Best Gym near Chicago, Illinois

Amazing gym. Thanks to the owner that put such efforts to create this atmosphere and quality. Best facility I’ve ever been. Good luck ✊🏻

Thanks for opening your gym to our group. We had a great time with Nicole as our coach. This is a wonderful gym very clean. The programming was great. 10/10

I joined a couple months ago and really like the location. I get 24 hour fob access so it's very convenient. The facilities are very nice for people that enjoy barbell and compound type movements, and the sauna has been fun to try out. Also, every staff member I've met has been incredibly friendly; one of the owners, Tom, was very welcoming as I joined for a trial period initially. Looking forward to getting back into shape here after the past year plus of the pandemic! Google asked me to update my review - still love the place and the community!

While visiting Chicago, I attended a seminar and scheduled a training session with Alex at Chicago Strength. Regrettably, the experience was subpar. Alex was tardy, the session was cut short, and his ability to demonstrate workouts was lacking. I advise against wasting your time at this gym.

I have been going to Chicago Strength Avondale for almost a year now. The class schedule and 24hour fob access works great for my schedule and fitness needs. The facility is brand new and is AMAZING. Who doesn't love new and clean equipment. The coaches have a wide range of knowledge from general fitness, CrossFit, mobility, and nutrition. Everyone makes you feel welcomed and there is a great sense of community. This has been a great addition to the Avondale community and highly recommend if you are looking for a local gym!

JD’s NOT A NINJA 🥷🚫 Everyone’s a Ninja at Ultimate Ninjas Chicago except JD who couldn’t make it. JD is one of our good buddy’s who always bluffs us saying he’s gonna come join in the fun but always has something come up by the time for whatever we’re doing. Tonight it was a “rash” that was bothering him. Well JD, I’ve had a “rash” for a year and you don’t see me totally flaking on our outings. Well, this time we decided to do something. We made a ton of videos showing JD just how much fun we had. I hope you enjoy just half as much as we did because you enjoyed the full amount you might pass out! THANKS 👨‍🔧

I was curious about Ultimate Ninjas for a while and decided to participate in their open gym options. I was pleasantly surprised with the facility. It has various permanent obstacle courses, as well as rotating courses to help you improve balance, strength,and mobility. The staff is amiable and in particular Coach Leo who demonstrates how to complete the obstacles and strategies to assist in your development. Ultimate Ninjas has a welcoming environment for all and I look forward to my return!

We used to do weekly classes for our 5 year old and the instructors were always good with the kids. We just planned our child's 6th birthday party here. It was a little chaotic as they have 4 birthdays going at one time, two using the divided ninja space and two in the two party rooms. I wish we had known those logistics ahead of time as that would have made some pre planning easier. But it worked out. The staff sets everything up in the room for you while the kids are playing. Overall was an easy party.

Enjoyed a nice meal here with my mom and husband. I loved the shrimp and artichoke app! The restaurant is small and even had a Chief's player dining there when we went!

Simply the BEST after-school activity investment we’ve made for our 2 boys. The coaches are phenomenal. Absolutely top notch. David, the general manager, is passionate about building the best Ninja gym for kids possible. He leads his team by example and is out coaching right along side his staff. This gym has helped give my little guys drive, confidence and self-esteem. Don’t hesitate to give them a try. You will not be disappointed!!

I've been a member here for a few years and I really enjoy coming here. The staff and coaches are all great, very warm and welcoming. The gym is clean, has all the equipment that you need and is never too busy. I began taking the small group classes and personal training sessions a couple years ago and I've really noticed the positive changes that comes along with that, physically and mentally, especially with Coach Bryana's expertise. She has been an amazing personal trainer! She started me off at beginners level, teaching me proper form and mechanics as well as diet and nutrition to support my workouts. Now I'm dead lifting heavier than I ever expected!

I joined the Anytime Fitness Rockwell location about a year ago. I am not a "gym person" but I was out of shape and in pain from being too sedentary during the COVID pandemic. I started going to the gym to feel physically and mentally better and get stronger. I stuck with the membership because of the welcoming, supportive community the coaches create and maintain. I love the group classes and being able to access the gym 24/7. I still struggle with chronic back pain but the coaches are always willing to provide modifications to prevent further injury and check-in on how you're doing throughout the class. 10/10 would recommend!

Absolutely horrible. Staff hasn't refilled the kleenex in weeks. People resort to using tissues for wipes. There's never enough towels either.

