Sheila Kelley -S Factor

I wanted to take pole classes here as I heard Sheila Kelly is the best. However, I made an appointment to see the studio and to get my 2 free class passes but when I got there, no one was there. I waited, waited, waited and called several times. After 15minutes of my time now wasted and freezing outside (it was in February) I left a message and just let them know I wasn’t interested. Then guess what happened? NOTHING! Therefore, Im writing this review because well the pole studio I have been going to is mediocre and I’m looking for a new one on Unilocal and Sheila Kelly popped up so I thought I’d share my experience.

I can’t believe S Factor has so few reviews! I stumbled upon the studio about 7 years ago. After being intrigued, they offered me a free intro class and it changed my life. I’ve been to other pole dance studios and S Factor is completely unlike Flirty Girl or other studios where it can be about getting drunk and getting your nails done. Their classes, in my opinion, are about self-​love, self-​care and self-​appreciation. There are no mirrors in any of the studios and they explain that if the movement feels good, it looks good (and once you grow out of your comfort zone you realize, its true!). They set the tone with soft red lighting and great music. In their traditional level class, you’re there two hours –the first hour spent stretching and loosening up you body in a yoga/​pilates/​sexy kind of way. The second hour is spent learning pole tricks and a routine. I LOVE S Factor! By going there I’ve learned a strong appreciation for my body and sensuality and developed a sense of confidence I’d never had. The studios are extremely clean and the staff is ridiculously friendly. If you commit to their classes, it can come off as rather expensive, but it breaks down to a little under $ 25 for a two hour class and they are always willing to work with you. I HIGHLY recommend it!!!

I had a free trial pole class on this morning. It was amazing. The whole experience was great. Great atmosphere instructor and 3 new women that I met in the class.
I got my life honey. Pre Birthday Bucket List. Oops I forgot the instructors name. But she was awesome. First she started us off with a warm up exercise before going into the pole dance rountine. The warm up got us in tune with our mind body and soul. Getting us comfortable and feeling sexy. Yes, very sexy and feeling great about our body.
I will be signing up for more pole classes

As I grew in pole I noticed sfactor went in a different direction. Now pole studios are safer and more sensuality focused. S has not kept up with the times and refuses to do so saying they have a focus on movement and not pole. They also do not offer a great variety of ways to get in shape. This is a feminine focused therapeutic movement class… with pole.

I’m on my 5^th week of the level one pole class with Robyn. This place is so amazing! S Factor is like a community of women who support and encourage each other. Pole dancing itself is a very feminine, beautiful and empowering activity. I love how all women here are encouraged to applaud and cheer each other on. All ages and shapes are welcome here and there is no judgement. I constantly find myself looking forward to coming to class every single week! All the instructors here are amazing and Robyn makes class so much fun, she always has everyone laughing. I’ve learned so much about myself and other women by taking pole class at S factor. I feel myself getting better and stronger at pole and feel great every time I leave. I highly recommend any woman who is on the fence about trying pole dancing to just come in to S factor and take a class!

Where women can be full women and find your own pretty from inside out.

Heads up: THEY DO NOT REFUND YOUR MONEY!
In my second to last S factor class session I signed up for the next session. My class was on a Thurs. The following week, after I paid they moved the class to Wed night. I cant make a Wed night class. I called and they said they would refund my money. I called back a couple days later and they told me that it is company policy to not do refunds. They offered me all kinds of other stuff but I signed up for the Thurs class because that was the one that I could attend.
They offered me open access (essentially) any class I wanted for 8 weeks. Then I could join up again to the Thursday night class. I have two children and a demanding schedule. They didn’t seem to understand that I couldn’t make any of the other classes. I had my babysitter scheduled, nothing else would work.
When I called to speak with them no one answered. I waited a few days and called again. Nothing. This went on for a couple of days. Finally, I called (from my phone) many times and less than 2 min later I called from my husbands phone and they answered. Still they would not return my money.
I started at a different studio (on a Thursday) and have learned so much more than I did in one class at S. Factor.
I would skip this place

