I mentioned it to my partner Tom Quinn, we got all the teachers together and they were all taken by it. It's a very compelling concept."
There's no front desk attendant or a fancy online registration system. There's simply a sign-in sheet and a wooden moneybox with a sign announcing the suggested donation of $10-$20 per class. "With the economy the way it is, we think it's a great time to try some different things were people feel empowered by the system, not hammered by it," says Kearney.
Not only do Chicago yogis get a chance to practice yoga on their budget, but the schedule is full of classes led by some of Chicago's best instructors with something for every level, including a prenatal offering and Kearney's Freedom Style class.
"Freedom Style is inspired by yoga instructor Erich Schiffmann," he says. "You're not being told what to do or how to do poses. We all start together and we all end together but in the middle you do what you feel. So it's really a chance to listen to your body and feel what comes next."
A clean, bright and beautiful pay what you can yoga studio in the heart of Wicker Park? I dare you not to fall in love with Yogaview Division.
Yogaview Division is located at 1745 West Division St., visit the Yogaview website for a full schedule and more info.
1 Comment
Caitlin Giles said:
I recently took prenatal classes when it was still Ruby Room and I have to say that this space is lovely. I especially love the sound of the fountain in back. I am so glad to see that this space is being used again. I am definitely going to check their new schedule and plan to take a class.
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