So far, I love this place! The coaches/trainers are knowledgeable and know exactly how to correct my form to assure maximum gain from a workout and also to prevent injury. They’re very attentive with my concerns and willing to make suggestions for improvement, like flexibility. So far, Katelyn, Ashton, & David have been amazing! Thank y’all for being patient with me! 😜😁

Great space. Nice ambiance and a very friendly staff. You can build up the calories next door and then come here to burn them off

My daughter loves tumbling here with Coach Tiffany! She’s having fun staying active, while improving week to week and making plenty friends! 10/10 would recommend.

An incredible program that instills pride, independence, and tenacity in children and teens. Coach Roger is a Chicago tumbling coach legend!

I take my 8yr old all star cheerleader here and she has quickly gained her confidence for tumbling. The classes are well organized and interactive. Her Classes start on time and coaches talk through my child’s individual progress with me, which I love. My daughter feels supported and is always excited to go back. The gym is clean and has air conditioning.

Reviews matter so, I am leaving on behalf of an impressionable little child that was mistreated at this facility. If you would like your child to LEARN the basics of tumbling and develop their skills over the course of time, consider the Chicago Park District. They have wonderful, reputable and affordable tumble and gymnastics classes throughout the City of a Chicago. If you’d like to crush your child’s spirit and interest in a sport they consider fun and cool, enroll your child in this place. There are No fundamentals of the sport, does not teach sportsmanship and sounds like they don’t show any level of professionalism either. Buyer Beware

I'm all for supporting black businesses, but come on, where is the quality of being orderly, on time, and professional? Why were they NOT already set up when it was time for the spectators to come in? Don't set a time if you're NOT going to be ready for people to come in. DEFINITELY a fire hazard the way we had to sit. Please do better!

It’s unfortunate to read these reviews, but it should not be a representation of certain coaches that work diligently in our community to provide our children with the structure, discipline and athletic skills they need to be constructive. Coach Rick is phenomenal with the youth in his class. He emphasizes listening skills, the importance of following directions and positive outcomes. He’s professional, timely and it is clear that he has over 20 years experience working with children. As a mother of a young child, I’m excited to see what my daughter will continually learn, under his leadership.

I paid $120.00 for a 10 wk 1 day a wk tumbling class for my 16 yr old daughter on 6/29/18. The class began either the 2nd or 3rd wk of July. I do not remember the exact date. I paid for a Monday class but Tim Shaw who is the owner of the tumbling academy moved my daughter to the Wednesday class stating " the Monday class was to full." Ok cool. So the first day my daughter goes to class i ask her how the class was she says she's in class with an age range of 5-8 yr olds and my daughter is 16 and not a beginner tumbler. So why my daughter would be placed in this class I dont know. My daughter sts to me " they barely pay attention to me they're only focused on the little kids." So I call mr shaw to address the issue and I dont get in contact with him for a few wks. I called him several times and left messages but he never called me back. When I finally did catch him he stated to me that " he would talk with the other coaches to try and put my daughter in the Monday class. " so mr shaw never calls me back I have to keep calling and trying to catch him. I finally talk to him wks later and he sts " he will just move my daughter from the summer session to the fall session".....ok cool again......so its now 9/21/18 and I have not received a phone call from mr shaw telling me when fall session starts which come to find out started 2 wks ago per Mr. Shaw. I believe he's hoping I forget so he can keep my money. I called him on 9/19 and left a message he never called back. So I finally talk to Mr. Shaw today 9/21 and he tells me "one of the coaches named coach roger had a problem with my daughter in the past. He does not know what he can do but he will once again talk with the other coaches to see what can be done." So you've known of this alleged problem since july and u had a whole 2 months to resolve it but ur waiting till now to tell me what's going on. Why is that? My daughter only attended 1 class at mr shaws business and her coach was not coach roger. My daughter did receive previous tumbling classes through coach roger at a different place of business and coach roger has never approached me or called me to say he was having a problem with my daughter. My daughter tumbled with coach roger for 3 months and he never said anything bad abt her. Coach roger and I did talk on a consistent basis and he has always praised how my daughter behaved. So I really think mr shaw is making up lies jus to keep my money. It's so amazing how when ever I call and finally catch him he's always driving and cant talk or has some imaginary notes he needs to review or has to go into a meeting. This should have been resolved back in july y did u Mr shaw wait so long to do anything? So like I said the date is 9/21 and I talked to Mr shaw at 1200 today he said he would call me back after his 1630 meeting with the coaches to get the full story and it is now 1800 hrs and I've yet to receive a phone call. Completely unprofessional and bad for business!!!!! The only 5 star review was from the owner himself that's how shady he is and that's against Google's review policy.

