Julia Jonson

Yoga Educator, E-RYT 500®, YACEP®, Creative Director, lululemon Ambassador 2024-2026

Julia Jonson is a yoga educator who teaches yoga as a full-spectrum lifestyle practice — combining mindful physical postures, yoga philosophy, and nervous system education to help students calm the mind, center the heart, and live with greater ease. Her classes integrate alignment-based asana, conscious breathing, and practical wisdom from yoga’s teachings, giving students tools they can carry into daily life.

A dedicated student since 1991, Julia apprenticed with Gabriel Halpern at the Yoga Circle in Chicago, where she also served as one of his assistant teachers for two years. She continues to study consistently with Prasad Rangnekar and has trained with Desiree Rumbaugh and Venerable Bhante Sujatha. With over 1,000 hours of formal training and nearly 20 years of teaching experience, Julia co-owns her own yoga studio, leads a highly rated Yoga Teacher Training program, mentors teachers one-on-one, and has guided international yoga retreats in Spain, Italy, and India. 

Julia first discovered yoga while in college, seeking relief from scoliosis-related back pain, migraines, and emotional stress. Through yoga, she found a profound connection between body and mind — a discovery that transformed her health and inspired her lifelong devotion to sharing these tools with others.

Passionate about making yoga accessible and relevant, Julia travels throughout Chicagoland offering workshops and immersions. She specializes in therapeutic and functional movement and includes pranayama in every class to help students directly experience the power of a calm, steady breath.

Before dedicating her career to yoga, Julia worked for more than a decade as a television newscast producer in major markets, including South Bend, Orlando, and Chicago. She now brings her love of communication and storytelling into her teaching. Her children’s book Just Me & The Trees: A Children’s Guide to Meditation reflects her mission to make yoga approachable for all ages.

Julia is the proud mom of two young adults and two rescue dogs. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her enjoying nature walks, being creative with plant-based cooking, ballroom dancing, barre classes, traveling, or reading about yoga and philosophy. She is currently immersing herself in learning a second language — continuing her lifelong journey of study and growth.