Group Fitness and Events Schedule
Hi Bestie!
Thank you for visiting my events page. Here you’ll find my group fitness schedule, fitness pop-ups, speaking engagements, and more!
Leavell Up Fitness Membership
The Leavell Up Fitness Membership is a virtual inclusive fitness space that strives to help people feel connected to their bodies and part of a movement community. As a Coach, I provide Cardio Jam, Dance Cardio, Strength, and Stretch + Mobility classes!
Check out the Leavell Up FAQ’s for more!
Autumn Affirmations
As the seasons shift and we move into the cozy stillness of autumn, join Ashantis Jones of Bellamy & Associates for an evening designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and refill your cup.
We’ll gather together at the welcoming space of First Sip Café to practice self-care and community care through the power of affirmations. With a warm cup of tea in hand, you’ll be guided in creating your own set of DIY affirmation cards. We'll make personal reminders that you can return to whenever you need encouragement, grounding, or a gentle nudge back to yourself.
This evening is all about:
✨ Cultivating positive self-talk and compassion
✨ Sharing space with community in a supportive, affirming environment
✨ Tapping into creativity as a form of healing and expression
✨ Welcoming the season with practices that bring ease and renewal
No artistic experience needed! Just bring yourself, an open heart, and a willingness to receive. You’ll leave with your own personalized affirmation cards, plus simple practices you can carry into your daily life.
Come sip, create, and affirm what you need most this autumn.
$10 suggested donation.
Virtual Dance Cardio (45 min)
A fun & and energizing 45-minute workout that blends Hip-hop, Latin-inspired dance, and cardio principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! Most of the choreo can be done in a chair, and I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment. Since we're on Zoom, you can keep your camera off during class and only come on if you feel comfortable doing so
What you need for class: a chair (preferably armless), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Slow Jams (45 min)
If Stretch + Mobility and Dance Cardio had a baby, it would be named Slow Jams. This class will combine the principles of contemporary dance, stretch, and mobility. The dance and mobility portion includes movements that warm you up and bring you through a range of motion, while the stretches help you drop into your body and connect to your breath. Class typically takes place on the floor.
What you need for class: Water, a yoga mat, extra padding like a pillow or bolster, a yoga block or a book, and anything else you like for rolling around on the floor. Show your body a little love and find flow in the music.
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Strength 45 (45 min)
This is a 45-minute class that incorporates cardio tabatas with strength moves. While weights are helpful, they are not required. Class will start standing and end on the floor. You can also bring a yoga mat or a soft spot for the floor!
Since we're on Zoom, you can keep your camera off during class and only come on if you feel comfortable doing so.
What you need for class: A yoga mat or soft spot for the floor, weights (if you already have them), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
The Baddie Beach Day (4 Hours)
Join Fatties and Baddies Chicago and Big Bodied Baddies for a Sunday funday!
Attendees can expect to enjoy a delightful beach day, free of negative body talk and full of fun! Bring a blanket, your fave snacks & drinks, and hang with friends you haven't met yet. This gathering is free, but we're asking folks to RSVP to ensure we pick the best spot possible for the full group!
Please bring any and all gear you need to stay comfortable in the sun.
Suggested Packing List
Sunscreen/Sun Coverage
Blanket and/or Towel
Water
Snacks to stay nourished
Fatties and Baddies Chicago is all about creating spaces where you feel welcome, free to wear what you want, can show up exactly as you are, and know you’ll be surrounded by wonderful, amazing, badass friends. Folks of all body sizes are welcome to attend this fat-positive and weight-inclusive space.
Big Bodied Baddies strives to create spaces in a variety of settings that allow for all bodies to feel safe to move freely. All classes, events, and collaborations are fat, queer & trans friendly, welcoming to all experience levels, fun, and adjustable & customizable to you!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram @big_bodied_baddies, @fattiesandbaddieschi, @fitfatandallthat, and @iamashantis 🤩
Queer Dance Party (45 MIN of movement)
Get ready to move, groove, and celebrate! Join us for a vibrant Queer Dance Party hosted by Ashantis Jones (she/they) of Bellamy & Associates at Above The Bar.
This event is open to everyone who wants to celebrate diversity, express themselves through movement, and connect with the community. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, come as you are!
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register in advance. Let's come together to celebrate, dance, and uplift one another!
Note: This event is donation-based, with all contributions supporting our ongoing community initiatives.