Hi Ray Elle after reading your review I feel this is very incorrect. I don’t coach the classes in the gym unfortunately from the report that I received our coaches expressed to me that they did not want to work with you. You were refunded a full refund. The class you took was also free. I’m sorry the coaches felt they did not want to work with you. Coach Roger mentioned how you were a problem parent and difficult person.Your comments are false and untrue. I have never met met you and owe you nothing. Lex Solex We have not had any business from you and I don't know who you are.

OBVIOUSLY you don't know the power in reviews....I was thinking of sending my 6 yr old here but after reading the review of yall stealing people's money...u just lost MY hard earned money and I'll be SURE to let the 8 other moms I know looking for the same curricular activity for their daughters....NOT to look YOUR WAY....as we were ALL trying to put our girls in the same classes. I guess that $120 bucks was worth the bad reviews and loss of potential clientele

My daughter like,s gymnastics

I used MBM as a venue space for an event and I was scammed. The owner and coach is BARBIE. AKA lawanda Norwood scammed me and then insulted my mother on line via her Facebook business page after I requested my money back. Here are pictures attached. Now she is blocking guests of the party so that they comment on her face book page. The absolute worst experience I’ve ever had

DON'T SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS DANCE STUDIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Barbie jones is very unprofessional. A few of her dance students (ages 10-12) were in her care (she had them begging for money outside) and they were robbed at g u n point. Leaving those young innocent children traumatized. Police reports were filed. Barbie smokes a lot of cannabis in and around her dance studio. She talks down on her students and treat them horribly. Inappropriate music is played throughout the studio for children as young as 6 to hear. Barbie speaks to parents as if they are beneath her. Parents are pulling their children away from this studio daily. Should I post the police report?

TERRIBLE, these ladies have had kids tricking and running all through the streets of chicago to fund the dance team, and lying trying to scam parents on buying everything from outfits, to plane tickets so she can pay her bills the kids have stated that countless times. “she’s behind on payment and needs them to meet her goal “

Can I join this dance team?

Hey can I know if it’s majorette please

I came in for the first time at 2am and those front desk folks do not play about knowing whose in the gym, so I don't have to worry about any unwanted visitors at night. I also saw them lift up the entire row of treadmills and clean them top to bottom. I've been to gyms across the country for 20 years and this is my first time seeing a staff that thorough. The gym community is very welcoming too, I'm honestly extremely impressed. As a former X Sport patron, this is now my 2nd gym home 💪🏿

I’ve been visiting this location for about two weeks. The gym is kept pretty clean because the workers are clean, diligent and tidy. They also are friendly and helpful. There rarely an issue with the machines. I also like the 24/5 availability of the facility. There’s a good number and variety of machines always. in addition, there’s enough space to accomplish full workouts every time. The music played is on the speakers is usually strangely on trend, upbeat and energetic. I have a Black Card and have access to the massage bed/chairs and they also are always available to use after a workout. I don’t believe this location has been in existence for a long time, but I hope they keep it up.

I love planet fitness one day I will franchise one. But this planet fitness was clean and everyone acted as family #chicago #fitness #letitallworkout

The customer service unbelievable the employees did not know what he was doing. It took him 45 minutes to talk one person and he was still talking when I was leaving and he had other members waiting as well and members don't even speak to you. And the lady manager moving like a turtle.👎10/9/2024

Great place overall! They keep it clean and everyone is pretty respectful of each other. I used to go to 47th before it closed and this is 100x better. Also the staff here is awesome! I usually go mornings between 7 and 9am and the staff is always great and kind 😊

Yes. Yes. And yes again. 10/10 - the Strength class, mix of HEAVY UP and functional fitness is one you cannot sleep on. It’s so well structured, the music is excellent, trainer was so supportive and encouraging. Also individualized enough to level up in weight/ reps or modify where you need to. No judgment zone, too. Biggg fan

The Garage is a fantastic fitness community with great instructors, equipment, and programming. The classes are fun, fresh, and leave me absolutely exhausted (blocks combine heavy lifts like deadlifts/squats, secondary lifts, calisthenics, core work, and sprinting). I strongly recommend the garage to anyone who loves fitness or wants to try a new challenge.

