In this guide, we've curated a list of the top 5 private yoga teachers in Chicago. Each instructor has been selected based on their expertise, qualifications, and commitment to providing personalized yoga instruction. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, manage stress, or simply find a moment of peace in your day, these instructors offer something for everyone.
I am passionate about yoga and have been practicing for over 20 years. However, due to chronic back pain that started in my childhood, I often found myself struggling during group yoga classes. Even though I knew to "go at your own pace," I would unconsciously push myself to match the teacher’s speed or keep up with others, which often worsened my back issues. A few years ago, I discovered private yoga through an online teacher, and the experience was transformative—my back pain significantly improved. Since then, I have become a firm believer in the benefits of private yoga.
Private yoga allows for personalized attention and adjustments, which can greatly enhance the overall practice, especially for those dealing with physical limitations or looking for a more tailored experience. However, I noticed that the number of teachers offering private sessions is limited, and there’s a lack of comprehensive information on how to choose the right private yoga teacher.
This article aims to provide a useful guide for individuals seeking a private yoga teacher who suits their unique needs. I hope this resource helps you find the perfect teacher and experience the many benefits of private yoga.
To ensure that you're getting the best private yoga instruction in Chicago, we've used the following criteria to select these top 5 instructors:
Personal Website: Each instructor maintains a personal website, allowing easy access to information and booking.
Private Class Availability: All instructors offer private yoga sessions as part of their services. In addition,
we've scored each instructor on a variety of factors:
| Criterion | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Experience | 15 points |
3 pt: Not mentioned or less than 4 years 5 pt: 5–9 years 10 pt: 10–14 years 15 pt: 15 or more years |
| Qualifications | 20 points |
5 pt: Not mentioned 10 pt: RYT 200 only 15 pt: E-RYT 200, RYT 500, or other qualifications 20 pt: E-RYT 500, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, or Sivananda Yoga |
| Social Media Followers | 10 points |
3 pt: Not mentioned or fewer than 500 followers 5 pt: 500–999 followers 7 pt: 1,000–4,999 followers 10 pt: 5,000 or more followers |
| Comprehensive Private Yoga Offering & Focus | 15 points |
5 pt: Not mentioned 10 pt: Briefly mentioned 15 pt: Extensively mentioned |
| Availability | 15 points |
3 pt: No mention 5 pt: Mentions home visits or studio appointments 10 pt: Calendar with available time slots shown 15 pt: Calendar displayed with abundant time slots available |
| Price (60 min) | 25 points |
3 pt: No mention of pricing 5 pt: $150 or more 10 pt: $125–$149 15 pt: $100–$124 20 pt: $75–$99 25 pt: Less than $75 |
※Please note that these scores are subjective and meant to serve as a guide. Different individuals may prioritize different aspects when choosing an instructor.
Maile Wicklander, founder of TULA Yoga Studio in Chicago, combines her extensive expertise in psychology, somatics, and yoga to guide students toward holistic healing and self-awareness. As a RYT-500 yoga instructor and a qualified MBSR teacher from Brown University, Maile’s teaching integrates gentle, mindful movements with elements of yoga, somatics, and functional movement. Her classes are designed to strengthen both body and mind, focusing on trauma recovery, interoception, and mindfulness. Maile’s unique approach, known as SomaYoga, blends yoga asana, neuroscience, and breathwork to enhance body awareness and release tension patterns, creating a supportive space for healing and self-discovery.
Maile’s SomaYoga sessions are ideal for those seeking personalized support in managing chronic pain, recovering from injury, or navigating stress and trauma. Her private and group classes cater to a range of needs, from individuals new to yoga to those with more advanced practice goals. Ideal for clients interested in mindfulness, gentle movement, and functional stability, Maile’s sessions incorporate meditation, pranayama, and somatic practices, making them especially suitable for those managing anxiety, PTSD, or postural imbalances. With in-person and virtual options, Maile’s therapeutic approach supports clients in fostering greater physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Visit Maile Wicklander
April brings a dynamic blend of yoga, dance, and fitness expertise, developed since her early years. Growing up immersed in movement—from dance classes to cross-training at her father’s boxing gym—April discovered her passion for yoga while in college in the SF Bay Area. She is certified through YogaWorks, where she completed her 200-hour YTT in Fiji, and her teaching style reflects her dance background, emphasizing flow, strength, and flexibility in a mindful Vinyasa approach. April’s knowledge extends beyond yoga, incorporating experience with spin, HIIT, boxing, and even crystal healing, adding depth to her awareness of the subtle energy body. Her classes are crafted to foster connection, helping students of all backgrounds find grounding and presence.
April’s private yoga sessions are ideal for beginners, athletes, or anyone seeking personalized guidance. Beginners can ease into yoga at their own pace, asking questions in a comfortable one-on-one setting. Athletes can benefit from sequences designed to enhance mobility, flexibility, and recovery, complementing their specific sport. April’s private sessions also support clients recovering from injuries and those at a plateau who want a fresh, engaging approach to their practice. With her individualized guidance, students receive precise alignment support and tailored sequences, whether they aim to deepen their practice or explore mindful movement as a pathway to balance and well-being.
Visit April Falcon
Cindy Huston is a multi-talented yoga educator, Reiki Master Teacher, and massage therapist with over 28 years of experience in teaching and choreography. As the owner of Yoga Body Elements LLC, Cindy integrates her background in Bhakti Vinyasa, restorative yoga, energy healing, and dance to offer a holistic approach to wellness. She holds certifications in Reiki, massage therapy, and Hoopnotica, and has created a guided yoga CD, "Restorative Yoga with Cindy Huston." Cindy’s teachings focus on balancing the physical and energetic body while embodying the bhakti “heart center.” With extensive experience in performing arts and her dedication to ceremonial cacao practices, Cindy brings a unique blend of creativity, spirituality, and technical expertise to her sessions.
