Yoga

Yoga Teacher Trainings in Chicago

yoga-teacher-training-course (10)
Ready to take a deep dive into yoga in the heart of the Midwest? Well, you’re in luck. Affectionately known as the Windy City, Chicago is not just famous for its deep-dish pizzas, towering skyscrapers, and iconic blues scene. It’s also a flourishing hub for yoga enthusiasts, with an array of yoga teacher training programs that are as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From lakeside studios to vibrant city spaces, a unique experience awaits you around every corner. So, grab your mat and water bottle, and let’s embark on this yogic journey through the heart of Chicago together!

1. YogaView Studio – Yoga Teacher training Chicago

The Yogaview Teacher Training program in Chicago, launched in 2007, offers a comprehensive training curriculum for aspiring yoga teachers and practitioners keen to deepen their practice. This immersive course, held at Yogaview Chicago, enhances knowledge of alignment, anatomy, and philosophy, developing leadership, listening, and facilitation skills that are applicable beyond the mat. While many students successfully transition into teaching roles, others embark on the training to enrich their yoga journey, leveraging the program’s unique emphasis on meditation, modern interpretations of traditional yoga, and critical inquiry into the history of the practice. Led by a team of experienced instructors, this yoga certification course delves into various topics, including meditation, pranayama, anatomy, yoga history, alignment, class sequencing, and the business aspects of yoga.

The variety in teaching styles and approaches provides a rich learning environment that enables participants to craft their own unique teaching methods. Whether you plan to teach one-on-one or group sessions, use music during classes, or make hands-on and verbal adjustments, this training will equip you with the necessary skills. Despite the intensive nature of the training, Yogaview ensures flexibility for students, allowing them to miss a few classes without jeopardising their certification. Participants are, however, expected to meet specific requirements, such as attending a minimum number of classes per week, meditating daily, observing classes during the course, and completing all required reading. Graduates who fulfil these requirements receive a Yogaview Teacher Training Certificate and are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance at the RYT-200 level. The course welcomes all skill levels, with a minimum requirement of two years of consistent yoga practice. Typically, a training group comprises 12-20 students, and the tuition covers all training instruction and unlimited classes at both studios for the training duration.

School: YogaView

Style: Vinyasa Flow

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3250


2. Bare Feet Power Yoga – Chicago yoga teacher training

Bare Feet Power Yoga’s transformative 200-hour teacher training program provides comprehensive hands-on experience, arming participants with the skills and confidence to teach a dynamic Power Vinyasa Yoga class. The program is designed for new and seasoned teachers aiming to lead and inspire, and those interested in deepening their understanding of yoga. Through a diverse curriculum encompassing posture breakdowns, physical anatomy, sequencing, meditation training, the history of yoga, powerful teaching methods, and the Yoga Sutras, students are given an in-depth understanding of each facet of yoga.

This program stands out because of its five enthusiastic facilitators: Ali Brasher, Cara Kalnow, Julianne Farrell, Maggie Umberger, and Robin Samples. Their varied backgrounds contribute to a well-rounded training experience. A unique feature of the training is the organisation of most sessions over weekends and Wednesday evenings, providing a balanced, career-friendly training schedule. This also includes two “Three-Day Weekend Immersions” designed to offer a break from daily life and deepen the immersion into the study and practice of yoga.

At the culmination of their 200-hour program, each trainee will showcase their newly acquired skills by teaching an entire 60-minute class and leading a 30-minute workshop on a topic of their choice. Embracing the definition of yoga as a union of mind, body, and soul, this training fosters personal growth, enabling participants to forge a deeper connection with themselves, with yoga, and with their perspective on life and the human experience.

School: Bare Feet Power Yoga

Style: Power Vinyasa

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3199


3. Bloom Yoga Studio – Yoga course in chicago

Bloom’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, celebrated for its reputation and breadth of knowledge with over 100 positive reviews, takes a holistic approach to yoga. It delves beyond the physical poses, enriching understanding of the depth of yoga tradition and its application to daily life. The program’s experienced teacher trainers provide a solid foundation in pose modifications, healthy alignment, yogic philosophy, and practical teaching skills. They aid students in finding their unique voice and teaching style, fostering effective communication skills to make yoga accessible and welcoming for all.

