Best Gyms with Free Weights near Chicago, Illinois

What defines a system is not the issue it faces, but its response to it. The last problem with a 2-week breakdown of the steam room showed that this complex system - FFC Fitness reacts poorly to the problem. On the coldest days of Chicago, the steam room breaks down and they can't fix it. I'm getting it. But for me, this fitness is becoming useless, I already have a fitness in my building and another one - Planet Fitness for $10 a month. You have lost the key element-steam room, that differentiates you from Planet Fitness but you continue to charge people 14 times more, how can this be normal? I don't want to pay 2 weeks for a very expensive fitness where what I need no longer works. But the manager replies that they can't freeze my membership for 1-2 weeks, especially for free. Why can't they? They don't want to or don't know how? In any case, this is a poor reaction to the problem.

I had such a fantastic experience signing up at FFC, thanks to Kelly! She was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel so welcomed from the moment I walked in. She took the time to thoroughly explain all the membership options and answer my questions, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.

It's gotten a bit to expensive to see the hot tub this dirty and they clean it during business hours very often. It takes 4 hours to heat up. It will bubble like a bubble bath lol The steam room has been broken for about two weeks and no idea when it will be fixed.

I recently moved to Chicago from Philly and was on the lookout for a great gym experience; I found exactly that at FFC Lakeview! From day one, Sarah and her team have gone above and beyond to accommodate my needs, diligently working with me to explore the best membership options. Their professionalism and eagerness to help truly stand out, making my transition much smoother. While everything has been top-notch, my only wish is for a sauna upgrade to match the premium nature of the membership. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a gym with stellar customer service!

Went to check out the gym to see if I wanted to enroll, my partner asked why they needed a picture for a test and what they are going to use it for. The desk attendant had no answer and left us in. We actually enjoyed the time at the gym and we're thinking about signing up. Well today we went to sign up and apparently they "had case notes of us being rude" when asked for specifics of what was rude the manager said my partner not wanting to take a photo. When asked if it was so rude, why did they let us continue to have a test day she had no answer. When asked what more the "case notes" said she wouldn't elaborate. When asked if she wanted our money for a gym membership or not, well I'll go spend $100+ on membership else where. If asking for data privacy and asking what they plan to use the picture for is so horrible it warrents rejection AFTER being allowed a test day, so be it. If they want to discriminate that's on them, becasue I'm sure it was more discrimination than him "being rude" since they couldn't even answer what happened and what was rude.

Awesome gym! They have nearly every piece of equipment you can imagine! It’s like walking in the old school bodybuilding era. The owner Sharon is a total sweetheart! The people are awesome. If you’re in Chicago, you have to check this place out!

This is a fantastic, legendary, no-frills gym! It literally has tons of real iron plates, barbells and every weightlifting apparatus you will ever need. Also, the members are more considerate and friendly than any other gym I’ve belonged to.

I love seeing a familiar face at the front check in! Locker rooms are so clean, many open lockers for use, and water stations on both floors! Multiple sets of free weights, they never seem to be missing! So many machines! Yes they have what you’re looking for, you just have to know where to look! I recommend getting a tour when signing up, I declined and am still finding new features 2 yrs into my membership. I love that I can purchase different types of memberships (daily, monthly, punch card). My quarterly schedule changes dramatically!

This gym is awesome for bodybuilding or weightlifting enthusiasts. It is a massive space, 2.5 large floors, with smaller rooms for posing, stretching, and a small but adequate boxing studio, too. There's also a wide variety of equipment to appeal to all comers regardless of their level of fitness or individual goals, as well as dozens of cardio machines. There is almost too much equipment, at least a half dozen racks of dumbells, free weights and plates of different sizes by dozens of manufacturers as well as machines, including a full set of old school original Nautilus equipment, which was really cool to workout on. A lot of it is outdated but in great condition and serviceable. The gym could possibly be a little cleaner, the layout could be a little better organized, but in my opinion it only adds to the atmosphere (the gym has a lot of history and is well known in the bodybuilding community) which is otherwise friendly and welcoming, but serious about old school bodybuilding and weightlifting.

When I enter Quads gym I notice immediately I am walking among giants. It is a very diverse gym and super friendly. I can watch an ifbb pro train an area I have wanted to improve. Multiple room and levels it's a Mecca for any serious gym rat! People ask me how I recover so fast from surgery at almost 63 yo. The answer is Quads. Photo today 3 weeks after full joint replacement.

I just finished my two week trial membership and here's what I like about my individual plus kids membership: *FREE 2 hour childcare *Variety of classes - Pilates Mat with Zineb and Fuerzo Kickboxing with Marcelo have been my favorites! *Special programming! Kids are in a free weekly dance class and they had a reptile show where we could touch the animals. Negatives: *Parking is a challenge despite them having two parking lots. I had to park on Fullerton this morning around 9AM. *Family pool access is limited on weekends as 3/4 of pool is used for lessons in the morning. Definitely worth the investment for the childcare alone!

