Ahimsa means non-harming.
It is a Sanskrit word for non-violence in thought or deed, and one of the first pieces of yoga philosophy anyone learns. We named the studio after it because it is the thing we want you to feel the moment you walk in.
Our vision is to be a yoga sanctuary: classes all day long, trainings to further your growth, special events, workshops, retreats, and ethically sourced products and instruments.
We want this to be somewhere you feel safe, special, and at peace. Somewhere that feels like home.
Welcome to the Ahimsa family.
What we value
Community
Connection, service, friendship, and family.
Compassion
Respect, kindness, belonging, caring, and giving back.
Harmony
Balance, gratitude, vision, and health.
Integrity
Honesty, ethics, authenticity, and safety.
Excellence
Sustainability, clarity, collaboration, organization, adaptability, and innovation.
How Ahimsa started
Ahimsa began as Kelly Merydith's dream while she was at college at Northeastern University in Boston. Shortly after graduating she earned her teacher training certification from YogaWorks, then moved to Chicago to look for a job in finance.
Long story short, that didn't happen.
Kelly opened Ahimsa with money she had made babysitting that year.
With the help of her father, Chuck Merydith, she worked tirelessly to open Ahimsa Oak Park in May of 2011.
Ahimsa Berwyn followed in 2015, born out of Masin Ouksel's decision to leave the taxing rat race and build a life with more meaning in it. Since then, Masin and Kelly have worked together to bring Ahimsa across Chicago and the western suburbs.
The people behind it
Ahimsa has stayed a family business in the most literal sense, alongside a team that has been with us for years.
Five studios, and a sound school
You will find us in Oak Park, Berwyn, Evanston, Elmhurst, and Chicago, with the Ahimsa School of Sound Healing nestled in the lobbies at Oak Park, Evanston, and Chicago. Events run at every location.
See the schedule