Workshops
& Events

PAST EVENT Inversion Workshop
July 29th at 12pm

At BSY, most classes end with a brief inversion practice but there's only so much you can do in 5-10 minutes. This workshop is for anyone who wishes for more time "at the wall." We'll do an abbreviated class to warm us up for our inversion practice, and then spend the majority of the workshop focusing on the mechanics and fundamentals of Forearm Balance (Pincha Mayurasana), Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana), and some fun variations.

This workshop will include options for a wide range of practitioners.

PAST EVENT Partner Yoga Workshop
December 10th at 12pm

Think: using people as props. You'll team up with your partner to get more leverage in forward folds, lift in backbends, and stability in balancing poses. Plus, we'll work on a few simple adjustments that you can use to help each other in poses. This workshop is suitable for all levels. So grab a partner who’s in your bubble (significant other, friend, family member, roommate, etc.) and let’s have some fun! This workshop will be held online and in-studio. Cost: $20 per person.

PAST EVENT: Join us Sunday evening, June 27th for an evening of Kirtan to raise money to help support India at this time.
 
We'll sing mantras, dance, open our hearts, and raise our vibration and consciousness to send out healing energy to all the suffering in India.

All donations received will be sent to a GoFundMe account through Sattva Yoga America, Inc. who is working with the Khushi Charitable Society to provide resources to the local community of Rishikesh in the form of medical supplies and care, food, clothing, etc. and will ensure these resources will support those with the greatest need.

View more info and send your donation to the GoFundMe account

PAST EVENT - YOGA INTENSIVE: 
ARM BALANCES
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
AT 10:30AM

On Sunday, September 19th at 10:30am, join Nicolette for a class focused on all things strength and balance! This class will be challenging—think spicy level—we'll break down alignment in some of our favorite arm balances and work on transitions linking them. This intensive is $20.

PAST EVENT: Partner Yoga Workshop

Think: using people as props. You'll team up with your partner to get more leverage in forward folds, lift in backbends, and stability in balancing poses. Plus, we'll work on a few simple adjustments that you can use to help each other in poses. This workshop is suitable for all levels. So grab a partner who’s in your bubble (significant other, friend, family member, roommate, etc.) and let’s have some fun! This workshop will be held online and in-studio. Cost: $20 per person.

PAST EVENT: Restorative Teaching Intensive,  Saturday, November 19th
12-5pm

This intensive will cover the essentials of what you need to know to successfully teach a restorative yoga class. Sequencing, flow, adjustments, prop usage, and modifications will be covered. The class will include practicing restorative poses, giving and receiving hands-on adjustments, lectures, Q&A, and opportunities to practice teaching. You'll receive lecture slides (printed), access to a PDF of restorative poses, and a few pre-written sequences. It’s geared towards anyone who wants to learn more about restorative yoga instructors and students alike! Cost: $150

PAST EVENT: Embodied Solidarity for Palestine: Somatics, Yoga, and Sound Healing

We invite Palestinians, SWANA/BIPOC and allies to join us for a somatic/yoga class and sound bath meditation. Our intention is to bridge the work of embodiment and activism, knowing that our yoga is incomplete without prioritizing somatic tools and ethics for liberation, as well as holding space for the energetic body to find harmony and rest through sound, movement, and vibration.

This is a tenderly held space to support, relax, and honor our bodies and spirits to more holistically mobilize for the liberation of the Palestinian people.

Please bring a mat if you have one (limited supply available) and wear comfortable clothing to move in.

No yoga or meditation experience required—all levels welcome. This event is free and participants are encouraged to donate to the Palestine in Pain Campaign on behalf of this event.

Organized by:
@zalkalby - Zaineb Al-Kalby (200 E-RYT, 300 HR RYT & Somatic Coach) @yogawithamera - Amera Al-Ali (200 E-RYT, MSN, RN, BSN, Registered Nurse, Sound Meditation Facilitator)

@chicagoartistsagainstgenocide
@bigshouldersyoga
Endorsed by:
@chicagoartistsagainstgenocide
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PAST EVENT: Yoga with your Dog
August 12th at 12pm

Come do Downward Dog with your DOG! Part yoga class for humans and part puppy playtime. We'll attempt to do a mild yoga practice while the pups mingle and maybe even incorporate them in a few poses. You are welcome to come if you don't have a dog but need some puppylove. All dogs must be up-to-date on their vaccines.