Fitness Waiver: All attendees will need to sign this fitness waiver in order to attend
Queer Dance Party: Celebrating Joy, Movement, and Community
A Donation-Based Event
📅 Date: June 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
📍 Location: Above The Bar 2000 Western Ave Chicago, IL 60647
💛 Donation-Based: Pay what feels right
What to Expect:
Energetic Dance Session: No dance experience required! Just bring your authentic self and be ready to have fun.
Inclusive Environment: A safe and welcoming space for all identities and bodies.
Light Refreshments: Enjoy snacks as we mingle and connect.
Fatties & Baddies: Sunset Stroll (1 Hour of Movement)
Join us for a walk and hang out at Montrose Harbor!
Thank you all for joining us for the 2026 Fatties and Baddies event season! Attendees can expect to walk from Montrose & LSD to the Montrose Moonrise Observation Point and then hang out near the pont for a bit before walking back. Folks are welcome to stay for as long as as little as they would like to.
✨Fatties and Baddies Chicago✨ is all about creating spaces where you feel welcome, free to wear what you want, show up exactly as you are, and know you’ll be surrounded by wonderful, amazing, badass friends. Folks of all body sizes are welcome to attend this fat-positive and weight-inclusive space.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram @fattiesandbaddieschi, @fitfatandallthat, and @iamashantis 🤩
Fatties & Baddies: Diva Dance Party (1 Hour)
Join Juju (@fitfatandallthat) and Ashantis (@iamashantis) for the ultimate adult dance class experience. Easy-to-learn choreography, zero judgment, and all-out party vibes. Come solo or with friends, build confidence, make connections, and leave glowing after one fun-filled hour!
🗓️ April 28
🕓 7:30p - 8:30p
📍 DivaDance Chicago (Lakeview)
🎟️ $25 per person
Virtual Dance Cardio (45 min)
A fun & and energizing 45-minute workout that blends Hip-hop, Latin-inspired dance, and cardio principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! Most of the choreo can be done in a chair, and I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment. Since we're on Zoom, you can keep your camera off during class and only come on if you feel comfortable doing so
What you need for class: a chair (preferably armless), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Community Care Vision Board night
Looking for a space to recharge, connect, and dream big together? Join us for a collective vision boarding event at First Sip Cafe.
Join Bellamy & Associates, a holistic therapy and energy healing practice, for Vision & Connection: A Community Care Vision Board Event. Ashantis Jones will facilitate an empowering and restorative gathering designed to nurture your soul and strengthen our community.
What to Expect:
Create Your Vision: Build a vision board that reflects your dreams, intentions, and goals for 2026 (materials provided).
Cultivate Community: Connect with like-minded neighbors, creatives, and changemakers who value holistic wellbeing and collective liberation.
Alternative Self-Care: Experience a refreshing approach to post-inauguration healing, breaking away from traditional self-care norms.
Hosted by Bellamy & Associates, a holistic therapy practice, and held at the cozy First Sip Café, this in-person event is perfect for those looking to invest in personal growth while contributing to a sense of shared care and support.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, meaningful connections, or a supportive space to reflect on the year ahead, this event will leave you feeling rejuvenated and seen.
🗓️ When: April 2 from 7pm-9pm
📍 Where: First Sip Café, 1057 W Argyle St. Chicago, IL 60640
🎟️ Tickets: Suggested donation of $10 to cover materials and labor
🎨 Supplies are provided, and you'll get to take home your vision board
😷 In the spirit of community care, face masks will be provided and encouraged! Air filters will also be running.
Virtual Kettlebell Strength (45 min)
Similarly to Strength 45, Kettlebell Strength will increase your muscular endurance and strength. This is a most levels class that will primarily utilize Kettlebells as our tool through a full body workout, but you can complete the same movements with a dumbbell or no weight if preferred. We recommend a yoga mat, a 10lb or 15lb Kettlebell (or dumbbell), a sweat towel, and water. You’re welcome to wear flat shoes if you’d like.
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Slow Jams (45 min)
If Stretch + Mobility and Dance Cardio had a baby, it would be named Slow Jams. This class will combine the principles of contemporary dance, stretch, and mobility. The dance and mobility portion includes movements that warm you up and bring you through a range of motion, while the stretches help you drop into your body and connect to your breath. Class typically takes place on the floor.
What you need for class: Water, a yoga mat, extra padding like a pillow or bolster, a yoga block or a book, and anything else you like for rolling around on the floor. Show your body a little love and find flow in the music.
