The New School For Massage Bodywork and Healing

This review is for the student clinic. A massage for $ 36? Yes sir-​eeeee! The bonus: it’s illegal to tip a massage student in Illinois. I’ve been twice already and both times I’ve been completely amazed. They use techniques that I have never before experienced and I have pretty much covered half the city’s massage Groupons.
They have evening and weekend hours making this place super convenient. The location kind of stinks for me but I try to get other things done in the area on the same day to make it worth the trip.

A coworker and I, on a business trip from out of town, went here to get last-​minute massages on a Sunday evening. They were open ’til 8 which was great for us, and we made appointments for 2 hours later. Customer service was friendly and easy, and they were very good about letting me know that both of the available massage therapists were male and making sure I was comfortable with that. I had Russ, who made me feel super comfortable, listened to what I wanted out of the time, and totally delivered on that. He struck the perfect balance between checking in on me to make sure the pressure was right and letting me zone out and enjoy the massage. Whatever product he used was great — smelled nice and clean, and didn’t leave my skin oily at the end. I would definitely go back here for a massage, and ask for Russ again!

As a former student, I’m not reviewing the clinic side of the business (although they deserve five stars too!), but the school itself.
The story of how I ended up here is long and boring. Suffice it to say that I thoroughly researched (and by «thoroughly researched», I mean «read the websites and Unilocal reviews for») the two major massage schools in town. They both looked plenty impressive, but something left me cold — possibly the five-​figure tuition, or the middling reviews their student clinics rated here on Unilocal.Comparatively, this place was cheaper, more conveniently located, and their student clinic had consistently stellar reviews. Too good to be true? Certainly worth a look.
Almost immediately after filling out their «please send me information» form, I had a personal email from the school director (!), offering to give me a tour the next day. Upon my arrival, she turned out to be one of the most genuinely warm and personable (and intelligent!) people I’ve ever met. She and the school’s owner helped me figure out a plan for tuition (with work-​study and scholarships, it turned out to be ridiculously reasonable), and I was enrolled for classes in their accelerated program within a few days.
Somewhat to my (cynical-former-university-student’s) surprise, the staff’s caring about me did not cease once I’d paid my tuition. Quite the reverse: at nearly every step of the process, numerous instructors and staff members offered my classmates and me their assistance with the material if we needed it, often during breaks or outside of class hours. The material was not dumbed down, either; a massage therapist’s required body of knowledge might not be broad, but over the course of my schooling I gained a thoroughly in-​depth understanding of the musculoskeletal system, basic physiology/​pathology, and the importance of professional ethics in governing the many tricky situations that arise in this trade.
What I especially appreciated about the program, however, was its focus on «sustainable service»; i.e. the importance of knowing your limits, and taking care of yourself so you don’t injure yourself and/​or burn out after a few years. The folks at this school aren’t looking to collect tuition money and churn out graduates by the dozen; they truly are interested in your progress and your future career.
If you’re looking into massage therapy because you graduated high school and feel like you have to do *something* and it’s kinda-​sorta-​maybe a job you might like, this isn’t the school for you; you’ll likely find the culture paternalistic and stifling. If, however, you’ve given this career path a lot of thought, if you care about people and providing an important service that will have a positive effect in your clients’ lives, and you want the best possible start from some of the smartest and most caring folks currently teaching… check this place out. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Great place! What a fund. My massage therapist Russ was awesome… One of the best massages I ever had!

Izzy is awesome if you like deep tissue massage! I was only in town for a few days and found this place via Unilocal.so sad that I do not live in Chicago! would totally travel there just for his massage!

For our date night, I purchased a Groupon for a couples massage class. I try to get to a masseuse at least once every few months, but it can get costly. But if your siting in an office all day it’s definitely worth it. My husband is terrible at giving me massages, so we both thought it would a fun experience.
The school is located next to my favorite tapas restaurant and in the not as busy River North area.
Our class was taught by Emmanuel who was very friendly and professional. We were with 3 other couples which made the class very personal. I was the person getting massaged and the techniques being applied felt just just like the professionals. The facilities were very clean and modern.
I’m excited to see what coupons are out there and maybe try their student massages.

As I shared with the man that answered the phone and the newly minted therapist I definitely need attention to my neck area. The school was clean neat and quiet. However, I completely wasted my money and the tip. The message was as if butterflies were running over my skin. It was not comforting at all. I felt the same when I left as I arrived.

Izzy was amazing! I am traveling from out of state and found this place via Unilocal.I would come back here again. My body feels great and the price was perfect!

I have come here a couple of times now. The students are really hard working and make sure you are happy with the results. I usually give them direction during the massage itself and they appreciate it.
some of the rooms are meant for multiple people but I dont really have a problem with that. also, now that they have separate rooms, it is much more quiet and comfortable. It is also super clean, they change the sheets each time and the massage bed is warm so you dont feel uncomfortable without clothes on.

I have been going to the new school for massage for many years and always get a professional and thorough massage. Today, I received probably one of the best ones yet. Massage therapist in training Rudy focused on the specific areas I requested and tackled it with different techniques, some which were completely new to me. I left feeling much less tense and way more relaxed. Thanks Rudy!

The facilities were clean, the staff was friendly, and the appointment started/​ended on time. However, they did warn that they are increasing their pricing to $ 40 for student massages, so hurry in!

