Participant Waiver and Release of Liability
Effective Date: June 5, 2026
The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA
1830 W Foster Ave Unit CW
Chicago, IL 60640
info@thecollectiveyogacoop.com
Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk
I understand that participation in yoga classes, fitness classes, workshops, trainings, retreats, virtual classes, special events, and other activities offered, sponsored, organized, or facilitated by The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA ("The Collective Yoga Co-op," "The Collective," or "The Co-op") involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the level of care taken.
These risks may include, but are not limited to:
Muscle strains, sprains, and tears
Joint injuries
Falls and loss of balance
Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
Cardiovascular events
Illness, infection, or disease transmission
Property damage or loss
Serious injury, disability, paralysis, or death
I voluntarily choose to participate in these activities and knowingly assume all risks, known and unknown, associated with my participation.
Health Representation
I represent that I am physically capable of participating in yoga, fitness, wellness, and related activities.
I understand that The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA, its instructors, staff, guest teachers, guest instructors, contractors, volunteers, and venue partners are not medical professionals and do not diagnose, treat, or provide medical advice.
I understand that I should consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before beginning any exercise or wellness program and before participating if I have any medical condition, injury, illness, pregnancy, or other health concern.
I agree to immediately discontinue participation and seek medical attention if I experience dizziness, pain, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or any other concerning symptoms.
Release and Waiver of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue:
The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA;
The Collective Yoga Co-op;
The Collective;
The Co-op;
The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA's owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, agents, representatives, guest teachers, guest instructors, successors, and assigns;
The Chicago Park District;
The Chicago Public Library;
Any physical location, venue partner, landlord, property owner, host organization, or facility where classes, workshops, trainings, events, retreats, meetings, or other activities are conducted;
from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, expenses, attorney fees, injuries, illnesses, property damage, or wrongful death arising from or relating to my participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, except where prohibited by applicable law.
Indemnification
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless all released parties from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses, or attorney fees arising from my actions, omissions, conduct, or participation in activities associated with The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA.
Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization
In the event of an emergency, I authorize The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA, its staff, instructors, contractors, volunteers, and agents to obtain emergency medical treatment on my behalf if deemed reasonably necessary.
I understand that I am solely responsible for any medical expenses incurred as a result of such treatment and that The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA does not provide medical insurance coverage for participants.
Virtual Class Participation
If I participate in virtual or online classes, workshops, trainings, or events, including those conducted through Zoom or other online platforms, I acknowledge that I am responsible for ensuring that:
My participation area is safe and free from hazards;
I have adequate space to move safely;
My equipment is appropriate and in good condition;
I participate only to the extent that I can do so safely.
I assume all risks associated with participating remotely.
Personal Property
I understand that The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA and all released parties are not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property brought to classes, workshops, events, trainings, retreats, or other activities.
Photography and Video Acknowledgment
I understand that photographs, video recordings, livestreams, and other media may be captured during participation.
My rights regarding such media are governed by the Media Release provisions contained within The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA Terms of Service.
Minors
Participants under the age of eighteen (18) may participate only with the consent and signature of a parent or legal guardian.
Except for designated Family Yoga classes, the minimum age for participation in classes, workshops, trainings, and events is twelve (12) years old.
Family Yoga classes may permit participation by children younger than twelve (12), including children as young as two (2) years old, when accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian. Additional requirements may apply and will be communicated for specific Family Yoga offerings.
For gently heated classes, the minimum age for participation is sixteen (16) years old, regardless of prior participation or experience, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA.
The parent or legal guardian represents that the minor participant is physically capable of participating in the activity, has disclosed any relevant medical conditions, and agrees to all provisions of this Waiver and Release of Liability on behalf of the minor participant.
The parent or legal guardian further assumes full responsibility for the minor participant's conduct, safety, supervision, and participation and releases all parties identified in this Waiver from any claims arising from the minor participant's participation.
Right to Refuse or Terminate Participation
The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, instructors, staff, volunteers, and community members.
The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA reserves the right to deny participation, remove a participant from a class, workshop, training, event, retreat, virtual offering, or other activity, or terminate access to services when a participant's conduct is determined, in the sole discretion of The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA, to be unsafe, disruptive, threatening, harassing, inappropriate, unlawful, or otherwise inconsistent with the wellbeing of the community.
Removal from participation may occur without refund where permitted by applicable law.
Severability
If any provision of this Waiver and Release of Liability is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Governing Law
This Waiver and Release of Liability shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.
Any dispute arising from this agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois.
Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Waiver and Release of Liability, fully understand its contents, understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, and agree to its terms voluntarily and without inducement.
By checking the acceptance box, electronically signing, creating an account, registering for a class, workshop, training, retreat, event, or other offering, or otherwise participating in activities provided by The Collective Yoga Cooperative LWCA, I acknowledge and agree to this Waiver and Release of Liability.
If I am accepting this agreement on behalf of a minor participant, I represent that I am the minor's parent or legal guardian and have the authority to enter into this agreement on their behalf.