Where we began…
In a serendipitous meeting on the Blue Line train platform one November evening in 2017, after learning that their Bucktown Pilates studio had to abruptly close, Kristi Wood and Chelsea Katz decided it was high time for their own neighborhood of Logan Square to benefit from having a Pilates studio. They had met in Aileen May’s classes the year prior, and they had loved her high-quality instruction delivered in a body-positive, upbeat, and non-intimidating environment. Together, this team of determined young women felt well equipped to design an ideal studio, for both clients and instructors. On January 18, 2018—just 65 exhilarating and exhausting days after that fateful meeting, co-founders Aileen, Chelsea, and Kristi proudly opened Logan Square Pilates + Core Studio, lovingly also known as LSQP.
Within a few months, the instructor team and community of clients grew exponentially, leading LSQP to further expand to include Operations Director, Taylor McDonald. Taylor quickly continued to grow and expand her leadership role within the business, joining the ownership team in January 2021.
LSQP was able to weather the storm of the Covid-19 pandemic through the loyal, steadfast patronage of its community, yet the heart-breaking decision to close LSQP’s doors eventually came to pass in the fall of ‘21. When announced, Jan Chitphakdithai, a client since 2018 and a member of LSQP’s advisory board, at once expressed interest in acquiring the business and taking over the helm of its ship! The transition of ownership to Jan’s savvy hands thus began, with Aileen deciding to remain with the studio throughout the transition to support the continued growth of the studio she founded.
Where we are now…
Under Jan’s leadership and with the pandemic coming to a close, the studio has once more blossomed into a thriving women-owned small business in Logan Square. LSQP has continued to evolve and grow with its team, and we couldn’t be happier to be working together in service of our amazing fellow community members!
Where we might go…
We have hopes of growing our presence in Chicago, whether through expansion in Logan Square or via opening a new second location in another Chicago neighborhood sometime soon—keep your eyes peeled for news!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, suggestions, or ideas at any time—we’re here for you!
With much gratitude,
Jan, Aileen, and the LSQP Team
Jan Chitphakdithai
Co-owner + Business Director
Aileen May
Co-founder + Lead Instructor
Joseph davin
Co-owner + Data Diva