Chicago has plenty of gyms and fitness instructors that can get you in shape and inspire you to keep up with your fitness goals. Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty weight room or a steamy sauna, check out our list of some of the top athletic clubs in Chicago.
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5248 N. Clark St. / Website
Head to this Andersonville neighborhood gym for an inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly environment with state-of-the-art equipment, personal trainers and a busy lineup of classes. Check out group fitness classes like HIIT and TRX, studio cycling, dance fitness, pilates and yoga. Then, treat yourself to the self-care you deserve with coaching sessions from the gym’s massage therapists and on-staff nutritionists.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Visit one of the massive Chicago Athletic Club locations for fitness offerings like aqua aerobics, strength training, boxing, cycling, dance fitness and yoga classes. The center is fitted with professional-style weights and knowledgeable personal trainers for independent exercise. Love to compete? Try out the center’s competitive swim team and triathlon training program.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Known as the place to go for HIIT workouts, CrossTown Fitness leads over 200 group fitness classes per week and offers personal training. Amenities include private lockers and showers, in addition to their studio and fitness equipment. Can’t get yourself motivated to exercise without a competition in sight? No worries, CrossTown hosts an annual summer fitness competition, The CTF Games, which tests its members and fitness enthusiasts to a field day full of weights, reps and pushing yourself.
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500 N. Kingsbury St. / Website
Don’t be fooled: this isn’t a football stadium despite having 450,000 square feet of space to its name. With a running track, four swimming pools, an indoor driving range for golf and seven tennis courts, there is no shortage of things to do to get your sport on. The gym’s amenities span a 20,000-square-foot cardiovascular room, a 5,000-square-foot performance center, a free weight room and plenty of studios for group classes—including two Pilates studios, a 60-bike spinning studio and five for group exercise. Finished with your day? Check out the in-house deli and rooftop restaurant for a quick bite.
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Multiple Locations / Website
By now, you’ve likely heard of celeb-loved fitness studio Equinox and its numerous member amenities. With luxe, aesthetically pleasing spaces, personal training, studio pilates and a huge array of classes—including boxing and kickboxing, barre, yoga, cycling, pool fitness, stretching, athletic training and dance fitness, among others—this fitness club offers no shortage of options. All classes are included in the membership price, making it easy to schedule classes stress-free. Not near your home studio? No worries. Download the Equinox app for live-streamed and on-demand classes from certified instructors.
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5157 N. Francisco Ave. / Website
Galter vows to provide a training regiment that surpasses typical fitness standards, promising a balance of the mind, body and spirit. With two swimming pools, an indoor track and plenty of exercise equipment, this fitness destination offers the perfect modern gymnasium experience, with class options like cycling, boot camp, Barre and more. The gym also offers personal training sessions, acupuncture therapy, massages and Watsu, as well as a care center with fun, kid-centric activities.
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1320 W. Fullerton Ave.; 211 N. Stetson Ave. / Website
This popular fitness center offers a variety of training options and amenities like full-scale basketball courts, golf simulators and a climbing wall. Take aquatics classes at the gym’s multiple pools or prepare for upcoming events with triathlon training, dance classes, cycling courses and other sport-specific coaching.
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314 W. Superior St. / Website
Approach your fitness goals with the help of Lateral Fitness’ team of experts. The boutique fitness studio employs a physical therapist, a chiropractor, a nutritionist, a massage therapist and an acupuncturist, who are ready to help you devise a plan. Group classes range from HIIT and yoga to various forms of pilates, or opt for a private trainer for one-on-one customized fitness guidance and advice.
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15 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
Hailed as a “luxury athletic resort,” visit Life Time River North for its rooftop pool, beach club, basketball and racquetball courts, kids activities, on-site cafe, full spa and a large selection of fitness classes. Check out HIIT, barre and kettlebell studio workouts, along with yoga and cycling classes. With over 126,000 square feet of fitness space, this gym truly has it all.
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2444 N. Elston Ave. / Website
For over 50 years, this gym and fitness club has been home to high-caliber athletic equipment, 18 indoor tennis courts, competitive tennis programs and even classes for the kids. If tennis isn’t your game, there are plenty of other amenities, including a spa and sauna, pilates classes and a few studios for yoga.
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1301 W. Madison St. / Website
If you’re looking for a trainer to kick you into shape with a smile, this is just the place for you. With futuristic mood lighting, expansive mirrors and dozens of machines for self-paced workouts, this West Loop spot makes it feel like you’re doing bicep curls on the surface of Mars. The club prides itself on high-tech equipment that pushes fitness to the next level. Members can treat themselves to a free body scan to determine their body mass index to help them find the right pathway for treatment.
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3727 N. Broadway Ave. / Website
This Wrigleyville gym offers strength and weight training, cardio and powerlifting with expert personal trainers and top-notch equipment—like Nebula weights, Stair Masters, Nautilus and more. Make sure to check out the Pro Shop, which features gloves and belts, jump ropes, thermal tops and tanks and other gym essentials.
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11 E. Elm St. / Website
This gym has been approved by plenty of Hollywood authorities, including David Beckham and Jason Derulo. It also features some of the best modern fitness classes in the current day, with 45-minute bag speed and cardio classes. The crown jewel of the gym is its workout class, led by a part DJ, part motivational speaker, who will help you achieve your fitness goals.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Head to Studio Three to try out three of the most popular fitness classes of the moment, including cycling, yoga and interval training. This members-only boutique fitness studio takes pride in its modern, sleek interiors and state-of-the-art fitness technologies. With three Chicagoland locations, there’s always a class available. Plus, it’s a great spot to make friends with like-minded fitness enthusiasts.
1735 W. Division St., Ste. 100 / Website
Wicker Park Fitness is the ideal spot to hone in on various skills, including self-defense, yoga and BootyBurn. This locally-owned fitness destination is open 24 hours a day and offers both one-on-one and group training sessions so you can embrace the happiest, healthiest version of yourself.
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Photography by: Photo courtesy of Midtown Athletic Club