Embodied Liberation: Cleanse and Calibrate
A Yoga & Sound Bath Event for Palestine

Led by Zaineb Al-Kalby and Amera Al-Ali

@zalkalby - Zaineb Al-Kalby (200 E-RYT, 300 HR RYT & Somatic Coach)
@yogawithamera - Amera Al-Ali (200 E-RYT, MSN, RN, BSN, Registered
Nurse, Sound Meditation Facilitator)

When:
Sun February 25 from 5-7 pm CT

We invite Palestinians, allies, community care & movement practitioners, and other emerging students of spiritual ethics and liberation to an intimate yoga and sound bath experience. This event will explore the significance of the intersections of spiritual liberation, science, anatomy, kundalini, energy, vibration, and collectivism through the theme and practice of cleansing and calibration.
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The space is gender inclusive, all abilities/levels/backgrounds friendly with on site restrooms and changing rooms. Please bring your own mat and wear a mask, we have limited quantities available for rental.

No yoga, sound, music, or science background is required.

10% of ticket sales will go directly to support Palestine during this time.

Cost (Sliding Scale):
Pay it Forward - $40
Supporter - $30
Sustainer - $20

Family Yoga Workshop
Saturday, March 9th

Ready to introduce the younger members of your family to yoga or looking for a way to connect as a family? Try Family Yoga with Janna on Saturday, March 9th, 12:30-1:30pm! Family Yoga will be similar to a Mild level class, with a little more playfulness and opportunities for some partner poses. This class is best for families with kids 5-12  (the age rage is flexible and depends child to child). $12 per person, sign up in our calendar! Note: create an account for each person attending (you can use a fake email address for the children you're registering). Email info@bigshouldersyoga.com if you have any questions.

Aligning Hips and Heart
Sunday, March 10th

Led by @ZALKALBY - Zaineb Al-Kalby (200 E-RYT, 300 HR RYT & Somatic Coach)

When: Sunday, March 10 from 5-6:30pm CT

Inviting Palestinians, SWANA/BIPOC folx, allies, solidarity organizers, community care & movement practitioners, and other emerging students of spiritual ethics and liberation to an all-levels hatha-alignment yoga practice. This event will take the time to use alignment yoga techniques to clear space in our shoulders, hips, and hearts as we continue to build capacity and community during this overwhelming time.
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The space is gender inclusive, all abilities/levels/backgrounds friendly with on site restrooms and changing rooms. Please bring your own mat and wear a mask, we have limited quantities available for rental.

No yoga background is required.

10% of ticket sales will go directly to support Palestine during this time.

Cost (Sliding Scale):
Pay it Forward - $40
Supporter - $30
Sustainer - $20

The Science & Spirit of Sound
Vibration, Frequency, & the Bodies’ Language

Led by Amera Al-Ali, RYT-200, MSN, RN

‍When:
Sat April 20 from 6-7:30 pm CT

This unique experience is intended for those curious about sound, vibrations, frequencies, and the ways in which these various elements interact with our spirit and energy bodies as well as our physical bodies. This container is highly intended for those who hold unique identities, are practitioners of movement practices, or are simply deepening their understanding of themselves at the intersection of various interests including science, anatomy, spirituality, sound, vibration, and energetic fields.
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Each interactive session will culminate in an intimate sound bath experience.
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You need not attend all 3 sound sessions to benefit from the program, but are encouraged to attend monthly for maximum benefit from the content and experiences offered in each unique container. This is a gender inclusive space; we welcome all abilities, levels and backgrounds. No sound, music, or science experience required.
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Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a notepad, mat, water, and any other materials you enjoy for relaxation. Bolsters and blankets provided in the space for those in need of physical support materials. The space is all abilities friendly with on-site restrooms, changing rooms, and filtered water stations. If you require any special accommodations, please reach out to the facilitator directly.
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10% of all ticket sales will go directly to support Palestine at this time.

Cost (Sliding Scale):
Pay it Forward - $40
Supporter - $30
Sustainer - $20
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Embark on a Chakra Journey: Discovering Inner Alignment through Asana

Led by Kate Hardwick

‍When:
Saturday, May 11th at 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Curious about the chakras and their significance in your practice? Join BSY instructor, Kate Hardwick, for an immersive two-hour workshop delving into these energy centers within the body. Gain insights not only into your internal balance but also into how they shape your connections and interactions in the world.

