What People Are Saying about TBY
“Unpretentious, welcoming, fun, easy to love.”
– JANE H.
“Anyone who wants to start a yoga practice should begin here.”
I have tried ALL of the yoga studios in the Northwest suburbs. Without a doubt, this is the best. The owners have created a studio with the perfect vibe. The practice area is large, clean, peaceful, and welcoming. All the teachers are professional, knowledgeable and make every student feel comfortable. Anyone who wants to start a yoga practice should begin here.
– SUSAN W.
“I have taught in hundreds of yoga studios worldwide and TBY Yoga is one of the true gems.”
Over the past 20 years, I have taught in hundreds of yoga studios worldwide and TBY Yoga is one of the true gems. Andrew and Julia have a two-pronged goal in their minds and hearts: to create community and uphold the yogic wisdom they value. As owners and leaders they have made a clear decision to operate from their beliefs and to provide consistent, yogic teachings both on and off the mat. They prioritize transparency and stand for their values with fortitude. I am proud to call them my friends and honored to be a visiting teacher at this outstanding studio.
– DESIREE R.
“Wow! Julia is truly a rare gem. I cannot recommend her YTT and yoga classes enough!” (YTT)
Wow! Julia is truly a rare gem and I am beyond grateful I found her. My dream was to complete my yoga teacher training in India to get an authentic experience, but once I realized I couldn't be a month away from my family, I luckily found Julia's yoga teacher training and it really is the next best thing! She stays true to yoga's roots - bringing in a Buddhist monk to teach us meditation, an expert on the Bhagavad Gita, and having us study yoga philosophy extensively. Her emphasis on alignment allows me to be a confident yoga instructor, and prevent my students from injury. I cannot recommend her YTT and yoga classes enough!
– DANA G.
“No matter what aches and pains you may have, Julia figures out a way to use yoga to make you feel better.”
Julia is an exceptional yoga teacher. She is extremely intuitive and able to know what your body needs before you do. No matter what aches and pains you may have, Julia figures out a way to use yoga to make you feel better.
She is able to offer whatever one needs from the most difficult yoga poses to just stretching and meditation.
– CARI S.
“Julia’s method of teaching yoga is relatable, compassionate, practical, empowering, fun…. I could go on and on!” (YTT)
I have been wanting to take yoga teacher training for years, but it was never the right time. When I heard Julia Jonson was going to do teacher training, everything fell into place, and I found that she has the hands-on experience, depth of knowledge and understanding that I was looking for in an instructor. Julia’s method of teaching yoga is relatable, compassionate, practical, empowering, fun…. I could go on and on! I highly recommend! My goal/interest was learning to teach therapeutic yoga… I got to learn that, and much more. Hoping that I will continue learning and getting insights on yoga from Julia for years to come.
– MARY T.
“Great tools for navigating through day to day conflict and struggle”
Not only do I love TBY Yoga because of its open and welcoming acceptance of all people, but I also love the focus on full-body strengthening and steady mindfulness while stretching and flowing. Instructors here teach us rewarding breathwork, insight on proper natural alignment, and practice of emotional control throughout class. Great tools for navigating through day to day conflict and struggle, and excellent guides in the search for calm and peace. This is a community of kindness and acceptance, and I'm glad to call them yoga family and life long friends.
– JOSE Q.
“TBY Yoga is a tremendous yoga studio.”
TBY Yoga is a tremendous yoga studio. From the minute you first walk in the door you feel the sense of community. All of the instructors at TBY are dedicated and make sure they meet you where you are. They also excel in helping you make adjustments to your practice that are effective for you.
– PAUL S.
“Julia focuses on all aspects of yoga, the physical, the dharma, the therapeutic benefits, the emotional aspects of teaching various people with different needs and abilities. I was never bored learning.” (YTT)
Julia Jonson is very committed to equipping her students with all the necessary tools, so that they are able to practice as qualified yoga instructors. Her methods are very practical... and students quickly are given work so that they are teaching and practicing what they are learning. Julia focuses on all aspects of yoga, the physical, the dharma, the therapeutic benefits, the emotional aspects of teaching various people with different needs and abilities. I was never bored learning. We were putting in nearly eight hours of learning at a time, but conversations were engaging, informative, and often fun. There is only so much you can learn in the time given, for a basic course, but she uses the time well and wisely. Julia Jonson herself is an exceptional practitioner... so many years of experience, and it shows in the way she teaches and tries to impart what she has learned over the years. And of course, she herself continues learning from others. One of the things I loved about the course is Julia's philosophy of making yoga accessible to various people with varying degrees of abilities. She was constantly showing how to bring yoga to others in ways that work for them!! So important! Julia also supports her students outside of the classroom. She clearly wants to see them blossom and succeed. The student and teacher relationship easily becomes a mentorship as well, if the student asks for more help and advice beyond class. If you reside in the Chicago area, I would not recommend anyone else; if one wants hands-on learning. There are many good teacher training places, of course, but I really liked the small class, same students, and the way Julia kept building upon the materials she introduced us to.
– TENDAYI E.