Great gym with a diverse portfolio of class types that satisfy all levels of fitness. I especially love the strength training programming. At the beginning of each strength training block (~8 weeks), each member receives a detailed program breakdown email that outlines the movements that will be included in the program, the benefits of each movement and tips on how to execute the movements correctly. (Also, congrats on 100 positive reviews TGC Team!)

The Garage Chicago is truly an exceptional gym. The classes are amazing—challenging, varied, and designed to push you to your limits. What really sets this place apart is the incredible sense of community. Everyone is so supportive, and it feels like a second home. The owner, Gina, is the best. She genuinely cares about each member, and her passion for fitness and building a positive environment is evident in everything she does. I can’t recommend The Garage Chicago enough!

Amazing experience! Got very incredible result after 2 month training, got +8lb of pure muscle mass and lost 3lb of fat in dexa scan for a relatevly skinny figure. Coaches Leanna and Paulina incredible, it was hard to me to get used to workout classes, but Paulina's Friday classes had such wonderful and warm vibe, and also great explanations on technique that make me like my workouts now. Leanna is very motivating coach, and always trying to help do exercises correctly, which helped me a lot in my progress and make feel exercises tough but enjoyable

I recently joined Reps Fitness in Chicago, and it's been an amazing experience so far. The gym is incredibly clean and spacious, making it easy to work out without feeling crowded. The staff and mentors are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. They truly care about your fitness journey. One of the best things about Reps Fitness is the wide variety of equipment available. No matter your workout routine, you’ll find everything you need here. I highly recommend Reps Fitness to anyone looking for a top-notch gym in Chicago.

I like this gym because it reminds me of the Arnold Schwarzenegger era of bodybuilding where the gym has everything you need and is properly suited with relevant equipment. It’s not bare bones per se, because they do have a boxing training area, a Pilates, and yoga studio, and even a cafe. Though, there is a sense of careful investment throughout the gym. You can tell that the owner(s) put thought into purchasing equipment that his visitors would use, and less of the nice-to haves. In a good way. The gym doesn’t seem to be the kind of place that spends on the newest fitness trends, for the sake of it. The equipment and resources available can and will transform the body, this has been proven, as much of the machinery is comprised of the classical body-building toolset employed by Arnold, Franco, and the like. I can’t say enough good about it. I’m looking forward to my next workout!

I love this gym, would recommend it to everyone. I joined it a week or two ago and so far no complaints. Its clean, staff is friendly, lots of different equipment, interesting interior.

REPS has been fantastic. I've been a member for several years and had only good experiences. They have kind, helpful staff, a clean facility, and you can actually use the equipment you need to use even during peak hours. Basically, if you've had the average gym experience where everything is awful, just know REPS is the opposite.

Reps has been a great gym and community. I really feel comfortable working out there. All the equipment is well maintained and they give you a personal sanitizer/cleaning spay and towel to keep up with cleanliness. If your looking for a new neighborhood gym go to reps.

Not sure who is in charge of running this place but it’s very well put together. My husband and I love coming to this gym. It’s super clean and the staff is super friendly and involved!! I’m here all the time and I see the staff walking around all the time. I can easily say I feel safe here. Membership are extremely reasonable. I see why a lot of people would want to come here.

Putting a gym there was a good idea sometime ago. The weight room looks more like something a person would have in their basement in their home. In order for a person to get a good workout they would have to go there by 7:00 in the morning. The few times I have gone I have struggled to finish my workout because there were too many people for that extremely small workout area. YOU MOST DEFINITELY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Love this place to work out! Membership is reasonable, and the atmosphere is just as it should be, healthy!

I go for spin class on mondays and wednesdays. I'm not a small girl and I was very scared to walk in this class. The amazing lady geneva made me feel so welcomed. She pushed me to levels I never knew I could go. I'm so excited for mondays and Wednesdays to come to her class!! I have learned to push my self and keep pushing even when I wanna stop. Spin class is a must if u wanna burn a lot of calories and push yourself!!

I Im a return customer here. I used to come here years ago and made a return back in 2022 of October. I like the friendly environment. All of the staff and instructors are friendly. The students are helpful as well. If you would like to pickup your workout journey then this is the place to be. They have state of the art workout equipment, a basketball court, a half of a track, for running or walking. A sauna to detox your body. It's friendly it's clean, and not to mention they have great classes and personal trainers too, so come on down and make a health commitment, and take your first step. There are others along the way to guide you through, your workout journey!!!

