Bikram's Yoga College Of India

The first time I went to this place I wanted to cry. I don't think you are supposed to feel that way after yoga. I bought a Living Social deal and went to a 3:30pm class. They allowed 50 people to attend the class (literally). When I asked when is better time to attend a class with less people the owner told me ""we are very popular studio and you are just going to have to deal with it."" I did however continue to go because I had bought the deal. I started attending the 12pm class and found that to be much less crowded and a bit more enjoyable. The instructors are pretty good from what I know about Bikram instructors....which isn't much.\r \r I would definitely say if you have another option, go with that. more

I never write reviews, but my experience with this place was so bad that I feel responsible to tell others. Where do I begin? Any El line is more sanitary than this place. I've been to several other bikram studios and sometimes there's a slight funky odor but I've never encountered anything this bad, not even on the under passes to LSD bike path. You're expected to clean your rental mat (which is normal), however they offer no spray bottles or sanitizer other than one hand pump affixed to the wall that in no way can be used to clean a mat. It's disgusting. (I ended up washing mine in the shower, but now I realize why my feet were sticking to the mat so much to begin with--so GROSS!). Had I had a good instructor today I may not have taken the time to write this but she was awful too. I've never before heard a yoga instructor scold a student for not keeping up with the first breathing exercise (pranayama), and she paced the class like power yoga until towards the end (when I guess she realized we were going too quickly) and the class ended up finishing early. This isn't the first time I've been here and overheard the instructors scold students as if they were small children. Just garbage. This is not what yoga should be, no matter what form you practice! more

Great teachers, great vibe. LOVE this place. more

Thanks guys ...visited the city from Toronto... it was a great facility with great instructors... loved it. Good luck with your move. more

First class today was awesome! Thanks! more

Thank you everyone, no matter how long or short it is between sessions; entering always makes me feel like I've come home. more

I enjoyed my visit to Chicago, love that you have a week pass for out of towner's! Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to try your facility and class, really enjoyed it! more

Hands down the best Bikram yoga studio in Chicago! The studio is a warm, friendly and pleasant enviornment. Mike, the owner, constantly makes improvements to the studio and is always open to suggestions or comments. The teachers really care about not only yoga but also the students. I always feel so welcome! The teachers offer positive feedback and also a lot of good instructions during the class. more

The atmosphere is inviting, challenging, yet calming. The instructions are helpful, polite, and truly are there to have their classes perform the best poses they can. They also offer a plethora of classes each day and their studios can house a large number. more

I recommend this studio primarily because of the great instructors. I saw tremendous improvements in the short 30 day period. In my opinion, the quality of the instructors is the most important element when considering a Bikram yoga studio. Everything else is just a matter of how you choose to respond (as it is in Bikram yoga - so it is in life.) more

The 30 Day Challenge: I recommend every yogi consider taking this challenge. Depending on your perspective, it's really less of a challenge and more of a practice. Either you will commit, and make it happen or your won't - it's that simple - no excuses necessary. The word challenge implies that it must be difficult, but again, it will be whatever you decide it will be for you. more

I consider Bikram yoga to be a moving meditation because there's not much you can do but be centered and focus on your postures for 90 minutes in the 105 degree room. It's also a great practice to gain personal insights - how you respond before, during and after class is really an indication of how you respond in life (i.e. are you considerate of other yogis, are you a complainer, do you push yourself in the postures, etc.). The added bonus of weight loss, skin softening, joint issue resolutions, better sleep patterns and increased energy are merely added bonuses. more

Every instructor I had was very good and very knowledgeable. A few stand out from the pack based on the wealth of information they shared throughout the class and their willingness to help students with necessary posture adjustments. Some are funnier and lighter than others and some are no-nonsense. But they all know their stuff. more

""I am still a new yogini. I have only been practicing for about 4 months now, but I have been to other Bikram yoga studios, and this one definitely tops the list. The staff is extremely friendly and more than accommodating when it comes to any problems. I lost my mat at the studio once, and Mike (owner) just gave me a new, pretty mat for free! All the instructors know what they are doing. They have had training on various body parts, and it's surprising how much they actually know about the practice. If you need clarification on any pose, the staff is happy to answer after class. I DEFINITELY do not think they are """"unsupportive."""" There are usually around 50 people in the studio when I go. You can't personally guide every person during the class. It is true that some instructors will talk to you / name you in class. This is not done to make you feel embarrassed. They will even name and compliment you in class if you are doing an outstanding job, which always makes me proud and pushes me to work harder. If anything, I think that makes the instructors more supportive. Even in a crowded room filled with tons of people, they take the time to remember your name and help improve your poses. If you are embarrassed by being called out, because you think the students' attentions are being focused on you, get over yourself, we're much too involved trying to better ourselves to be watching your moves. ps: I love freeze pops...a much better perk than the cold wash cloths I've received at other studios."" more

I've practiced bikram at three different studios and this one blows the competition out of the water. Moving here from Oakland, at first I was a little off-put at the headset vibe. However, my annoyance dissipated by the end of the session, when I had been pushed farther than ever before, despite not having practiced for three months. Six weeks later, I am as fit as I've ever been in my life, and feel amazing. (Seriously, I both weigh less and have more muscle tone than I did when I was in high school!) All of the instructors are fabulous and help you truly focus on improving every single day. I'm only sad that, on my pathetic student budget, this will probably be my last month for a while. What will I do??! Also, seriously, this is the least smelly bikram studio I've ever been to. Yes, it smells awful the first couple of times, but you do quickly get used to it. Moreover, I noticed, over the past few weeks, it's hardly smelled at all. Either I am completely used to the stench, or my sweat actually stinks less than it used to. (Or, of course, a combination of both.) Detox, baby! Therefore, I would hazard a guess that when people first start coming, they're not just noticing a sweat smell with which they usually don't come into contact, but are really smelling their own crap. Finally: OTTER POPS!!!!!!! PERFECTION. more

All the staff members are very personable and down to earth. more

I am still a new yogini. I have only been practicing for about 4 months now, but I have been to other Bikram yoga studios, and this one definitely tops the list. The staff is extremely friendly and more than accommodating when it comes to any problems. more

All the instructors there are fantastic, but my favorites are Erin and Conni. For some reason they make the class go by faster and they always give really good constructive criticism on what you can be improving without pushing your limits too hard. more

I am a self-confessed Bikram yoga addict, and it's all thanks to these guys. You could call me biased, because this was the place where it all started for me, but the only reason why ""it"" started at all is because this place is so great!! more

The teachers are all very good and compassionate, willing to take the time to help you personally if you need it and allow you to rest when you need it. more