I've driven and walked past this building multiple times and didn't pay much attention to what was…read moreinside. So glad to have discovered this place! Received a massage (not your typical one!) as one of my birthday gifts from my boyfriend. Emmanuel was the instructor (owner of the institute)for the class teaching my boyfriend a crash course on massage therapy (2 hours long!) on me! The class was very intimate. There was only one other couple in the room and Emmanuel and his client for instructional purposes. The place is very clean, calm, and soothing. Emmanuel is attentive, patient, and knowledgeable (I believe he mentioned he's been doing this for 30+ years). He made the class very comfortable and engaging. I am so happy with my experience! It was a very unique idea and was fun and relaxing at the same time.

After visiting The New School for Massage Bodywork and Healing I'm certainly going to have trouble…read moreshelling out $90 for a massage at any fancy spa, although if anyone would like to treat me to a massage at Kiva I'll hardly object. Looks like many yelpers have covered this already, but here's the deal with this place... $33 for an hour long massage. They give you a student and you can't specify which massage therapist you want (including male vs female). My massage therapist was a perky little thing named Rachel. She'll soon be graduating from the school and she definitely knows her stuff. Rachel was very professional and applied just the right amount of pressure. I'm extremely tight so sometimes massages can be painful for me, but Rachel is pretty small so she could do jumping jacks on my back and it probably wouldn't hurt. It's amazing how relaxed I felt after an hour with Rachel. And the price gets better than $33 because if you come back within 30 days it's $28. 30 days? They can count on me to come back within a week! Is this the best massage I've ever had? Nope, but definitely the best massage for the price!

From the moment I walked into the Soma Institute, I felt at home. The atmosphere is very relaxed…read moreand the staff is extremely helpful in finding different options related to schedules and financial aid. Our teacher Debbie and TA Jonathan are a great team and will do anything to help us succeed. They even offer free tutoring, which is great, especially learning the new terminology as well as all ins and outs of being a clinical massage therapist. Soma is also conveniently located downtown Chicago, close to public transportation, surrounded by numerous eateries and major Chicago attractions. If you are looking for a clinical massage therapy career, I would definitely recommend Soma!

I called Soma Institute to enroll in their massage therapy program, ready to pay the full tuition…read more The first thing they told me is that they only accept U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, which is not clearly stated on their website or in their official admission requirements. Honestly, I had a much more friendly and welcoming experience when I contacted The New School for Massage Therapy and Estelle Medical Academy, where the staff was helpful and professional. A school that calls itself a "national leader" should be more transparent and approachable.

This was a really fun kind of day date activity. The room has about 8-10 couples in it. Men remove…read moretheir shirts and shoes. Ladies remove shoes and shirts. I wore a bathing suit top in an effort to maintain a little modesty. Erika starts off by demonstrating techniques on a volunteer couple, while the remainder of the students stand around and watch her. Then they go off to practice on their partner. It's a little silly, slightly uncomfortable, but fun and not inappropriate or anything like that. We volunteered to be the demonstration couple; which I highly recommend since you get the "pro" working on you as part of the demo. No offense to my husband, but the time Erika spent on me far surpassed his efforts. Although, he gets an A for trying. We did learn a lot of dos and donts. Unfortunately, we haven't really practiced since. It was a fun experience all in all, something different, pushed us a little out of our comfort zone. We were able to relax and laugh a little. The environment was very peaceful and zen like and Erika was a great teacher. I would definitely recommend it for other couples!

My husband and I had a great time at the Back, Scalp and Feet massage class taught by Katrina…read moreyesterday! She gave really good instructions and kept the mood light, comfortable and entertaining in what I was first nervous would be a potentially awkward 2 hours in a room full of other half-naked couples. It was something different to do, the time flew by and we came away finally knowing how to do some proper massage techniques! We're seriously considering signing up for the second course. Tip: make sure you read the instructions on the website telling you how to get into the building because if you're late, no dice. The website also tells you what to wear to the class but there are changing rooms available so you don't have to wear bathing suits and pajama bottoms out in public to get there.

Wanted a massage badly and was looking to see if I could get one same day. This task is typically…read moreimpossible but I saw this spot, their homepage advertised same day bookings and they actually had times available on their booking site with Alex! I checked the reviews for any mentions of Alex and they were all positive so I was pretty excited. From start to finish Alex was fantastic. He was very accommodating from the get go, offering to turn on the heating on the bed, covered my hair with a towel to keep my hair out of the way and support for my shoulders while he worked on me. It was clear that he was pretty knowledgeable with the body/muscles/anatomy and how to best take care of me with mobility and relaxation in mind, these two things are not always the easiest to find in one massage. I pretty much transcended by the end of the massage and was so, so happy to be pleased and not disappointed with trying out a new business and new therapist. I've gotten many massages and am excited to have found a therapist like him that I can feel confident about booking with again!

I'm extremely disappointed with how Emmanuel handled my membership issue and spoke to me. I had…read moregone out of my way to check with a team member ahead of time to confirm that my membership renewal and credits were in order, and I was clearly told everything was fine. On the day of my appointment, I was told the complete opposite and that my membership couldn't be honored, possibly due to a system error. When I escalated the issue to Emmanuel, he simply stated he has "45 employees under him" and cannot be responsible for what his staff tells customers. As a result, I was given an ultimatum to either cancel my appointment or pay full price, despite having confirmed everything in advance. This level of miscommunication and lack of accountability is incredibly frustrating. Customers should be able to rely on what they're told, especially when they take the extra step to double check ahead of time.