I went here for a strip tease class that was planned for a bachelorette party. I did not know what to expect since I have never been to one of these things before, but i figured it could only be a great workout and fun. The group I was with was not really people I was good friends with, it was boyfriends sister and her friends so I was here for her.
Walking into the class I did not know what to expect, but in the end I left with a new experience. The class we took was 2 hours long and was $ 45 which you also get another class for that price as well at another time you could use. Our instructor was very good! She knew what she was doing and was very committed and down to earth. She made this as less awkward as you can make this whole thing.
Aside from the fact that the group of people I went with was not my friends and this is a pole dancing class I had a good time. I wished that the music was more fun and current to what we enjoy listening to when we went out. The music was more remixes of random songs so I dont know how I felt about this. I also felt like this was going to be more fun and interactive. This whole thing was just more serious than it needed to be for a beginner class and I felt like our stretches lasted way longer. I left this class feeling like i did P90X for 3 hours.
Good experience, I would just know that it is not something fun and interactive, but more of a serious one…

I booked a private class here for a bachelorette party and I must say — WOW. First off, we were about 20 minutes late to our appointment. I asked the instructor if she could still give us the full hour and that I’d be glad to compensate for her time. She gladly gave us the full hour and then some, and refused a tip or any extra compensation. I wish I could remember her name because she was SO INCREDIBLE and deserves a ton of praise.
Her energy was high, she was friendly and cheerful, it was contagious. She created a great atmosphere for us to have a good time, learn some moves, and have fun on a pole.
We asked her at the end to show us some moves we’d never learn, and she showed us her whole routine, which blew our minds, and then she gladly answered questions we had about pole dancing, the studio, her own experience with the activity, etc. Seriously — cannot praise her enough. Give that girl a raise! (I will find out her name.)
The studio itself was clean, gorgeous, and the perfect size for our group. If I lived in Chicago, I would be signing up for weekly classes! Thanks, again S Factor for a great time!

I really do love S Factor. It’s the only place in the city, in my opinion, that allows a woman to fully embody her sensuality. It’s definitely a sexy and challenging workout.

I had my one-​year S-​iversary a couple of months ago, and so I figured it was about time to write a Unilocal review.
S Factor is not like any other pole studio, or pole classes taught within a fitness center. S is kind of like a sorority, except the only hazing we do is on ourselves (some of the pole moves are seriously ow ow ow until you get them, but S women don’t quit) and instead of cattiness and backtalk there is warmth and encouragement. There is pretty much unconditional love within the studio.
If you’re looking for just pole tricks and/​or a workout, S Factor is not for you. But that’s exactly what drew me to S — it’s more than that. S is a personal journey about body celebration and appreciation which is somehow balanced with challenging workouts and learning awesome pole moves. The S Factor method somehow trains the instructors to have just the right balance of respecting each person’s own pace and pushing you to be your best. I can see them tailoring their guidance to each student. Some times I’ve found that I mesh better with one teacher or another, but it’s not different from any other dance/​fitness/​yoga studio.
The women that go to S are extremely diverse and entirely *normal*. Teachers, doctors, policewomen, photographers, students, stay-​at-​home moms, everyone. I LOVE this about S — it’s a huge equalizer. We leave our pre-​conceptions at the door.
There are some previous reviewers commenting that the intro class was too easy. I thought it was easy too, but I could see past that. I could see where I was going, on a fitness level as well as a personal one. It stopped being easy after about a week of my Level 1 class, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. :) Yes, it seems expensive. But when I calculated the number of hours I spend at the studio a week, I only have to be there for two classes a week to make it equivalent to drop in yoga or dance classes, so it ends up being reasonable when you think about it. And last week I was there 4 out of 5 days in a row so I’m getting my money’s worth.
So to sum up, S Factor is an experience, and you have to be willing and unafraid of immersing yourself. I found that once I stuck my toe in the water though, I was absolutely going to jump right in to the deep end. It’s a year later, and not only can I swing from the rafters as I like to say, but I have never felt so confident. I’m proud to be an S Woman!

On my visit to Chicago I checked out a couple different pole studios and S Factor was the most visitor friendly. Amazing customer service! Thank you to the studio manager, Italia, for placing me in an great class where I could get my sweat on! I had Carol Anne as an instructor and she was super welcoming and encouraging. The ladies taking the class were very friendly. I got a great workout and had a lot of fun!
The website was a little confusing so I recommend calling the studio. The front desk receptionist, Jamie, was very helpful and kind over the phone and in person.
Great job Chicago S Factor ladies!

