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 18th 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 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!’
Walk-ins and 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.
Gian Prem Kaur
Level I (200-hr) Instructor
Gian Prem Kaur began practicing Kundalini Yoga in 2014. She completed her Level 1 (200-hr) certification in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan® with Shakta Kaur in Madison, WI. Gian Prem has been teaching at KYL since 2015. She teaches from a place of pure love knowing how much this sacred science has enhanced and helped her life. Students say Gian Prem teaches from a genuine commitment to sharing Kundalini Yoga and Meditation to help others.
Dyal Tera Kaur
Level I (200-hr) Instructor
Mallory, Dyal Tera: Dyal is one who is filled with kindness and compassion. Tera means yours, or one who belongs to God. She grew up working and practicing daily in a yoga studio where she learned Dharma Yoga (Hatha yoga) and Jivamukti Yoga (vinyasa flow). She is certified from Dharma Yoga NYC (500-hr) Levels 1 and 2, the National Personal Training Institute - Strength Training/Nutrition, Saul David Ray Ritam Healing Arts (250-hr) Levels 1 and 2, and also studied at the Exhale Center For Sacred Movement. She completed her Level 1 RYT (200-hr) certification in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan® during 2018 with Shakta Kaur in Chicago. Dyal Tera loves being with her family, puppy, spending time outdoors, the arts, and laughing a lot! As her name says - she is ready when you are, and can't wait to meet you!
Tej Karam Singh
Level I (200-hr) Instructor
Tej Karam (Tom Ford) is a certified Level 1 (200-hr) Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Instructor (IKYTA Member) who has been practicing Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan® since 2013 and teaching since 2014. He normally teaches the Wednesday night Kundalini "After Work" Yoga class from 6pm to 7pm and is a regular "third gong" player at both the monthly Gong and Mantra as well as Extreme Gong and Mantra nights. This yogi enjoys all things sound related (especially the symphony), is the proud owner of 3 symphonic gongs, and is passionate about providing LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies with a safe, non-judgmental space where they can practice and develop their yoga and meditation skills.
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.’