I booked a birthday party for my daughter because it was hard to find someone who would respond ahead of time. I chose this place out of a few last minute options. The upside: The party was very nice. The hosts were amazing, friendly, down to earth, and social. I didn't have to do much running around because they did everything for me which is serving the guests, lighting the cake candles, and cutting the cake. It was a nice and cozy atmosphere. The party was expensive but the host gave me an alternative to take the sides away from the choice of pizza which ended up being $150 cheaper. They decorate for you, too. The downside: the minimum guests allowed was 15 children. I had a hard time finding 15 kids for my daughter and I reached 12 but some people canceled. I still had to pay for the absent people. Which is $40 per child including their pizza fee which is $22 per child. The boxes of pizza were so small and the pizza was mediocre. The cake tasted "different" as one guest said. I tasted it myself and it was ok. You can't bring your food. If you're not a member, you get charged an extra $350. Overall: the children had fun and enjoyed it. I think the party is expensive to pay the hosts equally but the food didn't make sense with the expensive. I would book again if the downsides improved.

If you are a childless adult looking to workout - do not go here. Join FFC, Midtown, or even Xsport. This place is terrible value unless you have young kids and need daycare. The membership rate is $150+ for outdated equipment, kids running around everywhere at all times, high schoolers misusing and hogging equipment, and overall just very little space to actually workout despite the facility being huge. There isn’t that much actual equipment in comparison to commercial gyms. Also the front desk staff is not helpful and it’s impossible to get ahold of anyone in billing or membership. I’ve been over charged several times for things I didn’t sign up for or incorrect membership fees. Honestly a scam. I’m really disappointed in my experience here, with the exception of the tennis programs which are great.

I love this place. It has absolutely everything an individual or family could want. I joined as a college student at DePaul university and then returned with my children as well. Excellent exercise and yoga classes and the best tennis courts and coaches. The outdoor deck and dining area has some as the best views of Chicago which makes up for the lack of outdoor pool. There is an excellent indoor pool for serious swimmers. Did I mention the customer service is stellar.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve been attending Lakeshore Sport and Fitness for over eight months now, and it has been an incredible experience! The classes are fantastic—Monday yoga with Manny is the perfect way to start the week, and Dylan’s cycling sessions on Tuesdays always keep me motivated. Carla’s body conditioning on Wednesdays is tough but so rewarding! A special shoutout to Kid Kampus and their amazing counselors, who have made it possible for me to maintain my wellness routine while being a busy mom. I can’t recommend Lakeshore enough for anyone looking for a supportive, fun, and effective fitness community!

2 stars for the location, layout, pool/hot tub and it's a decent value for the price. However, this location is in DESPERATE need of a deep clean and detailing! I'm actually shocked they didn't take care of this before the January rush. My "favorite" pink crumb (pictured) has been chilling on the leg press machine since I joined over a year ago. Lol. Lots of dirt, dust, and hair, so it's not a surprise that some of the machines stick or get damaged. Agree with past reviewers that the treadmills need leveling too. Ultimately cancelling my membership to join Planet Fitness (!) I included this feedback in my cancellation request a month ago but pink crumb lives on.

I really love this gym, but it has gone downhill. The equipment (handles, grips, bars, etc) were recently updated and its clear that the owner bought the cheapest junk on amazon they could find. The bench press pads and extremely hard and covered with slippery, cheap vinyl that will legitimately injure you. The grips on machines will often be tattered and ripped for months before they are replaced. The treadmills are poorly leveled and most of them shake side to side. Sad and poor business decisions for a somewhat upscale club that I love. On the upside, it is very clean, the employees are nice, the contracts are simple and the space is absolutely stunning.

Great gym, only knocks are for the hours. Closing at 9pm and 7pm on the weekends in annoying. Other than that, this place has everything you need in a gym machine and free-weight wise + a lap pool, sauna / steam room. November 2024 update: Insanely busy from 5:30-9am and 4-7:30pm every weekday. Literally every station and machine are in use and there are several people waiting for the most popular stuff. I have left early few times because a normal workout would take 3x as long with the amount of people there. Need to extend hours or cut off new members.

Evening hours are ridiculous. They close super early so the gym is overcrowded the whole night. Unless you're unemployed and can go during the day, it's hard to do a serious workout.

