CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BEST! Peace Breathing For Beginners literally changed my life. For $100 and 5 short and lovely weeks, Jennifer Kim and Master Kim and their method (Master Kim's Father's incredible method!) stopped my anxiety. The work Focused me to listen to what others are truly saying around me. I have been a better employee, leader, mom and woman. Love the Peace School. Honestly every human should take this course and the world would be a better place. I am a better human for experiencing this class. Please Take it! You will not regret. read more

I've lived a 5-minute walk away for years, and today was the first time I tried a yoga class at the Peace School. The motivation was 1) feeling particularly stressed lately, and 2) more regularly biking to/from work lately - so I get plenty of aerobic exercise in, just not as much stretching. As a few other reviews note, the class (I did level 3 with my husband) was more about stretching and breathing, which is what I was hoping for. It was nice to un-tighten, and nice to give my mind a break on a Saturday morning. After class, the owner and that class's teacher, Master Kim, as well as Lydia (who works there) came over to talk with us, which was pleasant. We learned this type of yoga is more traditional, compared to the harder yoga workouts that are trendier these days. If you're looking for a place to show off your Lululemon and Insta' your practice, it might not be for you (though I'm sure you'd still be welcome!). But, if you want to unwind and stretch and rest your mind, this was a nice class for it. $10/class and drop-in makes it likely we'll be back! read more

Peace school is unique and for everyone it offers everything that could be relaxing invigorating peaceful and healthy Yes it's a bit different then hot yoga or all the other practices that are available But to not come in and sign up for one or two or three classes and give it a try would be a huge loss if you're someone who is working toward physical fitness peace of mind an inviting space and great instructors give it a try you might be surprised like me and be doing Peace school yoga breathing for 13 years I can't tell you the amount of days I would pass by the building entertain the thought of going in asking about the classes and never did until one day and I have never been sorry read more

The Peace School is a really friendly, and nice place with a great facility in Lakeview. I went there with a friend to try the Peace exercise/yoga class. I had a really positive experience and felt so relaxed after leaving. The Peace Exercise is not really what I'd call a "traditional" yoga class (no upward or downward dog here) but is more like a gentle practice with a focus on breath and meditation. It was nice for improving flexibility. This would be a really great practice for beginners or someone returning to yoga or if you have injuries, etc. I will probably be back again with my friend, but I think I will go elsewhere for a more challenging and traditional yoga class. But, the people couldn't be nicer and more (ahem) peaceful. Plus they offer other classes like tae kwan do and meditation. read more

I like this place! I got the groupon for $12 yoga classes (what a steal!) and have since redeemed 2 of them. I'm only able to make 1 or 2 classes a week with my work schedule, but they are really chill about letting you just drop in. They were also helpful off the bat about me being in the right level. --Don't be put off by the beginning of the level 3 classes, you'll be in contorted positions by the end! I do love that this is rather untraditional as far as yoga classes go. I've done a lot of "fitness yoga" where there were mics, sound systems, and dumbbells incorporated, and this is by far my favorite. It's calm, relaxing, and a really great stretch. It's the perfect pair to running ~10 miles/week! Also- extra points for not being slammed with people after offering a groupon. I've yet to see more than about 10 people in there for a class on Monday nights! read more

Downward dog? No. Sun Salutations? No. A single word of Sanskrit? Of course not. A modicum of a quiet savasana? Nope. Just...ugh. I bought a Groupon, which should have been my first red flag. $40 for 12 yoga classes really IS too good to be true. You can't even call this yoga. It's more like meditation with a side of stretching. I took their Level 3 class (which is apparently the hardest thing they offer), and it felt like Yoga for Seniors. I'm not a yoga snob, but there are certain things I expect when I go to a yoga class. One of them is...exercise. Good thing the 77 never came and I had to walk, cause those were the only calories I burned. I'm sure it's lovely for what it is, but what it's certainly not (as we've come to understand it in this country) is yoga. Meditation is just not my thing. Neither is the teacher singing the instructions throughout the class. Yeah. That got old. Normally, I would just give it up for lost and not go back. But I'm really annoyed that I already paid my $40. Damn you, Groupon!! read more

The Peace School is an excellent place for yoga, martial arts, self defense, or meditation. I first went to the school five years ago for a self defense course. I loved it so much that I joined and have been a member ever since. The school focuses on maximizing each person's abilities. When I started I had no stamina or flexibility, but everyone there was so encouraging and kind that I didn't give up. There are a lot of kids in the afternoon classes, and they all love it. For my own kids, they have learned a lot of discipline, and it has helped one to learn to meditate and calm himself down. I'm amazed at how much it has helped him physically and in school. Classes begin with a yoga session-- this gets everyone stretched, promotes strength, and really sets the atmosphere. The instructors are all really knowledgeable and willing to go out of their way to help. While many of the exercises are similar to taekwondo, there are some unique skills, too. The school really emphasizes that students understand why they do moves certain ways and how to use strength effectively. One unique aspect of the Peace School is its philosophy of promoting peace-- both internally and throughout the world. Each day, at the end of class, participants wish for peace in one country and one state. Anyway, I would recommend the Peace School for anyone looking for a great martial arts or yoga studio. read more

