Monarch Yoga is set to open a University City location this summer at 3421 Walnut St.
The studio is set to open in the fall as the Philadelphia-based company's third in the city, following existing sites in Kensington and Northern Liberties. In an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian, owner Michelle Dillon explained that “there is so much potential” for Monarch Yoga to grow in University City because the neighborhood does not currently have a dedicated yoga studio.
“With the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, and the surrounding hospitals, we think it's really important to have yoga as an option for students and professionals who live in the neighborhood,” Dillon said.
Penn’s Associate Vice President of Real Estate Services Rachel Siegert told the DP that Monarch Yoga fits Penn’s vision for retail because it offers “an accessible model” for both the Penn community and the broader University City neighborhood.
“They're homegrown in Philadelphia,” Siegert said, adding that the company “grew themselves organically.”
Siegert cited the company’s “proven track record” and “really strong following,” adding that demand for the company “naturally” drove Monarch Yoga’s expansion.
Dillon echoed this sentiment, adding that the team has “seen the power of yoga and how moving and breathing really has the potential to reduce stress and help people through whatever it is they're going through.”
Monarch was founded in May 2020 as a series of free outdoor classes in Philadelphia parks before expanding into brick-and-mortar studios. The company offers tiered memberships, five-dollar classes, and all-levels programming aimed at increasing accessibility.
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The studio is expected to hold 30 to 40 classes per week and accommodate up to 50 participants per session. The University City location will also be Monarch’s first location operating around a college schedule, which will require “a lot of input from students and the professionals who live in the neighborhood to figure out what the best class times are,” according to Dillon.
While there is not currently a set opening date, Dillon explained that the studio will “hopefully” launch “before the semester starts in the fall.” Ahead of the opening, Monarch plans to host outdoor classes beginning May 1 —including its “longstanding 'Yoga on the Banks” series and additional sessions at Clark Park.
“We're really excited to be on Penn's campus and be a part of the wellness community,” Dillon said. “We can't wait to get to know all the students and staff that come in to join us.”
