Programs | Healthy Lifestyle Activities

Thursdays | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual

Join Romel, an ACSM-ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist, in a weekly virtual session that will guide you through gentle movements, stretches, and reflex-focused exercises to enhance mobility, balance, and overall body awareness. No equipment or previous experience is required!

Facilitator:
Romel Pryor, MS
ACSM-ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist & NASM Personal Trainer

If you are currently receiving treatment at RUSH or Lurie Cancer Center, schedule time to work one-on-one with an experienced yoga instructor to incorporate stretching, breathing exercises, deep relaxation (yoga nidra) and mediation to bring your body and mind into balance.

Facilitated by Kali Om

To schedule Bedside Relaxation at RUSH (1620 W Harrison St), email kellywalsh@gildasclubchicago.org.

To schedule Bedside Relation at Lurie Cancer Center/Northwestern Medicine, email alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org.

1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual & streamed live at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells)

Brain Fitness is a one-of-a-kind program focused on improving the brain’s ability to function efficiently and effectively, which will help participants adapt to constantly changing environments and physical conditions. This class uses rhythm and coordination exercises to bilaterally activate and stimulate the brain’s natural ability to form new connections, which promote neuroplasticity, creativity, focus and resilience.

Facilitator:
Mila Apostolovic

This is a virtual class. The facilitator teaches the class virtually but you are invited to join the live stream at the Downtown Clubhouse in our 4th floor yoga room.

Tuesdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion

Chi Kung is a centuries-old system of coordinated body postures and movements, breathing, and meditation, used to facilitate optimal health and well-being. It is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance life-force energy and vitality, and we’ll do it while sitting in a chair!

Thursdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)

A strong core is important for proper posture, balance, and movement. This class will consist of low-impact exercises to not only strengthen the core but to improve balance.  All levels welcome and modifications will be introduced, if needed.

Facilitator:
Kathy Turney

Every other month during Saturday LIVE! | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Hybrid (in-person at the Downtown Clubhouse & virtually via Zoom)
2026 Dates: February 14, April 11, June 13, August 8, October 10, December 12

A class that combines gentle and restorative yoga with an emphasis on breath awareness, mindful alignment, and body connection, creating a welcoming space where members leave feeling nurtured and empowered. There will be modifications for all levels, honoring each member’s needs and strengths.  Somatic or ‘Embodied Yoga,’ encourages members to explore movement with curiosity and compassion, prioritizing intuitive flow over perfecting postures. 

• Free family-friendly activities including art and movement
• Light breakfast
• Meet fellow community members

1st & 3rd Fridays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Downtown Clubhouse

This activity will include group drumming with a focus on empowerment through rhythm and non verbal communication. Group drumming can be stimulating, empowering and relieve stress as well as create a sense of community support. Learn basic rhythms and learn to play shakers, drums, ambient percussion instruments at an absolute beginner entry level. You will play together in a group setting and discover the strength of your inner pulse! Facilitated by professional percussionist and sound healer Julian Daniell

Every other month during Saturday LIVE! | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | GCC Clubhouse @ Advocate Christ Medical Center
2026 Dates: March 28, May TBA, July 25, September 26, November TBA

The Gong provides a totally passive, absolutely effortless healing environment for you. You don’t have to DO anything! You simply make yourself comfortable so that you can relax, and the sound and resonance of the Gong will allow your body and mind to let go of tension and move into balance and ease.

• Free family-friendly activities including art and movement
• Light breakfast
• Meet fellow community members

1st Tuesday of the month | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion

Mary will provide beginners-level line dancing and teach line dancing terminology and step counting. She will also provide information regarding health, fitness, wellness, and injury prevention.

Facilitator:
Mary Castle Enyard

Wednesdays | Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial

It is important to care for yourself while you care for a loved one going through cancer treatment. Licensed massage therapist, Alfredo, provides chair massages every Wednesday exclusively for caregivers at the Lurie Cancer Center. If you are interested in a session, please email alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org.

Facilitator:
Alfredo Jimenez

Wednesdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Virtual

Meditation can be a source of energy, wisdom and strength. This class will teach you basic relaxation, breath meditation and visualization.

Facilitator:
Barbara Zeman

1st Thursday of the Month | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells)
3rd Monday of the Month | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Virtual

By adopting a holistic approach that nurtures your entire being, you will naturally enhance your health, deepen your connections, and expand your potential for happiness and fulfillment.

This program is designed for small groups to inspire personal growth. The dynamic experience will incorporate discussion, mindfulness and relaxation practices always tailored to the group’s needs.

Facilitator:
Sumana Bhattachrya

Thursdays | Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial, Prentice Women’s Hospital

Work one-on-one with a yoga instructor to integrate stretching, breathwork, and meditation, fostering harmony between your body and mind. If you are interested in a session, please email alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org.

Facilitator:
Kali Om

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the energy system in the body. As a result, the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms strengthen, helping to establish optimum health. During a session, the therapist will work directly with your energy field to remove blockages, detoxify your system, and restore your vital life force energy. Reiki practitioners may utilize a gentle laying on of hands or may just hover above the body to conduct the necessary energy force. The benefits of Reiki range from deep relaxation to the release of mental/emotional stress and alleviation of chronic pain. Everyone’s experience is different. Reiki is not an alternative to conventional medicine but a complementary healing modality.

Group Reiki
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Downtown Clubhouse

Experience deep relaxation and energetic alignment in a one-hour Group Reiki session led by Reiki Master Billy. As Reiki energy flows through your body, Billy will guide you through the process, announcing where the energy is being directed so you can tune in and follow its path. This immersive experience offers the opportunity to connect with your inner self, release stress, and support physical and emotional healing in a group setting.

