Kundalini Yoga in The Loop - Chicago
About Kundalini Yoga in the Loop (KYL) - First in the "Loop"
There’s a section of downtown Chicago that is edged by an elevated train. The ‘El’ as that train is called literally ‘loops’ around downtown Chicago in a rectangle for 1.79 miles. That rectangular railway ‘loop’ has given its name to the downtown Chicago area most commonly known as the ‘Loop.’
When Shakta Kaur first started teaching Kundalini Yoga in Chicago she taught at different locations inside the ‘Loop.’ And, because she was the only Kundalini Yogi teaching ‘in the loop’ that’s how she began marketing her classes. Shakta’s advertisements always began with the headline, ‘Kundalini Yoga in the Loop!’
When the opportunity to have her own yoga studio in downtown Chicago came she was frequently asked what she was going to name the space. Was she was going to name it after herself, a la ‘Shakta Yoga?’ ‘No,’ was always Shakta’s reply. ‘I’ve invested time & money into ‘Kundalini Yoga in the Loop (KYL).’ Why would I change that name now?!’
Now entering its 19th year of service KYL offers the following services to locals and visitors alike including:
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Kundalini Yoga / Meditation classes (in-person and online)
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Breathwalk (walking meditation) classes and instructor training programs
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Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training programs
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Gong and Mantra Workshops
Studio Teachers - The Warm Hearts at KYL
Since its opening KYL has offered exclusively Kundalini Yoga and Meditation classes, workshops, courses and Teacher Trainings. Every Sunday, prior to the pandemic, after the morning class ends students are invited to stay for a vegetarian potluck meal with Shakta. ‘Whether you bring something to share or not,’ Shakta says, ‘you always get to eat!’ (Check out our recipe collection here!)
Guests of KYL who move to other cities frequently re-connect with Shakta to reminisce about the ‘warm hearts at KYL’ who made them feel so welcome and at home. ‘Don’t ever take for granted what you do for people at KYL, Shakta,’ one student recently emailed. ‘You can’t find the love and the ‘I’m home’ feeling of KYL at any other yoga studio. I know … because I’ve tried!’
Students at all levels of yoga are always welcome! If you have any questions about our hours, classes, or events, please call us at 312-922-4699 or email info@shaktakaur.com.
Shakta Kaur Kezios
KYL Owner, Level III Teacher
Shakta Kaur, E-RYT-500 is a Level 1 and Level 2 Lead Trainer. She is also a graduate of Level 3. Shakta owns Kundalini Yoga in the Loop (KYL), teaches Kundalini Yoga internationally, and is certified to train Breathwalk Instructors (walking meditation). In 1987 she founded Women in Franchising, Inc. (WIF); in 1993 she founded the American Franchisee Association (AFA); from 2004-2008 she served in multiple capacities representing 3HO on the Board of Directors of Yoga Alliance (YA) including Secretary, Chair of the Board and Interim President/CEO.
KYL in the Fine Arts Building
KYL was opened on Guru Ram Das’* birthday in October of 2003. KYL is housed on the 5th floor of the National Historic Landmark building called The Fine Arts Building (the FAB - picture below), 410 S. Michigan Ave., Ste. 514, Chicago, Illinois, 60605.
True to its name, the FAB also houses artists' lofts, art galleries, theatre & dance studios, interior and web design firms, musical instrument makers, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and other businesses associated with the visual, performing and healing arts.
The FAB is the last building in the entire city of Chicago with ‘man-operated’ elevators! Grant Park, Chicago’s ‘front lawn’ and the home of Buckingham Fountain as well as the Petrillo Music Shell, is directly across the street from the FAB.
*Guru Ram Das is the 4th of the ten Gurus of Sikhism. He lived from 1534-1581. He founded the city of Amritsar, India, and began the construction of the Harimander Sahib (the Golden Temple) there. Yogi Bhajan considered Guru Ram Das his teacher ‘on the astral plane.’
