Monarch Yoga Takes Flight in the Shop Penn Retail District
Media Relations Contact:
Jennifer Rizzi, Communications Director
Penn Facilities & Real Estate Services
215.573.6107, rizzi@upenn.edu
What began in May 2020 with free outdoor classes in Philadelphia parks centered on breath and movement quickly became something larger. In May 2022, Monarch opened their first studio in Kensington, and two years later in September 2024, a second location launched in Northern Liberties. The Shop Penn Retail District will become home to the studio's third presence in the city at 3421 Walnut Street later this Summer. The expansion marks another milestone in Monarch's mission to make yoga radically accessible and deeply rooted in neighborhood life.
"University City gains a studio deeply invested in the life of its surrounding neighbors," said Rachel Siegert, Penn’s Associate Vice President of Real Estate. “We are delighted to welcome Monarch Yoga to the Shop Penn family. Monarch’s studio adds a strong wellness component to the district and reflects our focus on curating uses that serve both the Penn community and the broader neighborhood. Their emphasis on accessibility and community programming makes them a natural fit for our portfolio.”
Since its founding, Monarch Yoga has built a loyal following through its commitment to accessibility, community, and diversity. The studio is committed to supporting neighborhood small businesses, creatives, and non-profits through meaningful collaborations and fundraisers. Monarch also aims to make yoga accessible for everyone through five-dollar flows, tiered membership options, and all-levels classes. In addition, all Monarch Yoga members get access to their growing library of online yoga and meditation classes.
Monarch also offers outdoor programming open to all, including 5 classes each week in May through October at Yoga on the Banks, a longstanding outdoor series on the Schuylkill River. Yoga on the Banks will have sessions held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm, Fridays from 4–5pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30am. The studio is also expanding its outdoor offerings to Clark Park. These classes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm, as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 10am. Both the Yoga on the Banks and the Clark Park sessions will be five-dollar flows, furthering Monarch’s mission to bring community-centered wellness to more neighborhoods.
“Bringing Monarch to University City feels like a natural next chapter for us. This neighborhood has a strong sense of energy and community, and we can’t wait to create a space where people can move, breathe, and grow together. We’re excited to welcome both new and familiar faces into the studio this Summer,” said Michelle Dillon, Owner of Monarch Yoga.
We are pleased to introduce Monarch Yoga as part of the Shop Penn Retail District lineup. To learn more about Monarch’s classes and upcoming outdoor yoga offerings, visit monarch-yoga.com and watch for more details around the opening by following @shopsatpenn and @monarchyogaphl on social media.
MSC Retail represented the University of Pennsylvania in the transaction.
About Monarch Yoga
Monarch Yoga is a heated yoga studio with two locations in Philadelphia—Kensington and Northern Liberties - and a third studio opening in University City this Summer. Our mission is to offer intentional and accessible movement in a welcoming, community-driven space. Classes range from Heated Power Flow & Heated Power Strength to Slow flow & Yin, creating room for both challenge and ease.
Monarch is known for its inclusive atmosphere, community events, and commitment to making yoga more accessible. New students can try three weeks of unlimited yoga for $50 - an easy way to build consistency and feel at home in the Monarch community.
About SHOP PENN Retail District
Penn’s retail district offers an inspired, contemporary shopping and dining experience, open to all. Spanning ten city blocks from 30th to 40th Streets and across Spruce, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets, the district features more than 65 curated shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets immersed in the region’s most beautiful and historic university campus. The diverse collection of retail offerings—including national brands and independent shops—provides the highest quality options at every price point for the Penn community, surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond. Visit the SHOP PENN website for a full listing of retailers.