Stuck in job that had become very toxic , I knew I had to make a change, but what do I do that will…read moremake me happy, help others and is AI proof? While meditating MASSAGE came to me like a bolt of lightning, I didn't pause I ran with it. Searching a school that I could do at my own pace (I had to stay at my current job until completed) AND affordable I found SOHMAR. I met with Mike and instantly knew this was my place. BEST DECISION I MADE. From the first class to the last it was like being part of a family. We learned from each other, exchanged techniques and ideas (I miss that part a lot). As for the instructors, Mike (the owner) and Steve (a former student of SOHMAR). I can't express enough how valuable the knowledge and techniques they've passed on to us are. I graduated last August and passed MBLEX in September. I am currently employed and working on starting my own practice. My current clients constantly comment on my skills. I have Mike, Steve and my classmates to thank for that and am forever grateful. I was given the tools I need and more importantly the confidence to succeed. Even after graduation I keep in touch with some of my, now colleagues, and know I can always call on Steve or Mike for advice. I also got my reflexology certification through SOHMAR. They truly want us to succeed. If you are looking for a school look no further. THANK YOU MIKE, STEVE AND EVERYONE I ATTENDED WITH. Sincerely Amy M

As a former student, I do not recommend this school. Please do not get fooled by the cheep price…read moreand the flexible schedule. There's hardly any hands on. They went to 1 hour phone class three times a week. I have made a complaint to the BBB and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. You are better off looking for a school that has teachers that want to teach. You owe it to yourself to find a school that will not violate the the enrollment agreement of 600 credit hours in aprox 44 weeks. Also, I'm saving you from a business stand point, SOHMAR withheld money. I paid $7500 up front. I attended 5 weeks of classes, some of which were over the phone, and I only received $4900.

I teach Thai massage and related bodywork and went to take a class with a teacher at Chuck's…read moreschool. While I was there I was rather nervous at first as Thai massage can be nearly religious and having never met Chuck, I admit my initial apprehension. Over time I relaxed, Chuck even noted my seeming tension after some discussion of Thai massage politics in the US and we settled into a nice conversation about how we both just don't really care to get overly involved in the politics but want to focus on good bodywork and education. The classes I took at the facility were wonderful and it being spring in Chicago the weather was great. The room had ample breeze with windows open, high wooden ceilings and the decor was relaxed but professional. I'd go study here again in a heartbeat. Thanks for making my short stay so nice Chuck. Appreciate you and your work in the heartland.

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of taking a basic Clinical Thai Bodywork course with Chuck and…read moreJennifer. The course was excellent, and really whet my appetite for what is possible through the blending of Thai Bodywork and Clinical Massage Techniques. However, what really blew my mind was how I felt after receiving 60 seconds of bodywork from Chuck (I was being used as a demo). He was demonstrating a spray and stretch technique on my right neck and shoulder. This area of my body had bothered me for as long as I can remember...flared up into headaches on a frequent basis (daily at it's worse, every other week at its best). It also would bother me to the point that I'd toss and turn frequently at night, which made it hard to get a good nights sleep. I am a massage therapist, and have sought out lots of help for myself. I have done much self-massage and seen many other practitioners. But I can honestly say that nothing has been as effective as that 60 seconds from Chuck. I emerged on the other side of it with the muscle feeling softer and more pliable, multiple trigger points released, increased range of motion, improved posture, the list goes on and on. In the days after, not only did I not have any headaches, but there was no sign of a headache brewing. There was no tension!! I could sleep through the night! Really can't recommend Chuck and this type of work enough! I look forward to going back for a full session!!

After completing the 750 hour esthetics program, and now beginning a job in a med spa, I can say…read morethat I'm glad I chose this school. The instructors here are very knowledgeable estheticians who continue to pour their knowledge and skills into you daily. Each instructor has their strong suits, which allows for students to gain the best experience in each aspect of esthetics. The program includes tests, quizzes, projects, homework, practicals, and presentations, but you are given the chance to retake them as needed. I felt that the coursework was very doable. The tests prepared me VERY well for the state board exam, while the practicals and hands-on experience prepared me to take clients right away.

Ms. Nataliya is so knowledgeable and passionate about her students and all things laser. This is my…read moresecond class here. Highly recommend.

Every time I come in I am greeted by friendly front desk staff and the acupuncture student is…read morealways friendly and makes my visit comfortably. Scheduling is always easy and fast to get an appointment.

awesome experienced really has helped me with my authorize and meeting joints. Thank you guys.read more

Came here for a facial with jenni. The price was super affordable at $36 for an enzyme treatment…read more It was super relaxing as I got a décolleté and scalp massage while we waited for the product to soak in. Jenni was very informative and professional. I highly recommend!

Very professional and relaxing experience. Have been coming for years. Highly recommendread more

this is a really grounding space. So sweet…read more It's like a holding. Such a beautiful experience. So good for the nervous system. thank you. See you soon.

There a number of therapists and the front desk is happy to help you select someone to try if you…read moreare a new client. Lovely atmosphere. They also have student clinics, which offer inexpensive sessions for those open to receiving massage in a quiet, open room.