What is Mysore-style Ashtanga?

In a Mysore-style class, students practice side by side, each at the pace of their own breath, while the teacher gives individual instruction. You learn the sequence a little at a time and add more when you're ready, so there's nothing to memorize up front.

Can a beginner come to the Practice Room?

Yes. You don't need to know the sequence or be flexible. Reach out to Rich by email or phone before your first morning so he knows you're coming. The Ashtanga Foundations series is another good way in.

Ashtanga practitioners traditionally rest on new and full moon days. There's no Ashtanga morning practice on those days, though other classes still run.

Comfortable clothes and a water bottle. Mats are available to borrow at no charge, so you can just show up. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to settle in and say hello to your teacher.

How much does it cost?

Drop-in $30. Class packs and memberships cover the Practice Room and the Led class. The Discovery Pass doesn't include the Practice Room, which has its own way in: reach out to Rich, or start with Ashtanga Foundations, $120 for the four-week series.

Ashtanga yoga in ChicagoTraditional practice. Personal guidance. Quiet strength.

Ashtanga is a set sequence of postures linked by breath. You learn it a piece at a time and can practice it for a lifetime. Rich Gonshak teaches it in the lineage of Mysore-style teaching, and studied closely with senior teacher David Garrigues, who treats Ashtanga as a living tradition that supports physical, psychological and spiritual growth.

Email Rich about the Practice Room New? Try 14 days for $79

Rich helping a student into a deep backbend against the painted sun mural

What to expect

The Ashtanga Practice Room is the center of the program. It runs early in the morning, and everyone moves through their own practice at their own pace, with individual cues and hands-on help from Rich. Postures are broken down, props and drills are used, and you build the skills for a steady practice of your own. You don't need to know the sequence or be flexible. Before your first morning, please reach out to Rich by email or phone.

Ashtanga Yoga Led takes the whole room through the traditional sequence together, usually the Primary Series. It's a rigorous class that builds strength, flexibility and endurance. If you're new, start with guidance and build up gradually.

For complete beginners, Rich runs Ashtanga Foundations, a four-week series of two-hour Saturday sessions on breath, posture, transitions and body awareness, in a small group. The full series is $120, and new dates are posted on the schedule.

“Since beginning my Ashtanga practice about four months ago, I'm the strongest and most flexible I've ever been. I'm less anxious and more present.”
Jillian, Ashtanga student

When it runs

Every week

Mondays7:30 AM, 120 minwith Rich
Tuesdays7:30 AM, 120 minwith Rich
Wednesdays7:30 AM, 120 minwith Rich
Thursdays7:30 AM, 120 minwith Rich
Fridays7:30 AM, 90 minwith Rich
Saturdays8:30 AM, 120 minwith Rich

Next dates

Tuesday, October 6 at 7:30 AMBook
Wednesday, October 7 at 7:30 AMBook
Thursday, October 8 at 7:30 AMBook
Friday, October 9 at 7:30 AMBook

Full weekly schedule

Coming from Wicker Park or Logan Square? Yoga near Wicker Park Yoga near Logan Square

Your teacher

Rich Gonshakashtanga & vinyasa

Frequently asked questions

What is Mysore-style Ashtanga?: In a Mysore-style class, students practice side by side, each at the pace of their own breath, while the teacher gives individual instruction. You learn the sequence a little at a time and add more when you're ready, so there's nothing to memorize up front.
Can a beginner come to the Practice Room?: Yes. You don't need to know the sequence or be flexible. Reach out to Rich by email or phone before your first morning so he knows you're coming. The Ashtanga Foundations series is another good way in.
What are moon days?: Ashtanga practitioners traditionally rest on new and full moon days. There's no Ashtanga morning practice on those days, though other classes still run.
What should I bring?: Comfortable clothes and a water bottle. Mats are available to borrow at no charge, so you can just show up. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to settle in and say hello to your teacher.
How much does it cost?: Drop-in $30. Class packs and memberships cover the Practice Room and the Led class. The Discovery Pass doesn't include the Practice Room, which has its own way in: reach out to Rich, or start with Ashtanga Foundations, $120 for the four-week series.