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Kettlebell Strength (45 min)
Similarly to Strength 45, Kettlebell Strength will increase your muscular endurance and strength. This is a most levels class that will primarily utilize Kettlebells as our tool through a full body workout, but you can complete the same movements with a dumbbell or no weight if preferred. We recommend a yoga mat, a 10lb or 15lb Kettlebell (or dumbbell), a sweat towel, and water. You’re welcome to wear flat shoes if you’d like.
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Slow Jams (45 min)
If Stretch + Mobility and Dance Cardio had a baby, it would be named Slow Jams. This class will combine the principles of contemporary dance, stretch, and mobility. The dance and mobility portion includes movements that warm you up and bring you through a range of motion, while the stretches help you drop into your body and connect to your breath. Class typically takes place on the floor.
What you need for class: Water, a yoga mat, extra padding like a pillow or bolster, a yoga block or a book, and anything else you like for rolling around on the floor. Show your body a little love and find flow in the music.
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Dance Cardio (45 min)
A fun & and energizing 45-minute workout that blends Hip-hop, Latin-inspired dance, and cardio principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! Most of the choreo can be done in a chair, and I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment. Since we're on Zoom, you can keep your camera off during class and only come off if you feel comfortable doing so
What you need for class: a chair (preferably armless), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is exclusively for Leavell Up Members.
Virtual Dance Cardio: holiday Hits (45 min)
A fun & and energizing 45-minute workout that blends Hip-hop, Latin-inspired dance, and cardio principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! Most of the choreo can be done in a chair, and I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment. Since we're on Zoom, you can keep your camera off during class and only come off if you feel comfortable doing so
What you need for class: a chair (preferably armless), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is available to Leavell Up Members and non-members on a sliding scale $5 - $15.
Virtual Kettlebell Strength (45 min)
Similarly to Strength 45, Kettlebell Strength will increase your muscular endurance and strength. This is a most levels class that will primarily utilize Kettlebells as our tool through a full body workout, but you can complete the same movements with a dumbbell or no weight if preferred. We recommend a yoga mat, a 10lb or 15lb Kettlebell (or dumbbell), a sweat towel, and water. You’re welcome to wear flat shoes if you’d like.
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Cardio Jam: Rage Edition (30 min)
We’re releasing the rage in this express class. A fun & and energizing 30-minute workout that blends cardio, HIIT, kickboxing principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! While most of the choreo can be done in a chair, this class does include some kicking movements. Regardless, I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment.
Since we're on Zoom you can keep your camera off during class and only come off if you feel comfortable doing so.
What you need for class: A chair (preferably armless), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is open to non-members on a sliding scale $5 - $15.
Holiday Harmony: Navigating Food & Body Love!
This workshop is all designed to help Black women navigate the holiday season's conversations around food & body. We will explore the intersection of anti-fatness and anti-Blackness as a foundation to explore how to maneuver questions about body size, health and nutrition at the family dinner table.
Virtual Slow Jams: Community Healing (45 min)
The world is on fire, but together we heal. This class will combine the principles of contemporary dance, stretch, and mobility. The dance and mobility portion includes movements that warm you up and bring you through a range of motion, while the stretches help you drop into your body and connect to your breath. Class typically takes place on the floor.
What you need for class: Water, a yoga mat, extra padding like a pillow or bolster, a yoga block or a book, and anything else you like for rolling around on the floor. Show your body a little love and find flow in the music.
This class is open to non-members on a sliding scale $5 - $15.
Chicago HAES® Professionals Connect
How can we decouple weight loss from fitness? In this workshop, Ashantis Jones—Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Intersectional Wellness Educator—will present on holistic approaches to movement and share how we can teach our clients and communities to incorporate various forms of fitness into their routines from a mental and physical health perspective, while continuing to stay weight-inclusive. Ashantis has been featured in The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, and brings years of experience helping both individuals and organizations create more equitable practices.
This event will include a presentation, discussion, and community networking, with refreshments provided.
Autumn Affirmations
As the seasons shift and we move into the cozy stillness of autumn, join Ashantis Jones of Bellamy & Associates for an evening designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and refill your cup.
We’ll gather together at the welcoming space of First Sip Café to practice self-care and community care through the power of affirmations. With a warm cup of tea in hand, you’ll be guided in creating your own set of DIY affirmation cards. We'll make personal reminders that you can return to whenever you need encouragement, grounding, or a gentle nudge back to yourself.