Be warned: the sales process for this place is the most annoying thing ever! The intro class is so basic and boring, I can teach it to you myself — you literally get 5 minutes on the pole. The instructor was really nice, so that was one positive. But these people literally called me twice before the class, called me once after, and gave me a lecture immediately following class. The class experience is not AT ALL about you enjoying a class or seeing what they’re about — its about them getting you in the door so they can sell to you.
And seriously, its shady business when you can’t share your class prices on your website and STILL hesitate on showing them even after the class. If you’re questioning whether they’re too expensive to be worth it, my guess is they probably are.
The people at the studio are nice — this just sounds like a management/​ownership issue that really needs to be addressed.
Do yourself a favor and head over to Flirty Girl. Way more fun and no car salesmen.

If you can’t at least somewhat relax and feel sexy, these classes are not for you. I took a $ 45 crash course (not sure if I remember the pricing) and I was pretty happy with the instructor. First off, I thought that she was beautiful! Secondly, although the first hour we did stretches and sexy floor dancing with no pole tricks, she was talented and sensual. Finally, she focused on making everyone feel relaxed and comfortable with their body.
Although I felt a little uncomfortable the entire time, I got my money’s worth and eventually let go. They are leery of allowing you to try anything more advanced (for example, hanging upside down) if you haven’t completed course work from them before, so that is one complaint since I personally already knew how. But I do feel like I got a lot accomplished with just one crash course.
If you want to get more for your money, try and do anything you can to get relaxed before coming in! (Maybe even have one drink, though not sure if I would recommend that before a fitness class. I personally took a long jog before coming in so that I would feel a little more calm.)

An update about S Factor, my one true love:
This place has not only changed my body but it has also changed my brain. I try so, so hard not to talk about what goes on at S Factor because of my own personal (negative) opinions that I had about it before I was a student, but I find that I just cannot shut up talking about it. I tell everyone. Honey Badger don’t give a shit. I want all women to come try S Factor — it has transformed me.
I’m now an upper-​level student and can tell you that I naturally lost weight (about 2 pant sizes) doing this once a week and not changing my diet at all AND simultaneously lost all care for my weight in general. Win-​win-​win.
It is SO liberating to look at my thighs and my hips and my belly and think to myself «that looks so womanly, i love it» and to also look at the different shapes and sizes of the women in my class and see the unique beauty in everyone.
Things I can do now that I never IMAGINED were possible:
— Real push-​ups. No knees on the floor. Amazing.
— Hanging upside down on a pole. Look ma, no hands!
— Spins that feel like I’m flying through the air.
— Climbing! With my own upper body strength!
This workout never gets boring and continually transforms the way you feel about yourself. I find the commitment to once a week very do-​able and am 100% sore 100% of the time after I come here no matter how much additional working out I am doing. Good things.
I will say that this place needs to be a long-​term commitment. Don’t expect anything to happen over night.
Also, take classes with Italia. She is amazing and patient and funny.

My friend convinced me to buy a groupon here. I don’t think the intro class was legit. They pretty much told us to shake our hips, we tried one move (the firefly lol), and then they demonstrated with a show and tried to get us to commit to a class package. I guess this is how these types of classes are generally structured, but I’m used to exercise classes that make me look like I went for a swim (in my own sweat) by the time I’m done. I don’t feel like I got anything out of it – no heightened heart beat, no soreness, no workout — so it was a waste of time. I know this was an intro class, but I like intro classes that give you a good idea of what a regular class is like, whereas this class kind of felt like it was just a show and a sales pitch.
On the flip side, this is now a topic for conversation at parties. Like if the conversation ever steers to groupon, and anyone asks me what groupons I’ve bought, I can say I tried pole dancing.

The truth of the matter is that if S Factor was the only pole dance studio I had been to, I would have probably given them 4 stars. And really, I do owe this studio something as they are the studio that sparked my interest in pole dancing.
However, I cannot get over how much this studio charges. Yes, I am sure it’s relative to the cost of living in Chicago and it is only 1 of 2 pole studios in Chicago. Regardless, the costs are still astronomical.
The biggest reason I have to give them a terrible review is after my 2^nd experience at S Factor. After completing the first level at my own studio in another state, I returned to my hometown Chicago and took an S Pole class with my friend who was in Level 1 at S factor. What a waste of my $ 45. The instructor went around asking what everyone’s experience was. Me and another girl took pole at studios that were not S factor and the instructor paired us up. She taught us ONE trick and I talked to the instructor once. The only 2 girls that were students of S factor were clearly favored; the instructor was constantly by them, giving them extra tricks to try. I realize that your students give your business a LOT of money, but I paid for this class as well, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a LITTLE bit more of your time.
Sorry, S Factor, because of the fact that you clearly favor your students and ignore those that are not, I cannot give you anymore than 1 star.