Cindy’s offerings are ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive approach to healing and wellness. Her private yoga sessions, energy healing practices, and massage therapy are designed to address both physical and energetic imbalances. Cindy’s expertise in Bhakti Vinyasa and restorative yoga makes her classes suitable for those seeking heart-centered practices and deep relaxation. Her continuing education courses, including Reiki training and restorative yoga teacher training, cater to aspiring and experienced practitioners looking to expand their skills. Cindy’s ceremonial cacao gatherings provide a unique spiritual experience, making her an excellent guide for those exploring holistic and transformative practices.
Visit Cindy Huston
Mary Bosak is a dedicated yoga teacher with a deeply personal understanding of the transformative power of yoga. With over 3,200 teaching hours and an E-RYT 200 certification, she combines extensive training with master teachers like Seane Corn and Jason Crandell with her years of experience as an elementary school teacher. Mary’s journey began as a way to manage the pain of fibromyalgia, neck, and spine injuries, leading her to profound physical, emotional, and mental healing. Her classes are approachable and tailored, emphasizing strength, flexibility, and a pain-free lifestyle. Mary’s teaching is infused with warmth, empathy, and an unwavering belief that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Mary’s private lessons are ideal for individuals seeking a personalized and transformative yoga experience. She specializes in helping clients manage chronic pain, increase strength and flexibility, and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. Her approach makes yoga accessible for beginners and meaningful for experienced practitioners. Whether you’re seeking to bond with friends through group sessions, improve workplace wellness, or deepen your personal practice, Mary’s in-person or Zoom sessions offer a customized and supportive environment. Her expertise and compassionate teaching make her a perfect guide for anyone ready to start or enhance their yoga journey.
Visit Mary Bosak
Jan Erkert is a multifaceted educator, artist, and advocate for embodied leadership with over three decades of experience. As a Certified 500-hour yoga teacher, Jan integrates her deep expertise in dance, anatomy, and kinesiology into her yoga practice, offering a transformative blend of Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, and creative movement. She is a Professor Emerita and former Head of the University of Illinois Dance Department, where her leadership championed anti-racist, ethical, and progressive practices. As a celebrated Artistic Director and Fulbright Scholar, Jan's work spans over 70 critically acclaimed dance pieces performed worldwide. Her yoga classes are rooted in rigorous alignment, movement flow, and profound connections between body and spirit, creating open spaces for personal transformation.
Jan’s yoga offerings are ideal for individuals seeking a holistic and customized approach to movement and mindfulness. Her private lessons cater to those desiring a personalized practice adapted to their unique body and spirit, drawing from her rich background in dance and anatomy. Jan’s group classes emphasize efficient alignment, joyful movement, and the exploration of body-spiritual connections, making them suitable for practitioners of all levels. Her workshops, such as "Harnessing the Vayus," are perfect for those eager to deepen their practice through playful exploration of elemental energies. Whether you're a beginner or advanced yogi, Jan’s expert guidance inspires a healthy, fulfilling yoga journey.
Visit Jan Erkert
How did you find the list? I hope you've discovered the perfect yoga teacher to meet your needs. However, if you didn’t find a nearby teacher that suits you or if none of these options feel quite right, I encourage you to consider the next section on online private yoga as an alternative. While it may not fully replicate the experience of in-person sessions in-person experience, online private yoga offers the convenience of practicing from home anytime, along with the potential for cost savings. It's a great option worth considering.
One standout option for online private yoga is ONE OM ONE, an accessible platform offering affordable and high-quality personalized classes. For just $108 per month, you can access up to 30 personalized sessions—a fantastic deal for anyone looking to integrate yoga into their daily routine without breaking the bank. Supported by the largest yoga teacher training school in Japan and Malaysia, this platform guarantees top-notch instruction and reliable quality control.
Headquarters: Tokyo, San Diego
Number of Instructors: 20
Pricing: $58/month for weekly sessions
$98/month for twice-weekly sessions
Class Duration: 45 minutes
Best For: Those who prioritize having a wide range of instructor choices and prefer to customize their learning experience.
Visit ONE OM ONE
Private yoga offers a deeply personalized approach to enhancing your practice, whether you're working to alleviate physical discomfort, manage stress, or simply enjoy a more focused yoga experience. The teachers we've highlighted in this guide each bring a unique blend of expertise, passion, and flexibility to their teaching, making them excellent choices for students in San Diego who want to elevate their yoga journey. If you didn’t find the right teacher nearby or if your schedule demands greater flexibility, online private yoga options—like ONE OM ONE—are an excellent alternative. With personalized sessions from the comfort of your own home, you can still reap the benefits of one-on-one instruction without geographical or scheduling limitations. In any case, whether in-person or online, finding the right private yoga teacher can be a transformative experience. We hope this guide has helped you get one step closer to choosing the teacher that best suits your needs and goals. Start your journey today, and embrace the many rewards that personalized yoga can offer.
If you didn’t find the right teacher nearby or if your schedule demands greater flexibility, online private yoga options—like ONE OM ONE—are an excellent alternative. With personalized sessions from the comfort of your own home, you can still reap the benefits of one-on-one instruction without geographical or scheduling limitations.
In any case, whether in-person or online, finding the right private yoga teacher can be a transformative experience. We hope this guide has helped you get one step closer to choosing the teacher that best suits your needs and goals. Start your journey today, and embrace the many rewards that personalized yoga can offer.
Author: Hajime "Jimmy" Ito