Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A West Loop yoga studio could face up to $10,000 in fines for continuing to operate during the statewide stay-at-home order, according to city officials.

The Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department said the citation issued to the Bikram Yoga West Loop has a fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. The actual fine will be determined once the ticket is prosecuted.

This is the standard range for non-essential businesses found violating the stay-at-home order. Individuals caught defying the order could face fines up to $500.

Bikram Yoga West Loop was issued a violation March 27, after several people complained online and to their alderman that the studio was continuing to offer classes despite the stay-at-home order.

More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Laptop Deals 2026

The long hallway inside Naveed Abidi’s Bikram Yoga West is empty, of members after being closed by the city last week, tipped off by several residents who disagreed with it being an essential health and wellness center in Chicago. “It was not like an act of rebellion or anything,” said Abidi, who faces a fine of up to $10,000. “If we were naughty with the government’s order, then we’re very, very sorry. We’re not here to cause problems, we’re here to practice our poses.”

The studio, 611 W. Adams St., said in an email to clients it was a place of “health and wellness” and therefore able to remain open as an essential business. The business hasn’t responded to repeated requests for comment.

The city disagreed and cited the studio with allowing “a nonessential business to be open and operating.”

A Business Affairs representative said the office received complaints about studio March 26 and checked several times over the next two days to make sure the studio was closed.

In a video posted to Twitter Friday, Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno asked residents to call 3-1-1 if they see a business operating in violation of the stay-at-home order.