Peace is not for everyone. I know people who come here regularly and LOVE it. Based on the positive reviews, there are many people who feel that way. I just wasn't one of them. Maybe it's the term "yoga" that throws people off, as what they practice at Peace is not traditional yoga. It's more meditation and light stretching intertwined--Level 3, the highest difficulty they offer, is like a Beginner's Yoga class anywhere else. You might describe traditional yoga as a series of poses and movements with controlled breathing that segues into meditation--Peace is almost the opposite. It starts with meditation and brings in really gentle stretching, great if you're just starting out or are older/have limited mobility. Being super active, though, I found myself feeling a little bored and restless during my 2 classes there. The instructors chant things like 'relax' and 'inhale world exhale peace' a lot, which I get can be helpful for some people who are just getting into meditation, but it wasn't my cup of tea. Also, the instructors are probably the nicest people on the face of the Earth. SUPER friendly. Peace School is actually a non-profit, and in addition to yoga they offer community-based classes like self-defense, children's martial arts and meditation at affordable rates. 3 star rating because the Peace Yoga experience just wasn't for me, but I really don't want to discredit the studio because what they do is great. This kind of environment is friendly and welcoming, and is great for people who are intimidated by traditional yoga or are just looking for a milder experience. read more

I've been to a lot of yoga studios in Chicago and the Peace School is my favorite. The classes here are not everyone's cup of tea. All 3 levels are very gentle. The focus is on stretching and meditation, which is my favorite part about yoga. This is a great place for beginning yoga students or for people like me, who are familiar with yoga but like a gentler practice. The studio is just one big open space with some changing rooms. Mats are provided. The instructors are very positive. You can tell they practice what they preach. Other yoga classes have left me feeling exhausted and sweaty, but at the peace school I always leave feeling rejunenated and happy. I highly recommend this studio. read more

As someone who has had two kids take tae kwon do at The Peace school for the last four years, has taken their meditation course and often attended their yoga classes, I believe I am in a good position to say that The Peace School is an amazing institution that Chicago is very lucky to have. Founded in Chicago in 1972 the Peace school is one of the nations oldest continually running tae kwon do schools. What is more is that they are not a tae kwon do business -- they are actually a nonforprofit -- but a tae kwon do school. Over their forty-two year history they have taught tae kwon do to some four thousand students but have only awarded 112 black belts. This stands in stark contrast to schools across the country, and perhaps around the world, who push people through in order to stay in business. Master Kim -- the son of founder Grand Master Kim -- and his instructors rigorously preserve the rich tradition of what is Korea's oldest martial art. If you are looking for a school that teaches the true art in all of it facets and then goes beyond the physical dexterity to incorporate the power of the mind I strongly suggest that you check out the peace school. The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali define yoga as "the stilling of the changing states of the mind". I guess this is why I truly enjoy yoga at the peace school because it aspires to be what yoga truly is -- at least as defined by Patañjali. If you are looking to burn calories I would say take an aerobics class, but if you want to feel good and try to get close to the popular definition of yoga as "union with the divine" then I would recommend The Peace School. I find it most effective to get my exercise at the gym and my yoga from The Peace School. Last summer I took The Peace School's meditation course. I had already been meditating for a few years and realized that I needed all the help I could get. The course is divided into six forty-five minute classes -- one each week -- and cost $90. The course began talking about the mind and gradually took us through various meditative exercises that build up to the students learning to meditate on their own. The class helped me not only improve my meditation but also gave me a sense of what to expect from meditation. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in the subject. For all of these reasons and their tireless dedication to promoting peace -- Peace Day actually started right here in Chicago in 1978 thanks to Peace School founder MyungSu Y. S. Kim (the late Grand Master Kim) http://www.buildthepeace.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Chicago-Peace-Day-Proclamation-2013.pdf -- I believe Chicago is very fortunate to have this great institution. read more

The Peace School is an amazing place. You can take classes, you can participate in building the peace throughout the city. Stop in and see what they offer, it's worth it! read more

The Peace School has been around as long as I can remember. I took classes there over twenty years ago. The defense, the meditation, the yoga and the friendships developed there still are in play today. It's a place for children, women, men and seniors. It's a place that helps you feel better about yourself and helps you identify ways to help others. There is so much good that can be achieved here that you will just have to experience it for yourself. read more

When I first moved to the city I went looking for a yoga class. I tried out the Peace School. Now more than 10 years later I still go to class there once a week. It's not a "regular" yoga class but rather more focused on stretching and breathing. I find it is a great way to de-stress from the week. I leave each class feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. read more

I have been taking yoga for several years at the Peace School. I have tried all kinds of yoga and exercise classes. For some reason, this is something I have been able to stick with. It is gentle and predictable, but for me, that is what I want. I know every week what to expect and I get stretched and meditate and feel great when I leave. There are lots of regulars in the classes too, so I'm not alone in liking the pace at Peace. read more

This is a great school. The instructors know how to teach Taekwondo with proper form so that no one gets hurt. I have watched students at other schools and found that even blue belts had the same mistakes in form as the white and yellow belts. This is not true at the peace school. Instructors will go around and correct form when needed. Form is practiced, as well as sparring and other practice. Also, it is extremely peaceful there. Classes are non-competitive and the art is what is focused on. They have yoga classes and free meditation classes from 6-6:30 pm Monday through Friday. Highly recomended. Classes for kids and adults. read more

Today was my first meditation class and it was great :) . The teacher was really friendly and made me feel comfortable.

The Peace School is one of hundreds that I personally found to meet your goals. Yoga, mediation, and martial arts go hand in hand to truly find peace in your heart, The instructors make that all possible by there years of experience and expertise. The atmosphere is warm and comforting. All ages from 6 to 80. Best years of my life!. read more