The workshop will begin with the foundation and fundamentals, exploring the definitions, elements, and underlying philosophy of the main seven energy centers. Through a dynamic Asana practice, we’ll delve deeper into these concepts with centering mantras, elevating chants, and energizing bandhas to channel the energy upward and experience firsthand how sensation, emotion, and energy flow within your body.  A guided meditation to provide a tranquil space for introspection and listening to the messages your body holds, will close the session.

The subtle body offers immense wisdom if we can train ourselves to quiet our minds and learn to listen.  From relationships to creativity, personal power to spiritual evolution, the chakras intricately intertwine with every aspect of life.  Leave equipped with tools and a newfound curiosity, ready to explore the depths of self-understanding. Join us to awaken your potential and embark on a transformative journey of empowerment and self-discovery!

Cost: $35
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PAST EVENT Revolutionary Rest: Restorative Yoga & Palestinian Poetry

Inviting Palestinians, SWANA/BIPOC folx, solidarity organizers, community care practitioners, allies, and emerging students of spiritual ethics and liberation to a restorative yoga (low/no intensity) guided by brief reflections and writing prompts, and featuring poetry by Palestinian writers and models of resistance Mahmoud Darwish and Ghassan Kanafani.

Any form of resistance particularly through body reclamation practices is deeply political and inherently revolutionary as we take back and claim agency in all the ways we think, feel, and act in our lives. Join me in allowing space for restful processing and Palestinian poetry as we continue to build collective power and resilience towards a more liberated world.This is a low/no intensity class, open to all levels, no yoga experience required.

The space is gender inclusive, all abilities/levels/backgrounds friendly with on site restrooms and changing rooms.

A portion of ticket sales will go directly to displaced GZ families and charity/donation disclosures will be sent to registered attendees.

Led by Zaineb Al-Kalby, @zalkalby 500 HR RYT & Somatic Coach

Cost (Sliding Scale)
$20 - Sustainer
$30 - Supporter
$40 - Pay it Forward

Friday, December 13th at 7:30pm
Embodied Sumud: Steadfastness Through Solidarity Yoga with Zaineb Al-Kalby

Sumud is a Palestinian cultural value, political strategy, and ideological theme that refers to the idea of steadfastness and resilience in the face of oppression and adversity. It is often used to describe the nonviolent resistance of Palestinians against the Israeli occupation.
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Our political landscape continues to advance against globally suppressed populations and emphasizes the effort to break our spirits and create fear. It is a fundamental part of our resistance to remain connected and embrace our will to thrive while strengthening our connection to each other and those suffering most.
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We invite Palestinians, SWANA/BIPOC folks, solidarity organizers, community care practitioners, allies, and emerging students of spiritual ethics to join us for this speciality solidarity yoga class.
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This session will be held in person and virtually on Zoom.
It is a blended yoga format of mild hatha alignment and restorative yoga. Open to all levels, no yoga experience required.The space is gender inclusive, all abilities/levels/backgrounds friendly with on site restrooms and changing rooms.

A portion of ticket sales will go directly to displaced Gazan families and charity/donation disclosures will be sent to registered attendees.
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This session is designed to support our community, if the priced ticket is a financial barrier preventing you from participating, please reach out to zalkalby@gmail.com directly.
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Sliding scale $20-45
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Saturday, November 9
12:30-2:30pm
Mastering Vinyasa - The Art of Inversions and Standing Postures with Malik Khalid

Mastering Vinyasa - The Art of Inversions and Standing Postures is a focused 2-hour master class designed to refine your practice with an emphasis on bandhas, a posture clinic, and the integration of ballet techniques to strengthen standing postures. We will explore the basics of starting an inversion practice, with detailed breakdowns of headstand (Sirsasana) and forearm stand (Pincha Mayurasana). Additionally, we'll work through High Lunge and Bird of Paradise (Svarga Dvijasana), providing insights into the alignment and strength required for these powerful poses. This workshop is perfect for students looking to deepen their practice and gain confidence in inversions and complex standing postures.

‍Who this workshop is for:
This workshop is ideal for intermediate to advanced practitioners who want to refine their technique and deepen their understanding of inversions and standing postures. Beginners with a strong foundation are also welcome.