This evening is all about:
✨ Cultivating positive self-talk and compassion
✨ Sharing space with community in a supportive, affirming environment
✨ Tapping into creativity as a form of healing and expression
✨ Welcoming the season with practices that bring ease and renewal
No artistic experience needed! Just bring yourself, an open heart, and a willingness to receive. You’ll leave with your own personalized affirmation cards, plus simple practices you can carry into your daily life.
Come sip, create, and affirm what you need most this autumn.
$10 suggested donation.
Seasons of Change: Mental Wellness Tips for the Theater Worker Panel
The pressures of a challenging profession (and of a challenging world) can lead to times of depression, anxiety, and other mental and emotional issues – but there are places and people to turn to. Join staff members from Season of Concern and the Entertainment Community Fund as they showcase the variety of programs available to theater workers. Topics will include:
Community resources for mental health consultation and support
Online and in-person therapy opportunities
Tips for daily mental health wellness
What to do in mental health crises
Resources for help with substance abuse problems and addiction
Fatties & Baddies - In the Park
Join Juju (@fitfatandallthat) and Ashantis (@iamashantis) for a chill picnic day with the Fatties & Baddies community. This picnic is free, but we're asking folks to RSVP to ensure we pick the best spot possible for the full group!
Virtual Dance Cardio (45 min)
A fun & and energizing 45-minute workout that blends Hip-hop, Latin-inspired dance, and cardio principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! Most of the choreo can be done in a chair, and I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment. Since we're on Zoom, you can keep your camera off during class and only come off if you feel comfortable doing so
What you need for class: a chair (preferably armless), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is exclusively for Leavell Up Members.
Big Bodied Baddies Birthday Bash
This is a free event open to everyone, not just plus-size folks! Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve been to a BBB event or not. If you want to celebrate the first year of fat-friendly fitness spaces in Chicago, you are invited!
We’ll have cake and pizza, please bring your own drinks and any other snacks! There will be two dance breaks led by @iamashantis at 1pm and 3pm. There will be a self compassion exercise led by @coachmackenziefox at 2pm.
Virtual Kettlebell Strength (45 min)
Similarly to Strength 45, Kettlebell Strength will increase your muscular endurance and strength. This is a most levels class that will primarily utilize Kettlebells as our tool through a full body workout, but you can complete the same movements with a dumbbell or no weight if preferred. We recommend a yoga mat, a 10lb or 15lb Kettlebell (or dumbbell), a sweat towel, and water. You’re welcome to wear flat shoes if you’d like.
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!
Virtual Cardio Jam (45 min)
A fun & and energizing 45-minute workout that blends cardio, HIIT, kickboxing principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! While most of the choreo can be done in a chair, this class does include some kicking movements. Regardless, I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment.
Since we're on Zoom you can keep your camera off during class and only come off if you feel comfortable doing so.
What you need for class: A chair (preferably armless), a sweat towel, water, and supportive footwear if you would like!
Please note this class is exclusively for Leavell Up Members, learn more here.
Virtual Slow Jams (45 min)
If Stretch + Mobility and Dance Cardio had a baby, it would be named Slow Jams. This class will combine the principles of contemporary dance, stretch, and mobility. The dance and mobility portion includes movements that warm you up and bring you through a range of motion while the stretches help you drop into your body and connect to your breath. Class typically takes place on the floor.
What you need for class: Water, a yoga mat, extra padding like a pillow or bolster, a yoga block or a book, and anything else you like for rolling around on the floor. Show your body a little love and find flow in the music.
Please note this class is exclusively for Leavell Up Members, learn more here.
Baddies, Boats, anD Bubbles (4 Hours)
Join Juju (@fitfatandallthat) and Ashantis (@iamashantis) for a riverboat cruise celebrating body empowerment while viewing Chicago from a new perspective. This intimate event will include light refreshments, body empowerment conversations, and a personal photo for each attendee. This event is in partnership with Chicago Boat Company.
Virtual Dance Cardio (45 min)
A fun & and energizing 45-minute workout that blends Hip-hop, Latin-inspired dance, and cardio principles to improve your endurance, coordination, and relationship to movement! Most of the choreo can be done in a chair and I invite all my class members to do what's best for them in the moment. Since we're on Zoom you can keep your camera off during class and only come off if you feel comfortable doing so
What you need for class: a chair (preferably armless), sweat towel, water, supportive footwear if you would like!
This class is for Leavell Up Members and non-members, drop-in starts at $5!