Founder

Rich Cotter

Massage therapist, yoga teacher, kettlebell lifter, DJ — in that order, most days.

Rich Cotter, founder of Yoga Electronica

Yoga Electronica started with a swap. Rich stopped drinking and put something in the hole it left: a mat in the morning, a kettlebell in the garage, and eventually a pair of decks pointed at a backyard full of people who also wanted to feel something without a drink in their hand.

The massage table came first, professionally — licensed in Illinois since 2005 with 612 hours of training. The yoga certification came later, 200 hours of Hatha at Sodder Worlds Wellness in Hinsdale. Fourteen years of kettlebells taught him how bodies actually load and fail. Twenty-five years behind the decks taught him how a room breathes.

All of it points at the same thing: a sober place in Chicago, Illinois where you can move, be touched with skill, and be around people who are doing the same.

Rich in his massage studio
In the massage studio.
Rich in a wide-legged forward fold
Wide-legged forward fold, at home.
Licensed massage therapist
Illinois, since 2005 — 612 training hours
Yoga teacher
200-hour Hatha, Sodder Worlds Wellness, Hinsdale
Kettlebells
14 years of practice and coaching
DJ
Playing out since 2001

Played our first Sunday

Munir, DJ for the first Yoga Electronica on September 27

Munir

DJ set for the dance (Rich led the yoga to his own set)

Munir is a Chicago-based drummer, DJ, and producer known for immersive, rhythm-driven sets that blend deep, organic, melodic, and progressive sounds. He regularly performs with Chicago Ecstatic Dance and Full Moon Fusion, creating dynamic journeys built for movement, connection, and release.

Are you sober too?

Other people's stories helped me stay the course. If you've got one, I'd love to hear it — a minute on camera or a few honest sentences.

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