What’s Ahimsa?
Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word that means non-violence or non-harming in thought or deed. It’s one of the first pieces of yoga philosophy.
Our vision is to become a yoga sanctuary where you can find classes all day long, trainings to further your growth, special events and workshops, trainings, retreats, ethically sourced products and instruments, and more.
We aspire to be a place where you feel safe, special, and at peace. We hope you feel at home here.
Welcome to the Ahimsa Family.
Our Values
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
Ahimsa’s History
Ahimsa started out as a dream of Kelly Merydith’s while she was in college at Northeastern University in Boston. Shortly after graudating, she received her teacher training certification from YogaWorks and and began looking for a finance job in Chicago. Long story short, that didn’t happen and Kelly was able to open Ahimsa with money she made babysitting that year.
Kelly, with the help of her father, Chuck Merydith, worked tirelessly to open Ahimsa Oak Park in May of 2011.
Ahimsa Berwyn was born in 2015 from Masin Ouksel’s idea to leave the taxing rat race and live a life of meaningful purpose. Since then, Masin and Kelly have worked together to bring Ahimsa to the Western suburbs of Chicago.
Ahimsa’s team now consists of Kelly’s mom Carol Buer, Ahimsa’s Worskstudy Coordinator, Kelly’s sister, Ashley Harrington, Customer Care, Christiane Broihier, Ahimsa’s events manager, Ahimsa Berwyn’s Manager Mona McDougall, Ahimsa’s Regional Manager, Madison Dillenbeck, and others.
Now we offer 5 beautiful studios - Oak Park, Berwyn, Evanston, Elmhurst, Chicago, and a Sound School nestled in the lobbies of Ahimsa Oak Park, Evanston, and Chicago with events at all locations.