100/mo and there's no ez curl bar attachment for the cable machine lol All in all not worth the money honestly , it's okay Would be worth it at ~60/mo Also- Ceilings leaking No heat, it's cold as hell in a hoodie and your hands will stiffen (still running the fans)

Steam room is great! Pool is saltwater- staff is very helpful and friendly - club is always immaculate -gym equipment is varied -spin classes are great

This gym is pretty well maintained for such a busy location. The staff is pretty friendly and attentive. The gym is generally clean all the time. My only gripe would be the awkward layout and the equipment is very dated with limited choices. You get a mix of young professionals and DePaul university students that frequent it. The college bros are little irritating sometimes and a bit unhygienic. I’ve noticed a lot of harsh reviews stem from the entitled clientele that frequent the gym and don’t really “workout” but go just for the prestige of saying “I go to equinox”.

I had a fantastic experience at Equinox! From the moment I walked in, the staff was friendly, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. Abigail and Michelle were wonderful—communicative and eager to answer all my questions, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. I even had the chance to do a private Pilates reformer class with Kiara, who was phenomenal. Her expertise and enthusiasm made the session both challenging and fun. Highly recommend Equinox for anyone looking for a supportive and well-equipped fitness environment!

The newest-looking of all the Equinox clubs in Chicago. Good mix of equipment and great light-filled space. However, I find the Lincoln Park location to have more equipment

I had a facial appointment coming up this week and it’s been canceled due to the manager Rachel Rayburn letting the esthetician go. I was going twice a month to Nashylee for facials. She always gave me the best treatment and best advice on skin treatments. Very humble girl. This gym is over rated and front desk was always clueless as well when checking me out.

I enjoy working out at this location. The staff is friendly, the environment is clean, and I’m motivated to keep up with my goals.

Is a lot hate and judging from the people they work there there are always talking about the customers, they think the customers won’t know it ,the manager doesn’t care because there are a group of her friends they started bullying so she doesn’t care, about it I’m tired of these situations I’m supposed to go to the gym to do exercise not feeling bad , I’m a loyal customer from the beginning but I’m tired of these hate I hope the owner can see this because the managers they don’t care about it . And I hope they check the cameras

This is not my home PF, but I go to it all the all time, because I work close by. The workers are always friendly to me and I swear, I have never heard them talk about customers. They have always been helpful, when I asked about how to use a certain machine. Also, I took a break and recently went back to this gym and the young lady at the desk immediately recognized me. No, she didn't exclaim it, but her smile & hello, said it all. When I am in there during lunch time, they are always cleaning. PS I work for a YMCA and still go to PF to workout, because it is way easier and way cleaner. :)

Been going here frequently for a couple of years. Staff is friendly enough and they do keep everything clean. They replace ripped fabric on machines fairly quickly. Probably the only reason they don't get 5 stars is because of the annoying televisions!! They often have frozen screens for weeks on end, and very limited channels with many having the same programming on them. It seems trivial, but when on a cardio machine, you look up and get annoyed by the televisions; it's just unnecessary.

They throttle the hot water in the shower, has to be manually reset for brief hot water but and they cancelled my membership because i wouldnt allow ignorant men to try and stair me down, what should i look at the floor? Anyway karate is a sport and technically is an exercise so a K-i is talking! Wow! People are scared it seems of talking? Of a word? 🤷‍♂️

Affordable, well equipped and disciplined people that attend this gym and may inspire your fitness journey. I love it!

I’ve been a member of Gym Addicts since the early days of COVID, and I can’t express how happy and comfortable I feel working out here. Pedro, the owner is incredibly involved with his gym members. He genuinely cares about their progress and well-being, always going above and beyond to answer any questions or address concerns about fitness. If you’re in the area, I highly encourage you to experience it for yourself. Gym Addicts is more than just a gym—it’s a community that puts your health and mental well-being first, and it all starts right here!

It's a great gym where all the equipment are in top condition and clean. The trainers take their time to fit into your schedule and make sure that you meet your goal. 10/10 would recommend this gym to everyone.

I’ve been training with Pedro at Gym Addict Fitness for the past couple of weeks and I couldn’t be happier with my progress! He is an incredible motivator, pushing me to reach new goals while providing tailored workout plans that fit my needs. The diet advice has been a game-changer as well; he really focuses on balanced nutrition that complements my training. Each session is challenging yet enjoyable, and I appreciate how he personalizes each workout. If you're looking for someone who truly cares about your fitness journey and helps you stay motivated, I highly recommend Pedro Yanga @ Gym Addict Fitness.

Gym Addict is an absolute gem for anyone serious about fitness. This privately owned gym has everything you could possibly need, from a wide variety of weights to top-notch cardio machines, including Woodway treadmills, Peloton treads, and StairMasters. The space is perfectly utilized, making it feel both spacious and efficient. The owner, who was working the front desk during my visit, was incredibly welcoming and made me feel right at home from the start. On top of all that, the gym was spotless and didn’t have a odor that sole of the franchise gyms in the city seem to have, which speaks volumes about the care and attention to detail here. Whether you’re into lifting heavy or crushing cardio sessions, Gym Addict has you covered. Highly recommend checking it out!

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

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 😊

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.