I’ve been taking S factor for about 9 months now (now in level 3) and this place is GREAT! It’s women only so you’re in a comfortable, safe environment. They treat S Factor as a sort of therapy and confident booster. It is no way a «stripper class». It’s classy and it makes you feel good about yourself.
Susan has been my instructor all 3 levels and she’s awesome. Very warm and welcoming while being a great, critical teacher (which is definitely what you need). She’ll tell you what you need to work on but will also encourage you.
The only (small) things that gives this place 4 stars instead of 5 are 1. location (more west than I’d like. The bus stops running at around 9 and sometimes I get off class at 10.) and 2. Price.
You can get groupons for 2 classes for $ 40, however the level classes are a bit pricey. However, it’s for good reason since you’re getting quality lessons.

I bought a Groupon for 2 Super Pole 1 classes.
I had never been to a pole dancing class before. I thought it’d be fun to try it out.
For my first class, I was pretty nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Was I going to be surrounded by people who would judge me? I’m a teeny girl; can I be sexy? Will I fall on my ass?
As I waited in the lobby, my nerves increased. But as soon as you enter the studio, they slowly disappear. The room has no mirrors (THANK THE LORD), the lighting is dim, and the décor is truly relaxing.
The instructor led us through a 1 hour stretch/​strength session consisting of standard stretches, sit ups, straddling stretches, touching our bodies with our hands, and the infamous hip humping thing at the end. All in all, it wasn’t the best stretch/​strenthening class (I’m already a dancer), but it’s good enough.
The last hour was spent on the pole and that’s where the fun begins! When you master a pole trick, you feel like you’re superwoman – like you’ve got secret sexy powers that no one knows about. As for the lessons themselves, typically 2 people share a pole, and the instructors come around and give critiques to each person. The instructors don’t always break down the moves very well but I think the Super Pole Classes are kind of like teaser classes.
Overall, the experience left me curious about the actual curriculum. While I would love to try it, the classes are pricey. In addition, I am more interested in the pole work than the stretching/​build your self esteem by touching yourself intros. A part of me wonders if this business overcharges and takes advantage of insecure women. And another part wonders is if that’s wrong if they can build someone’s self esteem?
In the end, if I had the money, I would take their 1^st full set of courses. If I feel it’s too much self-​help, I’d stop afterwards. But otherwise, it is a pretty awesome feeling when you’ve accomplished a pole trick.

Today was an eye-​opener. I’ve always wanted to try pole dancing because it seemed very sensual and fun. My friends who know me best know that I used to try some very amateur moves in my basement before the poles were covered when it was finished. Let’s just say I was a precocious child.
So anyway, about 3 months ago, I bought the Gilt City deal for a free class at the Sheila Kelley S Factor studio in Chicago. It basically allowed me to try out the 2-​hour introductory class and decide if I wanted to continue with an entire Level series (level 1 – 6). I definitely want to as soon as I move into the city.
The class started out with a long gyrating warmup involving a lot of hip thrusts, stretching, and butts in the air. It was awesome. They turn down the lights and encourage you to let your hair down, literally. You’re always supposed to have your hands on your curves while you’re moving so you really get in touch with your body. Only women are allowed and there are no mirrors in the studio in order for you to be completely comfortable.
When it came time to actually try out a pole move, the Firefly, I was really nervous. This didn’t exactly help because my hands always sweat A LOT when I’m nervous. I faltered the first few times doing the move but one of the teachers took me aside and helped me, personally, to get the confidence to keep trying. It was awesome.
Finally, the two teachers put on a sexy song (Goldfrapp’s Strict Machine) and did their sexy dancing around the room and on all of the poles. It was incredible and totally made me want to sign up then and there! I didn’t yet, but I will probably be checking out one of their free-​standing lap dancing classes when they’re offered, hopefully in the summer.
I would strongly urge you to check out the S Factor studio! By the way, S stands for the S curve of a women’s body, made up of our boobs, hips, and butt. I love that the class was so empowering!