I’ve been to this place twice, once with a pro and the second time with a student. The second experience was significantly better than the first. Go figure! The bummer is that you can’t request specific students, so it’s luck of the draw. Based on my two data points, though, I’d rather take my chances with a random student. Plus, even if he/​she is horrible, I’m only out $ 35.
Note: You have to buzz yourself into the building, so be sure to get the code or you’ll be stuck outside hoping someone leaves so you can slip in.

I am more than half way through the program and i only have good things to say. I chose to do the extended night-​time program because when I am learning something new I like to have time to soak it in. I hear from the day-​time fast-​track students that they love feeling fully immersed in their studying, so I guess it just depends on what works for you. I also like to the night program because I feel with the small class size you get a lot of hands-​on help from instructors (who are amazing by the way) and also you get to know classmates that in a larger class you might not have gotten to know. My classes are very diverse from people of every age and background which is also big plus. I could not be more happy with my decision.

Best massages in Chicago in terms of both quality and value. I have booked massages with Terry, Tara and AJ — all were excellent! Tara and AJ are especially skilled at truly deep tissue massages to work out major knots. The prices are very reasonable and the long hours are very helpful if you’ve got a chaotic schedule.

i received my very first massage here. It was a wonderful experience. I really appreciated the attentiveness and privacy I received while getting my massage. They were so professional and timely. Service was impeccable for a school.
The therapist made sure I was comfortable and did a great job. And talk about affordable! I have since my last massage moved to a new location but will hopefully come back when I visit. GO TO THIS PLACE, you won’t regret it!

This place is da bomb! I’ve been coming here for years, and my favorite massage therapist is AJ. She will pull you apart and snap you back together like a cooked chicken carcass.
The prices can’t be beat and they have lots of hours in the evenings and weekends. They used to have everyone in a big shared room but they’ve moved into a modern renovated space with private rooms, so it’s just like going to any other spa or massage center. I like to think of it as all the good things in a massage place with none of the B.S.

My mom and I practically walked all over Chicago and our dogs were barking, backs killing us, and my IT band was screaming. Massage were certainly in order.
I had done some research on massages in the area and I found the New School and was happy to learn there was a clinic. The variety of massages to choose from was impressive. You could choose from sports, Swedish, deep tissue, pregnancy and a Thai massage that is performed on the floor. I found the prices to be comparable to what you’d have to pay in Seattle. The online booking system was easy to navigate and I booked our appointments. Despite the last minute booking I was able to make two appointments. The next day we received calls to confirm.
The clinic is sparse with a front desk and then three chairs to the side. We were warmly greeted by the woman at the desk and filled out paperwork. Our massage therapist for the evening came out and introduced herself. My mom went first and then it was my turn. My massage was relaxing and helped to release the tension in my lower back. Once the massage was finished the therapist went over with me some areas of concern.
I would definitely revisit the New School if I am ever in Chicago and need some TLC.

Aaaaaawsome! Now I live about 5 minutes from here, I’ve been coming to get my student massages frequently. I have yet to get a bad massage here (it’s another story at cortiva… way too weak for my liking). All the students are very professional and strong here. I constantly have neck and shoulder pain, and they were able to fix it within an hour. $ 35 for an hour is the best deal you can ever get.
The professional massage is even better. I got a head and neck massage with Xochit. It was magical! My neck was so stiff she told me I need to come back to loosen my whole upper body… now that’s embarrassing.
You can now book your own appointment online which is super convenient. You don’t need to call them to make a reservation anymore.
Boy I love my deep tissue massages. It feels super awesome and I cannot wait to go back this weekend!

What a great deal! $ 35 for a student massage and $ 60 for a professional one. With all the spas around the Mag Mile where you pay over $ 100 for massage, go to this place instead.
I came here twice for a massage with Carol. The first time was to loosen up the muscles before the marathon and the second time was to massage out my tired, painful muscles especially around the IT band area. Oh my! Both times I was half unconscious because I was so relaxed. Carol did an excellent job and paid attention to my trouble spots. Very professional! She always made sure to check the pressure she was applying was okay. On my second massage, Carol told me that I looked like I was in a catatonic state. Yes, it felt like it. haha My massage was definitely painful around the legs, but in a good way. I was in a half daze heading back to my hotel to get ready to go out. It was so gooood.
On your first visit, you do have to fill out some forms about your medical history, general info, and what areas you want to be focused on your body during your massage. Then you head to upstairs where you see curtained off areas, so don’t expect private rooms when you come here. I didn’t mind. You may occasionally hear whispers, but generally it’s quiet, only soft music playing in the background.
Highly recommend this place!

Dear lord… I love this place!
Relaxation at its finest. I VOW to come back here waaaay more often.
The student, Paula, was ahh-​freakin-​mazing. I told her beforehand that my upper back and shoulders were killing me, so she did an excellent job of working out the tension. Plus, she gave an amazing scalp massage. Just mention any parts of the body you don’t want worked on beforehand (i.e., stomach)…and your student will gladly oblige. They’re sooo willing to please.
Yeahhhhh, I admit it — I dozed off a couple times. The lovely music definitely added to the experience. This 55 min massage was magical… fabulous…exceeded expectations. Get my point?
Annnnd…best part… ONLY $ 35, yo. Wutcha waitin’ for?
FYI — Tip envelopes for the student available by the receptionist. At least this avoids any awkward moments of trying to slip the students money in the elevator.