6 Absolute Best Gyms in Chicago

Welcome to the bustling city of Chicago, where the skyline will not be the one thing reaching latest heights. The pursuit of fitness finds its rhythm in a metropolis known for its vibrant energy, diverse culture, and a skyline that paints the horizon. 

Chicagoans are enthusiastic about their city and dedicated to fostering a community that values health and wellness. On this urban playground, we explore the avenues that amplify the fitness experience — where state-of-the-art gyms are places to work out and destinations that outline a life-style. 

This comprehensive guide delves into the very best gyms in Chicago, exploring what sets them apart and helping you select in your fitness destination.

Table of Contents:

• How We Ranked The Best Gyms
• 6 Absolute Best Gyms in Chicago
• Best Gyms in Chicago: Runner Ups
• FAQs

How We Ranked These Gyms

Embarking on the search for the very best gyms in Chicago involves a radical exploration through which we examined equipment, amenities, classes, cleanliness, cost, locations, and atmosphere.

• Equipment Quality and Variety: The cornerstone of any great gym is the standard and number of its equipment. From state-of-the-art machines to a various range of workout tools, the gym’s commitment to providing top-notch resources significantly influences its rating.
• Gym Amenities: Beyond the load machines, weights and treadmills, exceptional gyms go the additional mile with enticing amenities. Whether it is a spa to chill out sore muscles, personal trainers to take you to the following level, tennis courts for a dynamic workout or other noteworthy features, these extras contribute to the general appeal.
• Classes Offered: A gym’s group fitness classes could make or break its standing. The variability of fitness classes and the expertise of the instructors play an important role in making a well-rounded fitness experience.
• Cleanliness: Cleanliness will not be only a superficial aspect; it’s a mirrored image of a gym’s commitment to the health and well-being of its members. Maintenance standards and hygiene practices contribute significantly to the general gym experience.
• Cost and Membership Options: The financial aspect is an important factor for a lot of individuals. We explore the pricing structures, membership advantages, and any additional costs related to each gym to offer a comprehensive view of the financial commitment required.
• Accessibility and Location: A gym’s location and accessibility can significantly impact the convenience of your fitness routine. Proximity to residential areas, parking options, and transportation availability all play a task in our assessment.
• Community and Social Atmosphere: A gym will not be just a spot for individual workouts; it is a community hub. The inclusivity of the community, engagement through social events, and a positive atmosphere contribute to the general gym experience.

6 Absolute Best Gyms in Chicago

The wait is over, Chicagoans! The 6 best gyms in Chicago are:

1. Mode Gym
2. Equinox
3. Midtown Athletic Club
4. Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
5. Quads Gym
6. East Bank Club 

Now, let’s discuss what makes each of them so great, starting with the fitness center at the highest of our list.

1) Mode Gym:

Nestled at 1301 W. Madison Ave, Mode Gym is not just your average 24-hour fitness spot — it is a hub for all-around wellness right in the guts of Chicago. What sets it apart? A commitment to creating your fitness journey top-notch.

Mode Gym kicks things off right by offering 3D body fat testing and nutrition assessments. It isn’t just in regards to the workouts; it’s about understanding your body and setting you on the trail to overall well-being.

There are not any cookie-cutter fitness routines here. Mode Gym believes in personalization. Elite personal training, small group training classes, and aerobic exercises cater to different preferences, ensuring there’s something for everybody. It is a 24-hour fitness party that matches your schedule.

Try this virtual tour of Mode Gym to get a way of every thing it includes.

Rating Aspects:

• Equipment Quality and Variety: 9/10
• Gym Amenities: 10/10
• Classes Offered: 8/10
• Cleanliness: 9/10
• Cost and Membership Options: 8/10
• Accessibility and Location: 9/10
• Community and Social Atmosphere: 8/10

What Sets it Apart:

• Cyro Therapy Treatment and a killer atmosphere
• Varied fitness classes and private training sessions, including exclusive workshops
• Complimentary monthly 3D body scans

Cost and Additional Notes:

• Membership: $100/month-to-month
• Special discounts for yearly paid in full memberships
• Check online for promotions

Yelp Feedback on Mode Gym:

Yelp accommodates a plethora of positive reviews about Mode Gym, making it obvious why it makes the highest of the list of best Chicago gyms. This Yelp review raves in regards to the gym, stating:

(source)

2) Equinox:

Known for its abundant fitness offerings, Equinox is not just about general gym access; it’s a logo of upscale wellness, delivering a complicated environment and a comprehensive suite of services. Boasting multiple locations across Chicago, Equinox makes luxury accessible without compromising quality, explaining why it’s at the highest of our greatest gyms in Chicago round-up.