Whether the aim is to become a yoga instructor in Chicago or deepen personal practice, Bloom’s curriculum simplifies the complexities of the modern yoga tradition, focusing on key fundamentals. Graduates are equipped with a thorough understanding of safe, inspiring, and authentic practice and teaching methods. The teaching faculty, committed to incorporating the latest evidence-based approaches to asana, emphasises biomechanics and encourages curiosity and scepticism on the mat. Bloom’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program adheres to the newly updated Yoga Alliance guidelines for Registered Yoga Schools. The program curriculum covers a range of subjects: Techniques, Training & Practice (81 hours), including in-depth asana exploration, energetic anatomy, and introduction to different yoga styles; Anatomy & Physiology (33 hours), involving applied anatomy and key systems related to yoga; Yoga Humanities (30 hours), which delves into yoga philosophy, key yoga texts and concepts, and ethical teaching; and Professional Essentials (58 hours), where students get hands-on experience with teaching, sequencing, dealing with trauma in yoga, business aspects of teaching, social media marketing, and small group mentorship sessions.

School: Bloom

Style: Mixed

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3450


4. Moksha Yoga Center – Chicago Yoga teacher training

Moksha’s 200-hour Foundation Certification Program in Chicago offers an extensive study of the ancient art and science of yoga in its authentic and classical form. The program, aimed at deepening practice, teaching, and understanding of yoga, takes students on an ardent journey through critical elements and techniques of asana, pranayama, and meditation. The coursework covers various topics, class settings, and experiences, such as exploring energetic techniques, developing improved teaching skills, mastering sequencing, and understanding Ayurveda. The program’s approach to teaching emphasises sensitivity, compassion, and practice.

It offers an in-depth look into the art of adjustments, teaching students how to use visual, verbal, and kinesthetic tools effectively. The curriculum also covers Ayurveda, the ancient science of living in harmony with nature, touching on lifestyle, daily routine, diet, nutrition, and esoteric concepts. Additionally, students are encouraged to gain practical experience through various situations and venues, fostering internal awareness and trust in intuition. Moksha’s program is also unique in blending traditional and contemporary theory, providing a comprehensive view of yoga. It offers a robust understanding of yogic history and philosophy, Sanskrit terms, various breathing techniques, and the art of sequencing, among others.

It also guides students in finding their uniqueness as a teacher and instils confidence through practice and group support. By the end of the program, students not only gain a deeper understanding of yoga but also make lifelong friendships and pave a path to self-awareness while becoming guides for others on their yoga journey.

School: Moksha Yoga Center

Style: Mixed

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3600


5. Chi-Town Shakti

Chi-Town Shakti’s 200-hour Yoga Immersion + Teacher Training program offers a well-rounded experience for individuals seeking a deeper connection with yoga, whether they aim to teach or simply elevate their personal practice. The program combines practical understanding and application of yoga asanas with rich teachings in yoga philosophy, including Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the eight limbs of yoga. The course also covers various other topics, such as meditation practices, pranayama, anatomy and physiology, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, trauma-informed yoga, the history and culture of yoga, and the business of yoga.

Students also have the opportunity to delve into issues such as cultural appropriation and inclusivity in yoga, fostering an understanding of diversity and equity within the practice. The program is designed to accommodate busy lifestyles with a 4-month immersion model that allows students to maintain their work or school commitments during the week while attending training on weekends. A unique feature of the program is its focus on personal growth, as it encourages students to dive deep into their practice, receive ongoing support from instructors, and attend Chi-Town Shakti Yoga and Meditation classes.

Students are also encouraged to express their unique voices when teaching, enhancing their creativity and authenticity in their yoga journey. Importantly, this training provides an immersive, in-person experience supplemented with some online content, giving students the flexibility to engage in their additional classes either online or in-studio. Beyond the end of training, Chi-Town Shakti offers ongoing support through further trainings, meditations, communications, and community meetups, showing their commitment to each student’s success as a practitioner and a potential yoga teacher.

School: Chi-Town Shakti

Style: Hatha

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3600


6. Yoga Loft Studios

Yoga Loft Studio offers a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) training program for serious yoga students looking to deepen their practice or those preparing to teach. The program, led by the studio’s owner, Jill Jerome, and a team of experienced yoga professionals, provides comprehensive coverage of yoga’s history, Ayurvedic principles, Sanskrit, Ashtanga Yoga, and the practicalities of running a yoga business. Flexible and accommodating, the course meets on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, fitting comfortably around participants’ other commitments.

Students unable to attend in-studio sessions in River North can take advantage of recorded sessions and virtual options, including live-streamed and on-demand lessons. Aside from its academic breadth, the program stands out for its inclusive study of Sanskrit, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, Ayurvedic practices, and meditation. The cost of the program encompasses a full membership to Yoga Loft Studios and all required materials, offering value for students looking for a comprehensive, well-rounded yoga teacher training experience.

