M. A. CENTER

Chicago

Projects

Our Programs

From Mother's Kitchen serving the hungry across the western suburbs to the orchards and prairie of GreenFriends Farm, the MA Center Chicago community turns Amma's teachings into steady, practical love — feeding neighbours in need, caring for the earth, and nurturing children and youth.

"The beauty and charm of selfless love and service should not die away from the face of the earth. The world should know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible."

— Amma

Why it Matters

Amma teaches that a life inspired by love and service is possible for everyone. At MA Center Chicago that looks like a hot vegetarian meal carried to a shelter in Aurora, an orchard rising on Illinois prairie, warm hats and blankets knit for the cold, and children learning that every act of service is a gift. Every hour of seva is an offering — and there is a place here for every pair of hands.

Our Programs

Mother's Kitchen volunteers preparing meals at MA Center Chicago

Mother's Kitchen

Wholesome meals cooked and served each month for shelters in Aurora and a community soup kitchen in Elgin.

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Permaculture and orchard work at MA Center Chicago

GreenFriends Farm & Orchard

Organic gardens, fruit orchards, native prairie and permaculture — a living model of caring for the earth.

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AYUDH Chicago youth group

AYUDH Chicago

Amma's international youth movement — service, bhajans, meditation and personal growth for young people.

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Amrita Bala Kendra children at MA Center Chicago

Amrita Bala Kendra

Spiritual and cultural values for children ages 4 and up, through stories, music, crafts and service.

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Meditation in the satsang hall at MA Center Chicago

IAM Meditation

Amma's Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique — free, instructor-led guided sessions and courses.

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The new Yoga Shala at MA Center Chicago

Amrita Yoga

Gentle Amrita Yoga and chair yoga classes in the new Yoga Shala — for inner well-being, open to all.

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Karma yogis in seva at MA Center Chicago

Karma Yoga Program

A residential immersion in selfless service — live on the ashram from two weeks to two months.

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Gardening volunteers at MA Center Chicago

Volunteer & Seva

From an hour to a whole day, there is always a place to help — on the grounds, in the kitchen or preparing for programs.

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Our Impact

100,000+ lbs of food donated to area food pantries (since 2012)
15,000+ meals provided for local homeless shelters (since 2012)
1,500 trees planted across the 142-acre Elburn campus
118 bird species identified on the ashram grounds

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join us for Saturday seva, in the kitchen, or on the grounds — everyone is welcome.

Volunteer

Donate

Support Amma's charitable work in North America and worldwide.

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Contact Us

Questions about a program or how to help? Reach out anytime.

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Group News

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Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri during his August 2026 Chicago visit

Swamiji Tours

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri visits Chicago with youth programs and a weekend retreat.

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August 16, 2026

The new Yoga Shala at MA Center Chicago

Amrita Yoga

MA Center Chicago marks Yoga Day with the inauguration of its new Yoga Shala.

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June 23, 2026

Earth Day Family Fest 2026 at MA Center Chicago

GreenFriends

Earth Day Family Fest brings the community together for nature, yoga and music.

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April 27, 2026