From specialized Pilates, Yoga, and Cycling studios to an in-house spa, Equinox is meticulously crafted to support you in achieving every fitness goal.

Dive right into a fitness journey with access to 11 distinct class categories, starting from signature Cycling to high-intensity Boxing and Martial Arts, together with sculpting Pilates sessions that cater to each fitness preference.

Kickstart your fitness journey with a personal touch through our exclusive latest member advantages, equivalent to a complimentary fitness assessment, pilates, personal training session, and 15% off The Shop, which is Equinox’s curated retail space featuring premium fitness gear and essentials.

Rating Aspects:

• Equipment Quality and Variety: 10/10
• Gym Amenities: 9/10
• Classes Offered: 9/10
• Cleanliness: 10/10
• Cost and Membership Options: 7/10
• Accessibility and Location: 9/10
• Community and Social Atmosphere: 8/10

What Sets it Apart:

• High-end spa and fitness facilities,, hotel, and wellness services
• Cutting-edge equipment and expert-led classes
• Impeccable cleanliness standards

Cost and Additional Notes:

• Membership: Ranging from $150/month, varies based on location
• Additional fees for specific classes and services

Reddit & YouTube Feedback on Equinox Gym:

In search of first-hand information? Try this real-user review of Equinox posted on YouTube:

As well as, this Redditor provides some great feedback on the various locations and potential busy times:

 (source)

3) Midtown Athletic Club:

Discover your health oasis seamlessly situated between Bucktown, Lincoln Park, and Logan Square—welcome to Midtown Athletic Club, where fitness meets luxury. This is not just a gym with conventional lifting equipment; it is a resort-like haven with world-class amenities that redefine the fitness experience.

Midtown Chicago Athletic Club boasts a gym and a wellness destination, with 6 group fitness studios offering a powerful lineup of over 200 weekly classes. Unleash your potential in a sprawling 14,000 square feet of coaching space equipped with every thing you would like, from ample free weights to state-of-the-art resistance machines and cardio equipment. 

Whether you like forging your path or searching for guidance from Midtown Athletic Club’s expert training staff, your aspirations are on the forefront. But it surely doesn’t stop there. 

Midtown’s locker rooms transcend the unusual, featuring a spacious steam room, sauna, and lots of private showers stocked with exclusive hair and body products. Wrap yourself in luxury with large, plush towels, turning your post-workout routine right into a pampering experience.

Rating Aspects:

• Equipment Quality and Variety: 8/10
• Gym Amenities: 9/10
• Classes Offered: 9/10
• Cleanliness: 8/10
• Cost and Membership Options: 8/10
• Accessibility and Location: 8/10
• Community and Social Atmosphere: 9/10

What Sets it Apart:

• Full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and pickleball courts
• Diverse fitness classes and personalized one on one personal training programs
• Energetic community engagement with regular events
• Membership limits

Cost and Additional Notes:

• Membership: Ranging from $299/month; nonetheless, their website says they’re currently at capability.
• Suggestions: To ensure your house on the club as soon as spots develop into available every month, you may make an initial, refundable investment that might be applied to your membership when you join. Family and company membership options can be found.

Yelp & YouTube Feedback on Midtown Athletic Club:

Get a way of how pristine Midtown Athletic Club is by watching the video below:

And, Yelper Olivia J provides an important overview of the Midtown Athletic Club:

(source)

4) Lakeshore Sport & Fitness:

Because the prime destination for sport, fitness, and fun in Chicago il, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness captures the essence of a various community united by a shared passion for wellness.

With the central location in the guts of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the LakeshoreSF campus spans over 3.5 acres, offering a sprawling haven with greater than 185,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor sports and fitness spaces.

Lakeshore Sport & Fitness caters to a spectrum of interests, serving a community that engages in social, instructional, and competitive sporting activities. The expansive programming, designed for the complete family, ensures that each member finds their area of interest. 

Whether you are striving to strengthen your core, elevate your cardiovascular routine, drop pounds, or connect with like-minded fitness enthusiasts, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness Group Fitness instructors and private trainer are dedicated to keeping you focused on achieving your goals, getting in shape, and staying there.

