Overview
Arise Yoga is a distinctive yoga studio collective with locations in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy neighborhoods and in Oakland and San Francisco. Founded by Jillian Schiavi, the studio is built on core values of social justice, community collaboration, and translating yoga practice into daily life. The physical spaces are designed as clean, airy sanctuaries with plant-filled rooms, lounge areas, and props for student use. Class offerings center on vinyasa yoga but include yin, restorative, yoga nidra, sound baths, and specialized workshops like parents and babies classes. The studio fosters a welcoming community that attracts practitioners seeking both physical challenge and meaningful connection, with clear policies on registration, cancellations, and device-free practice.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Pricing
| Plan Name | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in Class | Drop in | $28 |
| 4 Classes | 4 Classes | $90 |
| 8 Classes | 8 Classes | $165 |
| Single Month Unlimited | 1 Month | $200 |
| Monthly Membership Autopay | 1 Month | $175 |
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 7:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 7:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 7:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 7:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Friday | Open | 7:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Saturday | Open | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Sunday | Open | 8:00 am – 9:00 pm |
Studio in Details
A Bicoastal Sanctuary with Social Justice at Its Core
Arise Yoga operates as a yoga studio collective with a distinctive bicoastal presence, maintaining locations in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy neighborhoods and in the Bay Area’s Oakland and San Francisco. The studio was founded on the principle that yoga is meant to be practiced primarily off the mat, translating the flexibility, strength, and clarity gained in class into daily life. This philosophy is woven into a stated commitment to social justice, with the studio explicitly standing with its community on these issues. The core values guiding Arise Yoga include positivity, social justice, living yoga off the mat, flexibility, friendly professionalism, community collaboration, nonviolent communication, and integrity. The founder, Jillian Schiavi, is described as an artist, community-builder, and dedicated listener who opened and reopened studios during the pandemic to create sanctuary spaces. She occasionally teaches alongside her young son, River, introducing a unique familial energy to some sessions.
The physical spaces are designed to be sanctuary spaces. Visitors describe the studios as clean, airy, and inviting, with one person noting the Bed-Stuy location has an expansive, tree-lined backyard and plants throughout that help practitioners feel transported. The unheated studio in Bed-Stuy is noted as spacious and plant-filled, holding 25 mats with calming colors and large windows. A lounge area with cubbies, coat hooks, and comfortable seating provides space for relaxation before and after group yoga classes. The studio provides props like blocks, blankets, straps, and bolsters for student use. Visitors do not mention showers being available, but note there is a bathroom and plans for a refillable water station.
Class Offerings, Community, and Practical Policies
The studio’s programming appears centered around vinyasa yoga, which is also the focus of their announced 200-hour teacher training program. The schedule includes a variety of classes, with specific mentions of yin yoga, restorative yoga, yoga nidra, and sound baths in their events listings. They also list community vinyasa classes, somatics workshops, and partner Thai massage workshops. A parents and babies class is noted for pre-crawling infants. The studio emphasizes that classes are available throughout the week, including Sundays. People mention the instructors are exceptional, guiding with expertise and support, and that the variety of classes is a significant draw. The community itself is repeatedly highlighted; one visitor who initially didn’t like yoga studios said Arise Yoga changed their mind because of the community of people who partake. Another called the studio a haven of tranquility and groundedness with a welcoming community that fosters connections.
Practical logistics are clearly outlined. The studio requires advance registration for all classes via their website or the Wellness Living Achieve app, with a firm policy against walk-ins during busy hours. They operate a waitlist system and have strict late policies, particularly for heated classes where latecomers are not admitted. There is a five-minute grace period only for unheated classes if space remains. A cancellation policy requires notice at least eight hours before class to avoid a five-dollar late-cancel or no-show fee, though they note they can waive this fee up to five times a year if contacted directly. For virtual yoga classes, which are offered, they request students keep videos on if possible to help the instructor and allow for interaction at the beginning and end of class. The practice space is a device-free zone, requiring phones and smartwatches to be left in the locked lobby, turned off.
Memberships, Accessibility, and Who Finds a Home Here
Arise Yoga offers several pricing structures, including drop-in rates, class packs, and memberships. Their auto-renewing monthly membership requires an initial three-month commitment and then renews monthly, with options to pause twice a year for up to thirty days each time. Members receive benefits like significant discounts per class (up to 75% off drop-in rates), 15% off workshops and retail, access to member-only events, and the ability to practice at both Brooklyn studios. They also offer single-month unlimited passes and annual memberships, which cannot be paused or refunded. Discounts are available for school teachers, and the studio mentions offering sliding scale community classes. Gift cards are available with no expiration date.
The studio explicitly states it is a welcoming space: “However you identify, no matter your skill level or background, you are welcome to practice.” This inclusive ethos is central to their identity. The programming and community appear to attract a wide range of practitioners. One visitor said it was perfect for anyone seeking wellness and a fulfilling yoga practice to enrich mind, body, and spirit. The blend of vigorous vinyasa flow with deeply restorative yin and meditation practices suggests the studio caters to those seeking both physical challenge and stress relief. The emphasis on community events, social justice, and living yoga principles off the mat likely resonates with practitioners looking for more than just a physical workout, but a community yoga space with shared values. The bicoastal operation also offers a unique consistency for those who travel between New York and California. Ultimately, Arise Yoga presents itself as a thoughtfully designed, community-oriented studio where the practice extends beyond the mat into daily life and collective action.