“Taught me so much about my body, how to relate to it, and genuinely love and care for it.” (YTT)
Julia Jonson is an extremely knowledgeable yoga teacher with extensive training and teaching experience. Her classes are well planned and I enjoy her teaching style very much. I recently just completed a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Julia Jonson. It's a 6-month training program that provides in-depth study in ethics, anatomy, teaching postures, and sequencing classes. It taught me so much about my body, how to relate to it, and genuinely love and care for it. In addition to Julia’s classes, I have taken classes with Andrew and Carole. Andrew has a wonderful sense of humor that he incorporates well in his challenging intermediate classes. It helps reduce stress and makes practice light-hearted. I enjoy Carole’s Basics classes, as she is passionate about moving in a way that serves the body. I am so grateful for this studio and for Julia and Andrew's teaching and guidance in the world of yoga! If you are new to yoga or are a seasoned yogi, I highly recommend taking a class at TBY Yoga.
– JULIE S.
“TBY is a really loving and kind community. It’s amazing! You gotta check it out for yourself.”
This is a great place to learn and grow your practice. I was new to yoga, and I am having a wonderful experience. Julia and Andrew have created a place where everyone is welcome and encouraged. The teachers are very knowledgeable. TBY is a really loving and kind community. It’s amazing! You gotta check it out for yourself.
– CYNTHIA W.
“If you have the opportunity to practice with Julia I whole heartily recommend you do so. She has completely changed my life.”
I have had the privilege of working with Julia both in person and online for close to 3 years now. She has completely changed my life. Due to numerous joint replacements and natural occurring physical limitations, classic yoga was not an option. Julia's practice is therapeutic and adapted to my limitations. That is not to say that Julia does not push me to break through my restrictions. If you have the opportunity to practice and train with Julia I whole heartily recommend you do so.
– MARK V.
“TBY and its’ community embody the essence of yoga.”
Julia and her team of Instructors, create and facilitate an environment that allows participants to achieve a healthier version of themselves, Body and Mind… To truly "be You". Participants are able to begin or continue their yoga journey with a full selection of objective and level-based class offerings. As a beginner and limited due to injuries, I greatly appreciate this variety. More than a studio where yoga's being practiced… TBY and its’ community embody the essence of yoga.
– SYDNEY P.
“Whether you are looking to do YTT (highly recommend) or wanting to take her yoga class- look no further! She is an inspiration.”
I have recently completed the YTT with TBY Yoga. Upon meeting Julia once prior to joining, I knew I had to have her as my instructor. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the environment that Julia sets at TBY. She is kind, dedicated, light hearted and very true to yogas roots. You can tell that she is very passionate about her practice, her teachings and her studies. I am forever grateful that I have chosen this path and chose to go under her amazing teachings. Whether you are looking to do YTT (highly recommend) or wanting to take her yoga class- look no further! She is an inspiration and I aspire to follow her lead. Thank you TBY. You truly set the stage of following the "To Be You".
– NATASHA W.
“...can change you in ways that you never could have imagined if you allow it. I’m so grateful for this place.”
There are few places in the world that hold such a special place in my heart. Everything at TBY from the general atmosphere and energy of the space to the amazing breadth of class options and knowledge of the individual teachers is a wonder to behold. The entire community that TBY has created can change you in ways that you never could have imagined if you allow it. I’m so grateful for this place.
– JON S.
“They truly care about helping students build a safe, sustainable yoga practice.”
Julia and Andrew have created such an amazing space at TBY Yoga. I live in Chicago (where I also did my teacher training) but work in the northern suburbs, which is how I found TBY. Ever since the studio where I trained in Chicago closed I’ve been looking for a new home studio. There are so many studios across Chicagoland… some have a great atmosphere, some have amazing teachers, but it’s incredibly difficult to find a studio that has it all… and where there is also a connected, caring community where ALL feel welcome. At TBY yoga, they put effort into ensuring that yoga is never intimidating and that there truly is something for everyone. This is what sets this studio apart. While I generally only attend a few classes due to my schedule, they have a diversity of class offerings and times to accommodate anyone’s schedule. They care about their students and hire quality teachers that truly care about helping students build a safe, sustainable yoga practice. I am so grateful to be a part of the TBY community (I only wish I could clone the studio so that we could have one in the city)! Keep up the great work my friends and thanks for all you do.
– NATALIE B.
“I’m so glad I found this place.”
This a welcoming environment filled with people who create a great family atmosphere. All the teachers are amazing and there are classes for everyone. I’m so glad I found this place.
– TERRY L.
“Whether it's flexibility, strength, posture, mental clarity, or amusement—Andrew is extremely gifted and keenly attuned to his clients' needs and goals.”
Whether it's flexibility, strength, posture, mental clarity or amusement—Andrew is extremely gifted and keenly attuned to his clients' needs and goals. He is kind and gentle, and can bring you to another level. With his excellent descriptions of how to get into poses, his knowledge of what is best for your body, his lack of judgement about your abilities, and his silly jokes...He can do it all, and it's just plain fun! He has enriched my life.
- AMY T.