The category schedule at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness is a tapestry of options, starting from low-impact to high-impact workouts, including yoga, kickboxing, dance, and cycling. With over 30 group classes per week conducted in two beautiful yoga studios, each beginners and experienced yogis find their sanctuary here.

Lakeshore Sport & Fitness will not be just an area for adults; it’s widely celebrated for its exceptional kids’ programs. From basketball and PeeWee pre-school to day camps, super fun birthday parties, swim lessons, and family yoga, LSF fosters an environment where kids not only have a blast but additionally develop latest skills and cultivate a lifelong love for an lively lifestyle.

Try the virtual tour of Lakeshore below to get a real sense of what it’s like.

Rating Aspects:

• Equipment Quality and Variety: 9/10
• Gym Amenities: 8/10
• Classes Offered: 8/10
• Cleanliness: 9/10
• Cost and Membership Options: 7/10
• Accessibility and Location: 9/10
• Community and Social Atmosphere: 7/10

What Sets it Apart:

• Two convenient locations
• Market Café & Harvest Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
• Deal with family fitness with dedicated areas for kids

Cost and Additional Notes:

• Gym Membership: The value of base memberships ranges from $194 to $404 per thirty days, depending on what number of persons are on the membership.
• Suggestions: If you ought to utilize each Lakeshore Sport & Fitness locations, $30 might be added to your monthly dues. Discounts for group memberships, students, and seniors.

Yelp Feedback on Lakeshore Sport & Fitness:

Yelper Elise A. is a fan of Lakeshore’s amenities, staff, and family-friendly athmostphere:

(source) 

5) Quads Gym:

Embarking on its journey 45 years ago, Quads Gym has transformed from a humble basement space to a thriving 40,000-square-foot establishment on Chicago’s North Side. A haven for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts alike, Quads Gym offers a comprehensive array of standard and unique gym equipment, free weights, and specialized boxing, Pilates, and martial arts areas.

At Quads Gym Chicago, the main focus is on substance over frills. The gym is renowned for its friendly and dedicated trainers, spotless facilities, and a full line of top-tier equipment and workout gear. While it could not boast as many amenities as a few of its counterparts, Quads Gym compensates with a no-frills approach, making it the best selection as a powerlifting gym and individuals serious about weightlifting and getting in a troublesome workout. Make the very best use of your time at this gym by heading in with a good workout split.

In essence, Quads Gym is a testament to the purity of strength training, where a powerful array of apparatus, dedicated trainers, and a commitment to a no-frills approach converge to create an environment that caters to the intense individual dedicated to lifting weights.

Rating Aspects:

• Equipment Quality and Variety: 9/10
• Gym Amenities: 9/10
• Classes Offered: 8/10
• Cleanliness: 8/10
• Cost and Membership Options: 4/10
• Accessibility and Location: 7/10
• Community and Social Atmosphere: 8/10

What Sets it Apart:

• Emphasis on strength training with ample free weights
• Reasonably priced membership options with no hidden fees
• No-nonsense, no-frills atmosphere

Cost and Additional Notes:

• Membership: Ranging from $17/day by day, $75/monthly
• No initiation fees or long-term contracts
• Discounts for college kids, seniors, officers, firefighters, couples, and partners

Yelp & YouTube Feedback on Quads Gym: 

You possibly can get an awesome idea of what Quads Gym is like watching the YouTube video below:

Yelper Caleb J. likes the equipment selection and that it’s rarely packed:

(source)

6) East Bank Club:

East Bank Club is certainly one of Chicago’s ultimate health havens, encompassing an expansive 350,000 square feet dedicated to fitness, rest, and dining. Spanning two entire city blocks, this premier health club is full of an enormous array of amenities, cutting-edge exercise facilities, top-tier equipment, and dining options tailored to meet every desire. 

What sets East Bank Club apart is its unwavering commitment to providing an unmatched level of personalized service.

East Bank Club is a fitness and lifestyle destination offering a powerful list of amenities, including indoor lap pool and outdoor swimming pools, weight training & workout equipment, 360 Coaching & personal training, salon services, Pilates and Gyrotonic studios, yoga classes, a sun deck, golf facilities, basketball courts, and nutrition counseling. 

But it surely doesn’t stop there. This colossal space extends beyond the unusual, providing a pro shop, dry cleansing services, a automobile wash, and even physical therapy. The sheer scale of offerings at East Bank Club transforms it into greater than a health club; it becomes a comprehensive wellness and lifestyle hub, ensuring members have every thing they need under one roof.