School: Yoga Loft Studios

Style: Mixed

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3300


7. Yoga Now

Yoga Now offers a comprehensive 200-hour teacher training course spanning 28 weeks, designed in accordance with the Yoga Alliance’s requirement. Classes occur twice a week, focusing on Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga with an introduction to Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga. Participants, ideally with at least one year of yoga experience, delve into six key areas: Training Technique/Practice, Teaching Methodology, Anatomy and Physiology, Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics, Practicum, and an Introduction to Mysore Style Ashtanga.

In Training Technique/Practice, participants deepen their understanding of traditional yoga techniques, including asanas, pranayama, kriyas, mantras, and forms of meditation. This depth of knowledge forms the foundation for leading others rather than just participating. The Teaching Methodology segment equips trainees with essential teaching skills, addressing aspects like observation, assisting/correcting, teaching styles, and the business side of yoga. Anatomy and Physiology helps students understand the mind-body connection, critical for assessing students’ needs.

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics delve into yoga’s rich history, principles, and ethical considerations. Practicum provides hands-on experience through observation, assistance, and practice teaching. Finally, the course introduces Mysore-style Ashtanga, which emphasises individual practice, equipping graduates with a sequence they can practice anywhere, anytime.

School: Yoga Now

Style: Hatha & Vinyasa

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3400


8. Zen Yoga Garage

Zen Yoga Garage offers a 200-hour teacher training program registered with Yoga Alliance, designed for both in-person and online learning. Running from September 21 to December 17, 2023, this program provides the flexibility of at-home learning from anywhere globally, while experiencing a personalised journey to becoming a teacher based on individual schedules. Known for its well-rounded approach to yoga education, Zen Yoga Garage is recognised as one of the best schools in Chicago, with graduates teaching across Chicagoland and at prestigious city studios. The yoga teacher training Chicago offers an enriching experience, introducing students to several yoga topics, including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Pranayama, Kids Yoga, and more. Students are encouraged to find their unique teaching voice through exposure to different viewpoints, schools of thought, and styles.

The faculty, composed of the studio’s best teachers, bring their passion and fresh perspectives to the training, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in various teaching scenarios. Zen Yoga Garage stands out with its distinctive training features. Instead of learning a set sequence, students learn to think creatively about sequencing within a basic framework, leading to a more personalised teaching style. The training goes beyond Vinyasa, introducing various yoga styles like Iyengar, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Hot, and Kids Yoga. Notably, the training culminates in the co-teaching of a graduation day class by the trainees themselves. With unlimited classes available during the training, the program allows for a comprehensive, self-paced journey toward completing the 200-hour requirement.

School: Zen Yoga Garage

Style: Vinyasa

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $2599


9. The Lab

The Lab offers a Yoga Alliance-certified 200-hour teacher training program aimed at empowering students to tap into their unique strengths and passions. This program provides a comprehensive framework for teaching yoga or deepening personal practice. It serves as a life training and a platform to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of elevated community or ‘Sangha’. The yoga teacher training in Chicago is led by Chris and Wade, along with a support staff of teachers who provide expertise in various subjects.

Participants in the program will learn a wide range of topics, including Asana & Advanced Asana, Yoga Philosophy, Anatomy, Energy Work, Meditation, Community Building & Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion, Leadership, Pre- and Post-Natal Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Thai Yoga. The training emphasises teaching and living from the heart space, enhancing personal yoga practice and teaching skills. In light of the pandemic, The Lab’s training is offered as a hybrid program, allowing trainees to participate in-person or online via Zoom. This flexibility ensures everyone can stay connected and up-to-date with the program. Thanks to weekly recaps, study groups, and makeup assignments, trainees can miss up to seven sessions without falling behind. Additionally, all classes at The Lab are free for participants during their training, further enriching the learning experience.

School: The Lab

Style: Mixed

Hours: 200 hrs

Price: $3175


Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through the yoga landscapes of Chicago, it’s clear that the Windy City has a vibrant and diverse yoga community. Each of the nine yoga teacher training programs we’ve explored brings its own unique approach and flavour, making Chicago a veritable treasure trove for aspiring yoga teachers. Whether it’s the flexibility of a hybrid program, the depth of an immersion experience, or the richness of various yoga styles, there’s a training program in Chicago for every kind of yogi. As the third largest city in the U.S., Chicago boasts not just deep-dish pizza and storied sports teams, but also an enriching, inclusive, and accessible yoga culture.

So, whether you’re a Chi-Town local or an out-of-towner looking for your perfect yoga training match, the yoga scene in Chicago has something to offer everyone. Just remember, like any good yoga practice, choosing the right teacher training is all about finding balance and following your intuition. Happy training, future yogis!

Reference: https://www.allyogatraining.com/yoga-teacher-training-chicago

Hi, I’m Artistic Yoga