Individual Reiki Sessions (30-minute sessions)

• 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month | Lurie Cancer Center
  Eileen Hurn, MSN, RN, Reiki Master
  *Reiki sessions at Lurie Cancer Center are limited to those receiving outpatient or inpatient services at Lurie Cancer Center and must be scheduled by emailing alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org.

• 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Downtown Clubhouse
  Billy Winebrenner, Reiki Master

• 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse @ Advocate Christ Medical Center
  Terry Dulin, Senior Licensed Reiki Master Teacher

• 1st & 3rd Friday of the month | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Downtown Clubhouse
  Liz Holt, Reiki Master, Medical Reiki Master

• During Saturday LIVE at the GCC Clubhouse @ Advocate Christ Medical Center | Click here for more information
  Imelda Macias, Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki I & II Practitioner

1st Tuesday of the Month | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Northwestern Memorial Galter 17th Floor Conference Room

This monthly group will explore stress management techniques through a Somatic lens. Using tools from a Somatic. trauma-informed lens, this group will focus on recognizing signs from your own nervous system and how to return to a state of calm in stressful situations.

Facilitated by Ali Vernasco

1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells, Chicago)

Welcome to an hour of multi instrument sound bath using crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, flutes, singing, chanting, and various drums and percussion elements. Brief guided meditations are included at the beginning and end of the session to help prepare and ground you. Sound healing meditation is for everyone. No experience in meditation or specific spiritual beliefs are required. 

Facilitator:
Julian Daniell

Every other month during Saturday LIVE! | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Hybrid (in-person at the Downtown Clubhouse & virtually via Zoom)
2026 Dates: February 14, April 11, June 13, August 8, October 10, December 12

Biofield Tuning is a type of sound therapy using tuning forks. This method uses the power of sound to encourage the body to rewire stress responses and soothe the body and mind. Many clients report increased clarity in addressing their stressors and feeling physically more at ease.

Disclaimer: If you are experiencing any kind of acute or advanced illness, Biofield Tuning can create uncomfortable detox or aggravate symptoms. Detox symptoms vary from person to person. There has not been extensive studies or organized research on these circumstances. This information is based on anecdotal experiences acquired through many sessions with Certified Biofield Tuning Practitioners. We encourage participants to remain in tune with their body and make the best decision for their well-being. You can read more about this method at www.biofieldtuning.com.

• Free family-friendly activities including art and movement
• Light breakfast
• Meet fellow community members

Facilitator:
Jackie Giaimo

Join our exercise and fitness program to improve your aerobic ability, fitness knowledge and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Facilitator:
Kathy Turney

Strength, Fitness & Fun! Class Offerings

• 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells, Chicago)
• Thursdays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
• During Saturday LIVE! | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)

Tai Chi is often described as meditation while moving. It is low-impact and the slow, flowing moves can help aid your flexibility, strength, and balance.

Facilitator:
Leon Williams, Certified T’ai Chi Fitness Instructor

T’ai Chi Class Offerings

• Mondays | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual
• Thursdays | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
• 3rd Tuesday of the month | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Blue Door Neighborhood Center Morgan Park (11840 S. Marshfield Ave, Chicago)
• Saturdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Virtual

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual and streamed live at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells)

Based on ancient Chinese wisdom, T’ai Chi Chih is 19 simple, slow gentle movements, that circulate and balance energy. It is a “moving meditation” that brings serenity and a greater sense of well-being. Movements can be done standing, seated or through visualization.

Facilitator:
Deb Sitron, Certified T’ai Chi Chih Teacher

This is a virtual class. The facilitator teaches the class virtually but you are invited to join the live stream at the Downtown Clubhouse in our 4th floor yoga room.

More information coming soon!

Expand your healthy culinary skills each month with The Healthy Dish! Participants can (virtually) cook alongside a Registered Dietitian while learning about how the body utilizes the ingredients in the recipe to nourish, fight disease, and rebuild healthy cells.

Facilitator
Hannah Manella, Registered Dietitian 

Gilda’s Club Chicago offers a variety of yoga classes both in-person and virtually throughout the week. While most classes are designed to fit all fitness levels, please check out our community calendar for full class descriptions.

Suggested props for most classes (props are provided at our in-person classes):

• Two blocks or a stack of books that can be used for lunges on the floor
• Strap or belt or scarf
• Blanket to fold and sit on
• Bolster or pillow
• Sticky/yoga mat
• Sturdy chair

Yoga Class Offerings

• Chair Yoga
  Tuesdays | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion
  Facilitated by Susan Wilkens
  Wednesdays | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Virtually via Zoom
  Facilitated by Susan Wilkens
  Thursdays | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Northwestern Memorial Prentice Women’s Hospital, 4th Floor Conference Room
  Facilitated by Kali Om

• Dynamic and Playful Yoga
  1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Downtown Clubhouse
  Facilitated by Rosalyn Yarbrough

• Hatha Yoga
  Mondays | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Kali Om

• Gentle Yoga
  1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | Downtown Clubhouse
  Facilitated by Niki Sabetfakhri
  
• Gentle Vinyasa Flow
  2nd & 4th Mondays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |Hybrid – Virtual & Downtown Clubhouse
  Facilitated by Georgia Wiet
  
• Yoga Nidra
  3rd Friday | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Kali Om

• Restore and Flow
  2nd Tuesday of the Month | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Downtown Clubhouse
  Facilitated by Lauren Telesz
  
• Yoga
  Wednesdays| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Steve Shields

Get on your feet! Come be a part of this lively dance fitness program with a Latin beat!

Facilitator:
Andrea Hogan, Licensed Zumba Instructor

Zumba Class Offerings

• 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
• 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM | Virtually via Zoom