One thing to notice is that the exclusive experience at East Bank Club comes at a price. It’s undeniably on the upper end of the spectrum. Yet, this higher cost serves a purpose, acting as a deterrent that, in turn, helps maintain a refined and trouble-free environment. While the investment could also be more substantial, it ensures a clientele committed to a premium fitness experience free from disruptions.

Rating Aspects:

• Equipment Quality and Variety: 7/10
• Gym Amenities: 6/10
• Classes Offered: 7/10
• Cleanliness: 8/10
• Cost and Membership Options: 5/10
• Accessibility and Location: 7/10
• Community and Social Atmosphere: 7/10

What Sets East Bank Club Apart:

• Top-tier facilities, gym access, spa services, and picturesque views 
• Diverse fitness classes and personalized nutrition assessment and wellness plans 
• A terrific community vibe, inclusive social events
• All-in-one stop for anything health and fitness-related

Cost and Additional Notes:

• Initiation Fee: Individual-$500, Partners-$700, Individuals ages 18-29-$300
• Membership: $235 per thirty days
• Monthly dues can fluctuate up or down depending on age

Yelp & YouTube Feedback on East Bank Club:

Yelper Pilar G. loves the dimensions of the gym, amenities, food, and cleanliness:

(source)

Try the YouTube video below, which not only features an East Bank Club member who lost 60 kilos utilizing top-of-the-line Chicago gyms but additionally highlights a few of the equipment and amenities provided there.

Comparing the 6 Best Chicago Gyms: Side By Side

With all of that great details about each of Chicago’s best gyms, you might be on the lookout for a refresher on what every one offers. Here’s a snapshot of the very best gyms in Chicago.

Best Gyms in Chicago: Runner-Ups

While the highlight is on the highest gyms in Chicago, several notable runner-ups offer unique fitness experiences.

1. Chicago Athletic Clubs: Neighborhood-focused gyms with a community-centric approach and diverse amenities, you may exhibit your fitness prowess on the Masters Swim Team and Triathlon Training program.
2. Life Time River North: Upscale gym experience in River North, featuring top-tier equipment, personalized training, and spa facilities.
3. Cheetah Gym: Inclusive and supportive LGBTQ+ Friendly Training Facility, providing diverse workout options.
4. LA Fitness: Positioned near Bridgeport Arts Center, it provides an important club experience at a more reasonable price.
5. Fitness Formula Clubs: With  10 different locations in Chicago, these fitness centers have every thing from a pickle ball court to a climbing wall and recovery lounge.
6. Wicker Park Fitness: Wicker’s Parks only 24/7 gym, it is a locally owned gym that is easy to make use of, arrange, and cancel.
7. Life Time Fitness: Described as a luxury athletic resort, you may learn every thing it’s worthwhile to learn about this gym in our Life Time Membership Review.

These alternatives, though not claiming the highest spots of Chicago’s best gyms, bring their very own distinct flavors to Chicagoland’s fitness scene, catering to varied preferences and lifestyles.

FAQs Concerning the Best Gyms in Chicago

Remaining questions on the very best gyms in Chicago? Let’s get into them!

How much is Equinox per thirty days in Chicago?

Equinox memberships start from $150 per thirty days, making it a premium option within the Chicago fitness scene. Additional fees may apply for specific classes and specialized services.

Which Gym is the Best?

One of the best gym depends upon individual preferences and fitness goals. Mode Gym, Equinox, Midtown Athletic Club, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, and Quads Gym cater to different needs, from luxury boutique fitness studios to old-school strength training.

What gym is the preferred?

Equinox often stands out as one of the vital popular gyms in Chicago, known for its upscale atmosphere and comprehensive fitness offerings. Nonetheless, popularity can vary based on individual preferences and wishes.

Best Fitness Gyms in Chicago: Final Takeaways

Selecting the precise gym on your personal fitness goals is a journey beyond equipment and amenities. It’s about finding a community that aligns along with your training aspirations and lifestyle.

Whether you are drawn to the luxurious experience of Equinox, the holistic approach of Midtown Athletic Club, the scenic setting of Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, or the no-nonsense vibe of Quads Gym, Chicago has a fitness haven for everybody. 

Explore and experience trial options, and make a selection that enhances your physical well-being and becomes an integral a part of your lifestyle. Your fitness journey in Chicago begins now!

Involved in exploring some additional gym options? Try our articles comparing Anytime Fitness vs Planet Fitness and LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness!

Lakeshore Sport & Fitness