‍What to bring:
Students should bring a yoga mat, a towel, and water. Blocks and straps will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

‍Key Benefits:
·Deepen your understanding of bandhas and their application in yoga postures
·Learn how ballet techniques can enhance your balance and strength

·Gain confidence in starting or refining your inversion practiceReceive personalized adjustments and feedback in a supportive environment

‍Instructor Qualifications: I bring a unique blend of experience to my teaching, with a background in dance and years of exploration in other modalities like jazz fusion and ballet. My study of various yoga lineages, including Forrest, Ashtanga, 26&2 and Iyengar, has allowed me to highlight the best aspects of these practices. This enables me to create an optimal sequence that focuses on rejuvenation and blissfulness, offering students a transformative experience in both body and mind.

This class is $30 - Space is limited - Register today!
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Community Yoga: every other Saturday

Yoga is for everybody and every body, but there are many valid reasons that certain groups can feel excluded from yoga as a movement practice. Community classes are an opportunity for folks to experience yoga in a new way, surrounded by people who have common identities or experiences! Each class is geared toward a particular affinity group that is underrepresented in yoga (ex. LGBTQ+, POC, etc.) and is completely beginner-friendly. Interactions with the teacher and fellow students and questions are encouraged! If you've ever been intimidated by yoga or struggled to find your belonging in a typical studio space, this class is for you! After class, we will have tea and snacks in our lobby and encourage folks to hang out for a bit to connect with community members :) 
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, July 13th, 1-2pm - Queer Community Yoga (FREE)
Saturday, July 27th, 1-2pm - BIPOC Community Yoga (FREE)
Saturday, August 10th, 1-2pm - Queer Community Yoga
Saturday, August 24th, 1-2pm - BIPOC Community Yoga

Please pre-register via the calendar on our schedule page. Explore pricing options, including sliding scale class packs on our prices page.
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Full Moon Sound Bath & Tea with Amera Al-Ali, Saturday, July 20th 6pm-7:30pm

You are a living energy field. Your body is composed of energy-producing particles, each of which is in constant motion, vibrating at a unique frequency.
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So, like everything and everyone else in the universe, you are matter, you are vibrating and you are creating + transforming energy. This intricate energy network needs care, rest, and attention. My hope is that through this unique experience, you walk away feeling lifted and cared for so that you can move more gently and kindly in this world.

Join me at Big Shoulders Yoga for a sound bath meant to help support this natural untangling and refining process. Rest, relax, and let the vibrations interact with your body and mind.

Bring a mat and pillow, limited supplies will be available.

Cost: $33

Monthly Happy Hour
Following the 5:30pm class

Join us for a community Happy Hour following the 5:30pm class (6:45pm-ish) one Friday a month! We'll have snacks and drinks but feel free to bring something to share.

Upcoming Dates:
TBD
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Saturday, March 22nd, 1:00pm-2:05pm
Yoga for Abortion Access

Join BSY instructor, Brianna Ssuslovic, for a mild yoga class benefitting the Chicago Abortion Fund!

This class is open to all who show proof of donation upon arrival.

To make a donation in advance to Chicago Abortion Fund, please use this link: https://tinyurl.com/CAFyoga2025
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Somatic Solidarity: Meditative Mobilization, Myofascial Release, & Self-Massage with Zaineb Al-Kalby
Friday, March 7th @ 7:30pm

"We carry our issues in our tissues" is an expression referencing the thoughts and emotions that we carry as pain, knots, stiffness, discomfort, and even misalignment in our muscles and connective tissue.

Please join us in our first meditative mobilization, myofascial release, and self-massage session where we will be addressing the upper body (head, neck, shoulders, chest, back, & diaphragm) as a first step to releasing and processing deeper tensions that we carry.

This session is a blended yoga format of mild hatha alignment yoga and self-massage using myofascial release techniques involving gravity, body weight, our own hands, and a tennis ball. This time together will allow us to grow a deeper relationship with our bodies and the signals and sensations we experience.
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We invite Palestinians, SWANA/BIPOC folks, solidarity organizers, community care practitioners, allies, and emerging students of spiritual ethics to join us for this speciality solidarity class. As our political climate continues to shift, any form of resistance particularly through body reclamation practices is deeply political as we claim agency in the ways we think, feel, and act in our lives.
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Open to all levels, no yoga experience required.

The space is gender inclusive, all abilities/levels/backgrounds friendly with on site restrooms and changing rooms. Masks required.

A portion of ticket sales will go directly to displaced families in GZ and charity/donation disclosures will be sent to registered attendees.

This session is designed to support our community, if the priced ticket is a financial barrier preventing you from participating, please reach out to zalkalby@gmail.com directly.

Registration fee: sliding scale $20-45
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