I recently volunteered at Breakthrough where I prepared and made dinner for the women's ministry. I met some great women and was able to share the gospel as well. Great, well stocked kitchen. The women I talked and interacted with seemed positive, motivated, and were giving me positive encouragement. I would recommend Breakthrough for anyone in need of a place to stay and to find a welcoming place to go.

Great neighborhood gym! Prior to moving to this area it made my day to find Breakthrough Fitness Center because I did not think that East Garfield Park neighborhood had any gyms period! The fitness center is well kept; never crowded and very affordable costing only $15 a month, plus it has many activities surrounding it part of Breakthrough Family Plex. I compare Breakthrough Family Plex to a YMCA/YWCA because it has similar activities minus the indoor swimming pool, but it does have a cafe inside, and many activities for youth. Breakthrough is one of the most friendliest businesses that you'll find in East Garfield Park, so if you decide to stop in, I recommend greeting whomever you encounter because many that are involved only want the neighborhood to be better than what it is. Truly one of the positive blessings in this neighborhood. Thomas G

Breakthrough Familyplex is a blessing to the East Garfield park neighborhood. It is fairly new to the neighborhood, and offers community programs for children to adult that live in East Garfield Park and surrounding neighborhoods. I compare Breakthrough to a YMCA, but minus the swimming pool because it offers similar programs. As a resident of East Garfield Park, it is heart-warming to see some of the opportunities it has for pre-schoolers and youth. During most of my visits to breakthrough, I utilize its fitness center and free WiFi at Bridge cafe to do my college homework, which Bridge cafe sits inside the complex. Within my first few months of getting a feel of Breakthrough, I got the chance to educate myself on the volunteer opportunities also, which range from shelter, food depository and its fitness programs for youth. With all being said, it is a win for the East Garfield Park neighborhood, and surrounding neighborhoods because it gives residents a positive outlet through its activities, and opportunities of growth for the youth & those that take part in making it better. Thomas Gouard

Amazing, welcoming, full of great people & activities.

The Breakthrough staff and volunteers are singularly dedicated to helping the children and families of East Garfield Park thrive. We are lucky to have Breakthrough as one of the pillars of our community.

I worked out here for the first time today and the vibes are really weird overall, it's not a welcoming environment. This is something important to me when I look for a gym. There was a trainer named Patt (I looked at his name tag) who took a piece of equipment from me while I was using it (no, I didn't walk away from it and I was in the middle of my sets, I briefly stood up to take a sip from my water bottle), he did not acknowledge me at all and did not look at me, he just plopped his client on and completely took it, the moist annoying part about this was the other lat pull was free, he was just too lazy to get the proper attachment and decided to take mine because that is more convenient for him. I think that behavior says a lot about the gym itself and the culture at this club. The facility itself was also pretty dirty overall and a lot of people do not wipe down equipment after use despite the signs to do so, there is a lot of stuff on the floor (salt and dirt). I think for the actual price of the membership, it's definitely not worth it. There are so many better options in Chicago at that price point with better energy and well maintained facilities.

I've been a member at Lincoln Square Athletic Club for over a year now, and it’s been excellent! The gym is always spotless, and the staff members are very friendly. Recently, I needed help adjusting my membership, and Danny made the process smooth and easy. He was incredibly helpful, professional, and clearly dedicated to making sure members have a great experience. I always feel comfortable working out here, and the welcoming vibe keeps me motivated. Highly recommend LSAC to anyone looking for a nice neighborhood gym!

If you value being treated like a human when you need to cancel your membership because you moved 2,000 miles away, I don't recommend this gym. I actually enjoyed the facilities, but my experience with the customer service of their third party billing provider has been absolutely dreadful. Signing up is easy and then they'll hold you hostage once they have your credit card info.

Predatory membership and credit card policies, avoid this place and all its other affiliates. I forgot to update my CC after it was stolen and they charged me $23 with no warning via email, text or in person at the gym. Cool way to scam your members guys :p

Joined in mid February- Danny helped us and was super cool. I really love the robust class schedule, I pretty much only do classes. My only complaint about them is that I feel like I’m always stuck focused on the same muscle groups even in different classes. The locker rooms are nice and the gym is always clean- overall a great experience and a place that makes me actually enjoy exercising. The trainers are usually great and I never feel like I’m being shamed for moving at my own pace.