The Chicago School of Yoga Story: The Chicago School of Yoga was founded and created by its Executive Director Mark B. Weiss in 2009. Mark’s journey began in 1980 when he beginning running. Running each day for an hour provided Mark with a steady discipline that not only provided good health but also created space for him to tune out distractions thus have time to meditate. Running was the vehicle that became his meditative time. He ran many 10K’s and the 1983 Chicago Marathon. In the mid 1990’s and in order to avoid knee injuries Mark changed from outdoor running maintaining a daily discipline for his cardio work, which included indoor machines, using a variety of machines like treadmills, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, the stair-master and others. In 2002 Mark ran 95 stories when he Hustled Up the Hancock. In addition Mark added strength weight training. In 2004 Mark began the practice of yoga and began to include yoga to his workout routine. In a short time he discovered that his yoga practice increased strength and range of motion. 

Mark began taking classes in many yoga studios both in Chicago and throughout the country thus meeting a variety of teachers and various styles of yoga.

Mark observed that many yoga studios were yoga teacher training programs and that in almost every case the studios predominantly had an owner who was also the singular yoga teacher teaching his or her style and technique. No two programs were alike and taught different yoga theories. In addition to paying tuition students were required to take classes only at that specific yoga studio. None of the programs allowed for students to stop if they needed too and return and in some cases there were penalties for those students who missed sessions. 

There were not Yoga Teacher School. This didn’t make sense because Mark’s experience both high school & at De Paul University, places of higher learning offered the following:

1. A program outlined to accomplish a common vocational or career goal.

2. An experienced and diverse faculty.

3. A flexible program that accommodated students if or when they need to take a break from attending classes without losing credit.

4. A schedule offered at a time when working professionals could take classes without conflicting with work. 

In 2009 Mark established The Chicago School of Yoga. We Welcome all Future Yoga Instructors.

·       Location: Our address is 2442 N. Lincoln Ave, 2nd Floor., Chicago, IL 60614. There are (2) two camera entry door bells that you will see at our entrance. Please use the bell on the left. Listen for the click opening the door and come upstairs. 

·       Parking: You may park your car on any side street in the area of the studio daily until 6:00 PM. On Sunday meter parking is not required. After 6:00 a 143 permit is required for side street parking and we provide permits upon request.

·       Public Transportation: The ‘L’ is one block to the west of our location at the Fullerton/DePaul station. The No. 8 Bus is located 2 minutes away east on Halsted and Fullerton. The No. 74 Bus is 2 minutes away south on Fullerton.

·       Enrollment: Enrollment at the Chicago School of Yoga consists of three parts:

• Complete the enrollment application featured on this website.

• Schedule your entrance interview with the Executive Director.

• Pay your tuition.

  What is the Tuition for The Chicago School of Yoga Program? 

  The Chicago School of Yoga offers (2) two alternative payment options to our students: 

  OPTION ONE paying tuition at enrollment:

• $ 3,490.00 includes text books and all printed materials from your teachers. Students can pay the full tuition when they are admitted and when signing the tuition agreement to the program or pay $1,000 as a placeholder deposit. The balance of $2,490.00 is due and payable 10 days prior to 101 beginning.

• OPTION TWO pay as you go.:

• Students may pay as they take each module = $ 395.00 per module.

• $ 900.00 is due upon registration. This included module 101 and all text books and printed material from teachers.

• Payments for module 102-110 are due 3 days before the module begins.

  Money paid to the Chicago School of Yoga are non-refundable.  

  What form of payment does the Chicago School of Yoga Accept? :

• The Chicago School of Yoga accepts Cash, Check or Venmo @sendpmt 

  What items shall I bring to class the first day?: 

• Your yoga mat.

• A 3-ring binder to create a notebook for your handouts.

• What is your average class size and who shall I expect as fellow classmates?:

  Our classes range from 6 students to 18 students depending on enrollment. Those accepted to our program have a deep interest in Yoga. When you meet your class in module 101 hear many similar and different tales of their journey to the Chicago School of Yoga as many students share similar but unique stories.

• To date our youngest student, with parental permission, was 16 years old and our oldest was 78. Many are interested in enhancing their own practice and increasing their knowledge of yoga. Some are already yoga teachers who feel that the training they received at another course was not adequate. Your fellow students many be corporate executives, lawyers, journalists and consultants who look for Yoga Training Certification as a step towards helping to teach their fellow high stressed co-workers at work.  Some are transitioning away from corporate life. Those you will meet who may be retired from a career are looking to add Yoga Teacher to their resume and perhaps teach their friends and family.  Some are interested in helping specific populations, like children with special needs. Our alumni may teach at the police academy to new officers who deal with tense situations daily. We have trained staff from the VA who realize there is more to address to trauma stricken patients than just medication. Upon listening to the many stories of your classmates journeys you will find that those who choose the Chicago School of Yoga regardless of their background have very much in common. 

  Is The Chicago School of Yoga a Yoga Alliance Certified Program? 

• The Chicago School of Yoga is an International Yoga Alliance Certified  Program, Once you have completed your teacher training you are eligible to join the International Yoga Alliance yet joining is optional and totally up to you. The certificate of completion from The Chicago School of Yoga is on it’s own a robust certification for your resume and your entry to teach worldwide if you choose. 

  Will I Feel Capable and Prepared to Teach Yoga Once I Complete the Program? 

• You will practice teaching before the end of the first module. By 110 you will have feel comfortable teaching on your own.

   Does the program include “how to get started as a teacher” and the business of yoga?

• Although we do not offer any assurance of employment after completion, our faculty has created their own careers in Yoga and in fitness. Throughout the program you will hear their experiences of career changes and what they have done to earn revenue from their personal pursuits. We want to remind you that one must work had to be successful. And every member of our faculty has become successful in the Yoga field.

  What happens if I have to miss a module?:

• Missing as class happens and is often unexpected.

• We offer a number of options, from private lessons at an additional cost if you choose, to returning next session and others that your instructors may offer .

• It helps if you notify us during 101 and we can suggest methods of making up future class work so you can complete your training with those you began with.

• You have two years to complete the program when necessary without loosing credit.